Not to brag, but I will, my nose still knows! It’s been about a year since we’ve played any scent work games inside the house, and neither Mom nor Dad can remember when was the last time we played it outside. But despite the lapse, I showed them I’m still just as good as back in 2013 when I earned my National Association of Canine Scent Work certification!
They totally surprised me too! I had just returned from taking Dad on neighborhood patrol when he asked me to sit, and took off my leash. Next thing I know, he said the magic phrase of “Vind Het,” Dutch for “find it,” and instantly I snapped to attention and began searching for the scent! Just like when I was a mere puppy, I began doing a big circle around the front lawn, then quickly took smaller and smaller laps, until I found the birch scent. I then immediately dropped to my belly to show Dad where it was located. He and Mom came running to congratulate me and reward me with a treat. It happened so fast, Mom didn’t even have her camera ready! Wanting to prove it just wasn’t a fluke, Mom took me to another part of the yard where she had hidden a second scent of clove. Sure enough, I was even faster that time!
Then it was Asa’s turn. He had been patiently waiting inside the house, and didn’t see where the scent was hidden. However, even if he did see, he still would have needed help. Asa ran with reckless abandon around the yard, periodically stopping to sit in front of Dad and then Mom. You see, Asa knew he was suppose to find something, but he wasn’t quite sure what. He was never formally trained at nose work like I was, and up until that point had only played the game inside the house to pass the time on cold winter days. So after showing him where the scent was hidden, Dad went inside to get some boxes to start a bit slower with Asa. Ok, a lot slower. He watched Dad as he put the tin box containing the birch scent under one of three boxes, and it still took him time to find it. Then when Asa finally did alert Dad, he looked absolutely amazed when Dad lifted the box to reveal the hidden scent. Asa may not be a natural like me, but that’s ok. We have all spring and summer to work with Asa on improving his skills outside, while I show off that I’m still an expert at this game!
