How does the training of sniffer dogs work

You must have seen the work of sniffer dogs, even if it’s in movies, soap operas, and series. They assist in rescue operations and drug seizures. This is because they can develop highly sensitive olfactory abilities, and there is indeed training for that.

In today’s article, you will learn about the best breeds of sniffer dogs and how their training occurs to fulfill this crucial role, capable of even saving lives.

How the training of a sniffer dog works

When we see those dogs working in large police operations, it’s common to be curious. So, let’s tell you how the training of dogs should be done. The first point to note is that this training begins when the puppy is just a little one.

Some experts often use various techniques to stimulate the puppy’s sense of smell. Typically, one of the first measures is to hide small portions of dog food in different places. This way, the puppy searches for food and trains its sense of smell.

In another technique, the trainer presents various toys with specific odors to the dog, such as illicit substances. Thus, the puppy gets used to the smell and can later identify it in situations outside of training.

In addition to olfactory stimulation activities, training for sniffer dogs includes regular physical activities to maintain the good physical condition of the animals. It’s also necessary to maintain a balanced and regulated diet. You see, these little dogs are special and well-trained.

Check out the best breeds of sniffer dogs

To be a sniffer dog, pets need to have qualities beyond a keen sense of smell, such as courage, loyalty, and obedience to instructors. Together, these skills assist in performance and the execution of basic training tasks. Here are some examples of sniffer dog breeds.

German Shepherd

In the Hollywood film “K-9,” the big star is a German Shepherd. In real life, this breed has the behavioral characteristics that appear in the film, such as loyalty and resignation. It is also the most recruited for the job.

Moreover, this breed does not usually get easily intimidated by the presence of people, always very attentive to strange noises to defend and protect owners from any danger. The German Shepherd also has great physical endurance and can perform intense physical exercises.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is an excellent sniffer, having excellent physical condition. This allows it to be a good swimmer, very useful in drowning situations. This breed also has a well-developed nose, so these sniffer dogs have a powerful sense of smell.

Another curious fact is the speed that the Labrador Retriever can achieve: 20 km/h in a race, which is of great help in a police chase. The body structure is also quite strong, with broad shoulders and resistant teeth, perfect for being a sniffer dog.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever has a working instinct, which allows it to learn various activities that stimulate the body and mind. It also loves water and is an excellent swimmer. The coat has an underlayer that is impermeable to liquid, making it more comfortable to swim.

Another skill that sets it apart from other sniffer dogs is intelligence. After completing training with a dog trainer, it will be highly qualified to perform routine activities of this profession.

Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is one of the most known dogs for hunting. It is widely used to sniff out missing people and injured animals. An incredible curiosity about this breed is the ability to track a scent left up to 300 hours ago, a time that corresponds to 12 days.

The Bloodhound is still a very determined sniffer dog and does not easily give up on objectives. Therefore, it tends to be a bit stubborn, especially when it comes to a scent it finds interesting.

As you can see, there isn’t a single breed capable of performing this function, but some have better physical stature and aptitude to play the role of a sniffer dog.

Today you learned how the training of sniffer dogs works and can share this curiosity with your friends.