DOG SPORTS

from DOG WORLD DECEMBER 2020

In Review

Dog Sports – Scent Work Trials

ANKC CANINE SCENT WORK HAS ARRIVED

The Dogs Queensland Scent Work Subcommittee, chaired by Kim Dawson, has been busy promoting the sport since the introduction in July 2020. They have conducted two Introduction Sessions at Durack giving our members a taste of the new sport and whetting their appetites.

Recently the team journeyed to Rockhampton for a session which was received with great enthusiasm.

Caboolture Dog Obedience Club hosted the most recent session with the support of many of our Trainee Judges giving assistance to the members. The various ways of getting dogs started was enjoyed by everyone who attended leaving everyone with wanting more.

Thanks to all who supported these demonstration sessions.

WHAT IS CANINE SCENT WORK? Scent Work is a sport that is based on the task of working detection dogs to locate an odour and communicate to the handler that the odour has been found. Detection is done in a variety of environments and often during changing weather or environmental conditions.

Scent Work is a positive, challenging activity that allows dogs the opportunity to use their strongest natural sense in a way that is fun, engaging, and builds and strengthens a foundation of trust between the handler and dog.

Dogs are trained to recognise specific odours, and to alert their handlers when the odours are detected. Dogs may paw, bark, point with their nose or body, sit, lie down, or use any other nondestructive behaviour to communicate the location of the odour.

Handlers take their dogs through a search area which may be set up in a variety of environments. The dog and handler must work together as a team. The handler is part of the team, using body language and verbal encouragement to ensure all sections of the search area are covered, directing the dog’s search only when necessary and indicating to the Judge when the dog has found the odour. Communication with and praise of the dog during the search are encouraged.

For more information about this new ANKC Sport go to the Dogs Queensland website (https://www. dogsqueensland.org.au/events/scent-work/) or contact Rob Harrison (rob@dogsqueensland.org.au).

Any Clubs wishing to run mock trials are encouraged to contact the Dogs Queensland office on 3252 2661 or Rob Harrison on (rob@dogsqueensland.org.au)

CABOOLTURE DAPHNE NEWMAN WITH ‘FLETCHER’

PETA CONWELL WITH 15 YEAR OLD ‘WOODY’