PInAKOTEKA

NOSEWORK

Detecting scent molecules and finding their source used to be only a speciality of dogs on duty, but today it is a thriving activity that allows dogs to ‘head fatigue’, build confidence, make independent decisions and strengthen the bond with their handler.

We are taking our first steps in nosewalking and having a great time during training.

Ciri has passed exams for all 3 scents: cinnamon, orange peel and clove in three leagues: Polish Nosework League and the Polish Academy of Zoopsychology and Animal Therapy (PAZiA) and Nosework Poland.

In March 2023, we took part in a nosework familiarisation training at Hau Sniff.

Initially, the nosework was supposed to be a therapeutic activity for the labrador waffle but it soon became clear that Ciri also really wanted to exercise.

We decided to train two dogs at the same time, I took care of Ciri and my husband took care of Wafel because they have a very nice relationship.

We slowly learnt about the world of nosewalking and Ciri's rapid progress allowed us to pass the smell tests, which are necessary to participate in competitions. The tests involve the dog pointing out a scent can/box among 10 identical items.

A test of cinnamon is needed to compete at level 0, a scent of orange peel to compete in class 1 and a test of clove to compete in the highest class. We attempted to pass all three scents in the Polish Nosework League and the Polish Academy of Zoopsychology and Animal Therapy (PAZiA) over the summer.

Ciri passed all the scents in concert, I had no doubts about her indicating a sample.

On 16go September, Ciri and Wafel passed the Nosework Poland scent exams. Wafel passed two fragrances out of three, and Ciri passed all of them, thus closing the exam for her, as she has passed tests in all current Polish nosework leagues.

Now we are left with training and the first competition starts.

2023 - the start of training -

Hau Sniff - Nosework Club Bytom

With the start of 2024, knowing that this year would not allow us to strain ourselves physically hard, we turned to nosewalking. We practice at home and on walks or outings.

We continue to train in the HauSniff club with distractions, i.e. in group classes with dogs who often have some kind of problem, because Ciri finds herself well in such situations and it somehow allows her to help others.

Our first competition took place in Bytom on 12.03.2024r. organised by the Nosework Poland league in cooperation with Psistart. This is an official competition where only dogs with a passed exam on the cinnamon which allows them to start on the first step were allowed to compete. Ciri faultlessly marked all the samples and was getting used to the world of competition, I am very proud of her work that day.

On 23.03.2024 we took part in a group field training where we looked for hidden samples in Miechowice park. It was time well spent in a cool group.

The second competition was a training competition to celebrate the 5th birthday of the Berry Dog on 24.03.2024r. and we won 5th place in the overall competition classification. This is a very good result looking that it was our second competition ever.

2024 - first official competitions

and training events

PINAKOTEKA (FCI)

Silesia, Poland