Tracking & Search - Doodle Sniffers

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I am not sure what the correct title for this is, but what is the general thoughts on doodles being tracking dogs, such as search and rescue dogs, cadaver detection, narcotic detection, etc...?

My Aussiedoodle starts nosework next week so I will have a better idea then, but I wanted to know what everyone's perception of their dog's sniffer abilities are.  Also, does anyone here have any knowledge of how to get into doing that kind of work, and what to look for and where to start in training? I know obedience plays a huge role into it because of the required focus, and we are in classes and doing great on that, but what else might I want to do to encourage it or look for? I would be interested in a career change/hobby of contract work on the side, and I know Tanner would love it.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Roo has almost no "nose", "Tigger's "nose" is somewhat better.  By "nose" I mean their tendency to use their nose without encouragement or training. I would say it varies dog to dog.  Doodles come from retrieving dogs and goldens, labs and poodles are all sight hounds, so nose work really isn't in there lineage.  However all dogs have the ability to use their nose, I would guess it is more about focus and drive than actual smelling ability.

[Lynn D.]

A friend's labradoodle is trained for avalanche search and rescue. I certainly think it's doable. My Echo is great with his nose. We used to play hide and seek with treats in the winter when he was bored. In Denver there is a trainer that teaches nose work. I would do a search on that and your town to see if you can come up with classes.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Luna taught herself to find us by scent in the house. I say "go find daddy" - she licks her nose and starts air scenting on her own.  It's pretty cool!

I think it helps if you start with a doodle who has a strong prey drive.  Luna has always been good at using her nose - she can find fetch balls in the deep snow by scent.   She is also very stubborn about finding things she's searching for - I imagine this would be a good quality in a search and rescue dog.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Here's a prior discussion that might be helpful.  I went through a "Nose Work" class with Guinness who seems to have a natural talent for this.  We did it just for fun, but he really enjoyed it and so did I.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/anybody-done-k9-nose-work?...

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

Reading back I see you took your doodle through nose training.  How was it and did you ever get involved in the comunity once the training was completed?  Would LOVE to hear all about it as Stanlee would be so awesome at this!  He's a natural!  Feel free to message me or bug me any time.

 

[Diana Erhart]

I have Charlie in nose work training right now. He has a high prey drive and sniffs at everything when we go on our walks. He is having a good time doing it. We don't plan on doing anything more than just for fun but the trainer for the class has a search and rescue dog and he gives out information on trials and testing. You may try to look for a class in your area. The AKC now has actual tests for the nosework so that may be a place to start. And yes, good obedience is necessary for the class and the work.

[Stella]

I have been doing scent detection classes with my two Labradoodles, they both really took to it. Our instructor advised us to have the dog wear a harness rather than their collar to distinguish between scenting and other activities. You want the dog to be excited and pulling on the leash, they learn that the harness means scenting and that they can pull and not worry about heeling etc. We are now searching for scent only and both passed their Designated Odour Test for Wintergreen (I am in Canada, so the scents taught are different). In Canada the Sporting Detection Dog Association is the organization behind the sport, I'm sure there must be something similar where you are?