Published on April 22 by Liza
We often focus on commands through eyes and ears, overlooking the incredible power of a dog's sense of smell. This is especially true for puppies, whose sense of smell controls a significant 60% of their brain. To illustrate the importance of engaging a dog's nose, a recent video featuring Raffle, a playful puppy, showcased a training session.
The trainer demonstrated luring Raffle onto a dog bed using a tasty treat. By engaging Raffle's nose with the scent of the treat, he naturally followed the trail to the bed. A verbal cue, "place," was used to mark the behavior of Raffle stepping onto the bed. This combination of scent, sight, and sound effectively communicated the desired behavior.
By incorporating the dog's sense of smell into training, not only does it make the process more engaging for the dog, but it also taps into their natural instincts and abilities. For those wanting to try this approach, the trainer recommends starting with multiple repetitions of the approach to the bed before asking the dog to stay.
In short, engaging a dog's nose in training can be a powerful tool. It not only enhances communication but also makes training more enjoyable and effective for both dog and owner. So, next time you're working with your furry friend, remember to engage their nose, and you may be pleasantly surprised by the results.
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