Scenting for Antlers

[StateOfMine]

So we live in an area where deer and elk are common. I am already in contact with a trainer that is able to teach scent work. She can teach search and rescue, narcotic/bomb whatever. But I wanted to ask if anyone has taught their dog, doberman or not, to smell for freshly dropped antlers? They're worth money, so it would be something I might actually get my husband in on. Basically all training that Flint has received has been through me only.

 

[JanS]

I've never worked on it with our dogs but I see it is becoming a popular performance sport at dog shows.

They're worth money,

That's no kidding and elk antlers are really high. We have a friend who is an avid shed hunter (without a dog) and once in a while he will give us broken ones.

 

[BGpa]

So we live in an area where deer and elk are common. I am already in contact with a trainer that is able to teach scent work. She can teach search and rescue, narcotic/bomb whatever. But I wanted to ask if anyone has taught their dog, doberman or not, to smell for freshly dropped antlers? They're worth money, so it would be something I might actually get my husband in on. Basically all training that Flint has received has been through me only.

Very cool idea...
See also truffles and other mushrooms...
Now, if you happen to be going to the PNW backwoods where the sheds and shrooms are best and hardest to get to...
You are gonna want a guardian dog partner to watch your back...
Looks like the team is closing in:

https://www.discovery.com/shows/expedition-bigfoot/episodes/nests-of-giants

 

[Katyusharocket]

From the little that I know (we are on the 3rd week of an intro to nosework class), my experience has been that, a dog can be taught to look for just about any scent.

See also truffles and other mushrooms...

A mushroom hunting friend and also the owner of 2 Dobermans sent me this the other day. Positive Gun Dogs of Minnesota

While I am scent training on the essential oils for competitions, I sure think any scent could be taught. And maybe antlers is something we will get into in the future. But probably after finding a few Morels. I think the sky is the limit, go for the antler hunting!

 

[Ravenbird]

From the little that I know (we are on the 3rd week of an intro to nosework class), my experience has been that, a dog can be taught to look for just about any scent.

100%

@StateOfMine I taught Asha Antler odor & retrieve, but didn't keep working on it past that. There is a fake antler/antler odor drops that you can buy to practice with. I used the drops on the fake antler first and then pieces of real antler. It's different than AKC Scentwork for sport in that you must teach them to retrieve the antler not alert on it. There is a sport that you can compete in as well as learning to find them for yourself in the field. Good thing about antlers and bones is almost any dog will pick them up if you are hiking and they find one. I taught mine early that anytime she picked one up I would trade her for it with lavish treats. If it was an old dried out broken thing I'd give it back, but the good ones I'd keep. She was always happy to trade for treats.

Asha learning shed hunt. Understand she knows retrieve on several things. If your dog will not retrieve to your hand on command you should teach that first.

Thread 'Talk about nose work...'

Apr 29, 2023

Asha blows me out of the water. Fake antler, some antler scent drops. Introduced today. This is her 4th run in her life for antler. I threw it about 20 feet so my footsteps wouldn't be near it. First place she runs to is the spot where it was for run #3 a few minutes before, then she regroups herself coming back to me, goes by me and at :42/43 seconds you will see she catches odor, does a 180, slows down just enough to find it (probably eyesight), scoop it up and bring it toward me. She did drop it though because she knew she'd get the ball. I'll clean that up, no problem. Probably covered...

• Ravenbird
• Replies: 12
• Forum: Obedience & Performance Sports

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[LifeofRubie]

I think teaching to shed hunt would be wildly fun for everyone! Time spent outdoors and giving Flint a job

 

[Ravenbird]

Here's where you can get supplies and training videos. I haven't seen the videos so can't say if they are good or not... you might find free instructionals on the internet. But I have ordered several things from this company and always had good experience with them.

Shed Antler Hunting Dog Training Equipment | Gun Dog Supply

Shed Antler Hunting Dog Training Equipment. Training gear for teaching your dog to hunt shed deer antlersOne of the fastest growing sports in the dog world is Shed Antler Hunting. We offer a wide selection of training gear for teaching your dog to hunt shed deer antlers. Dokken: Shed Dog...

www.gundogsupply.com

shed hunt trial info:

NASHDA | North American Shed Hunting Dog Association

www.sheddogtrainer.com

 

[BGpa]

Here's where you can get supplies and training videos. I haven't seen the videos so can't say if they are good or not... you might find free instructionals on the internet. But I have ordered several things from this company and always had good experience with them.

Shed Antler Hunting Dog Training Equipment | Gun Dog Supply

Shed Antler Hunting Dog Training Equipment. Training gear for teaching your dog to hunt shed deer antlersOne of the fastest growing sports in the dog world is Shed Antler Hunting. We offer a wide selection of training gear for teaching your dog to hunt shed deer antlers. Dokken: Shed Dog...

www.gundogsupply.com

shed hunt trial info:

NASHDA | North American Shed Hunting Dog Association

www.sheddogtrainer.com

Great, thank you so much!

 

[StateOfMine]

Holy cow @Ravenbird Thank you so much! I actually have a $25 gift card for Gun Dog supply that I won at a Ducks Unlimited Banquet. Appreciate you!

 

[Ravenbird]

Always happy to help! Go do this, it's fun for you and your dog!