Using Box Feeding for Scent Work

Box feeding is an effective method for teaching dogs to indicate on specific articles or scents, which is a crucial skill in tracking, search and rescue, and scent detection work.

Using box feeding as a training method for article or scent indication provides a controlled environment helping your dog completely focus on the task at hand. The opacity of the box environment minimises distraction making it perfect for introducing a new skill to your dog.

Because you will be confining the new behaviour to the box to begin with, you can easily shape and refine the behaviours throughout the training process too!

Whether you’ve tried scentwork before or are just starting out, you can get started using the simple and easy to follow guide below!

Step One: Introduction to the Box

Begin by introducing the dog to the box in a calm, distraction-free environment.

Allow the dog to explore and associate the box with positive outcomes, such as treats or praise.

Step Two: Incorporate the Target Article or Scent

Place the target article (e.g., a coin, glove, or scented cloth) inside the box.

Ensure it is positioned where the dog must lower its head into the box to interact with it.

Allow the dog to investigate the article naturally without pressure. Reward any interest in the article, such as sniffing, touching, or lingering near it.

Step Three: Reinforce Desired Behaviour

Gradually shape the desired indication behaviour, such as keeping the nose on the article or freezing in place.

Mark and reward the moment the dog interacts with the article in the desired manner.

Timing is critical to help the dog associate the behaviour with the reward!

Step Four: Build Duration

Once the dog consistently indicates the article, begin to extend the duration before delivering the reward.

For example, if the dog keeps its nose on the article for two seconds, wait for three seconds before rewarding on the next repetition.

Gradually increase this duration to build reliability.

Step Five: Add Complexity

Introduce mild distractions in the environment to ensure the dog maintains focus on the article.

Begin moving the box to different locations or placing it on varied surfaces to help the dog generalise the behaviour.

Step Six: Transition to Open Work

Once the dog reliably indicates in the box, remove the box and place the article directly on the ground.

Start in familiar settings and gradually move to outdoor or novel environments, reinforcing the same indication behaviour.

Step Seven: Integrate Scent Discrimination

If training for scent work, introduce target scents by pairing them with the article.

For example, scent the article with a specific odour, such as birch or human scent.

Reward the dog for correctly identifying and indicating on the scented article!

And there we have it! Seven simple steps on getting started.

Scentwork is an inclusive and highly enriching activity to work on with your dog - not only is it mentally stimulating, it’s a great team activity you can do together with your dog. Some owners choose to progress onto trying scentowork trials and competitions or keep at it just for fun. The choice is yours!