Raising Canine

Smells Good: Using Scentwork for Reactivity Cases

Course Information:

There are a variety of tools we trainers can use for dogs who are reactive, hyperactive, or who are at risk of shutting down when scared – attention work, DS/CC, avoidance. But, there is another tool we can use – one that dogs have built into their systems: Their noses! Dogs can smell 40′ under their feet (that’s 4 basketball nets down into the ground). By using scenting games and skills as an activity for reactive, hyperactive, and dogs at risk of shutting down, we can use their noses to help teach coping skills, give them something to focus on, and help them tune out the environmental stimuli that create issues for dogs and handlers alike, particularly in busy environments like cities.

In this presentation, Melissa McCue-McGrath, the co-training director of New England Dog Training Club (the oldest AKC obedience club in the US) will discuss and demonstrate skills, games and activities using sports (with a focus on scentwork) to help dogs who are explosively reactive, too impulsive to focus, or are at risk of shutting down when they are scared. This is an especially useful program for those who live in environments where it’s hard to control the triggers (like urban environments).

Melissa discusses:
Why the phrase, “He doesn’t hear me when he’s sniffing,” can be beneficial in reactivity cases

The connection between calming signals, find it games, and Pav Lov

How to manage space using scenting games on walks

How to use scenting games to help owners notice their dog’s body language

How taking the pressure off a dog by using controlled movement and activity can build confidence, coping skills and improve the human/canine bond in new and stressful situations

Plus, it’s fun, so let’s do this!

Pre-requisites OR Target Level of Knowledge: n/a
Instructor: Melissa McCue-McGrath
Continuing Education Units (CEUs):
CPDT-KA: 1.5
IAABC: 1.5
e-mail about CEUs for other organizations
Course Length: 1.5 hr
Original Air Date: 2019
Course Cost: $30.00

Contact Information: sue@raisingcanine.com
Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t forget to search over 350 Raising Canine webinars
by speaker, topic, CEUs, and cost by clicking here.

Refund Policy: The course fee will be refunded, in its entirety, so long as the enrollee requests a refund in writing no later than the 14th day after the course is purchased.