Scent Detection Dog Training – The Common Pitfalls (Handler Body Languages)

Recently, I wrote an article focusing on the body languages to observe displayed by dog’s during a scent detection search. Dog Scentwork Training – Understand Your Dog’s Body Languages

I received some wonderful feedback on that piece. Following your responses, it became clear that an article addressing handler body languages and common pitfalls would be beneficial.

ff you are interested in scentwork with your dog, I hope this article will enlighten you into the fascinating activity of scent detection. If, you are already hooked and within the world of  scent work sports  I hope you enjoy this geek out into some of the common pitfalls.

Let’s remember that we were all novice handlers at one point, so there’s no judgment here. Even experienced handlers can make rookie errors.

Here goes ….

If I had a  £1 for everytime I have heard, “ My dog did great, It was me that messed up!”

In my opinion, scent detection stands apart from other dog sports, particularly when considering the handler’s skill set. Unlike more interactive sports like agility, which follow a fixed protocol with a course to be completed in a consistent manner, scent detection lacks such a rigid structure.

Each search scenario presents unique criteria, and every dog possesses its own individual seeking approach. When you factor in the dynamic nature of odour movement and the many variables that can arise during a search, handlers must remain constantly observant throughout.

Handlers must skilfully adjust their own body language and positioning to avoid interfering with their dog’s search. Conversely, they also use particular body languages to guide their dog, ultimately helping them gather more information to locate the target odour source.

Indeed, the extent of handler involvement is dog-dependent, dogs lacking in confidence may require more reassurance, while confident and adept search dogs need little assistance. The key lies in knowing your own dog and becoming a cohesive team, attuned to each other’s obvious and more subtle body languages.

I understand that in the operational sector of detection, searches may be far more structured due to the dogs’ repeated training in the specific tasks. Their stamina and resilience often surpass what we can imagine or expect from our pet dogs. Within this article, my focus is on my specialty which is guiding complete beginners to become proficient and observant sport scent work dog handlers.

Having observed thousands of searches conducted by companion pet dog owners over the past seven years, I’ve noticed several common handler body language patterns that recur frequently.

The Flaky Hand Signal

One common pitfall is using hand signals that lack clear direction for the dog, and are sometimes not even presented at the dog’s eye level. Effective visual cues should be easily seen by the dog and should convey information that has previously led to a successful find and positive reinforcement during initial training.

The Hoverer – Unknown Hide Placement (Blind)

A common tendency is for handlers to hover over their dog when the dog is nearing the source of the target odour. While it’s understandable that the handler has observed pre-signals indicating the dog is on odour, bending over the dog to try and visually see the scent placement themselves is counterproductive. This close proximity can actually interfere with where and how the dog positions their body to offer their indication behaviour. Furthermore, generally being too close to your dog introduces pressure, not only disturbing the odour plume but also within the dog’s personal space bubble.

 The Influencer – Known scent placement (Not Blind)

Yes, we’ve all been there, and it’s often an unconscious movement. The novice handler, knowing the hide’s location, might inadvertently guide their dog to that specific area, prioritizing to search there. While the intention is to assist the dog, it undermines their work and can lessen the dog’s confidence. Even experienced handlers who consciously try to avoid any influence can unintentionally turn a shoulder or move their head towards the hide. Perceptive dogs can even pick up on the direction of your gaze. Also, The Instructors body placement and movement around the search area can influence the dog, in particular a regular instructor. We can never underestimate how clever our dogs are, if they can pick up on extra clue’s they will!

A great way to counteract this is a ‘Blind, Blind, Blind’ hide placement,  Dog does not know – Handler does not know – Instructor does not know. The hide is placed out by a third party.

 The Non-Active Handler

While it’s true that searching is the dog’s task, your role as the handler is to train for search efficiency and to be an integral part of the team. I often assess a dog’s independent searching abilities by removing the handler’s active involvement. This involves having the handler stand or sit while their dog is directed to search. This exercise can be particularly valuable for dogs at the beginning of their scent work journey. Later on, it also serves as a useful tool for more experienced teams to evaluate the extent of the handler’s influence on their dog’s search performance

Finding the balance between when to intervene and assist, and when to allow the dog to work independently, is a common question and a significant learning curve throughout the scent work journey. This dynamic is precisely what makes it such an interesting and intriguing activity.

Expecting our companion dogs to “just do it” in every situation isn’t fulfilling your role as the other half of the team. If your dog is actively engaged in searching for the target odour, then by all means, allow them to solve the puzzle. However, if your dog becomes distracted and isn’t searching effectively, a more active approach from you will be necessary. Afterwards, it’s crucial to assess which training protocols could lead to more successful searches in the future. The handler serves as the “eyes” of the search area, directing the dog where to begin, which areas to cover, when to signal the end of the search, and ultimately providing the dog’s primary reinforcement.

The Overly Active Handler

In contrast to handler above, some handlers intervene excessively. This energetic approach is often seen in individuals with experience in other dog sports that require more active handler participation, such as agility, obedience, hoopers, heel to music and trick training. Consequently, the dog may frequently look to their handler for excessive instruction, verbal or visual supports. However, scent work presents a different concept for both the dog and the handler to learn. Being overly proactive can diminish a dog’s confidence and motivation, leading to dependence on direction. This can create undue pressure on the dog, especially considering that the vast majority (over 90%) of the handler’s directions are unlikely to lead to a successful find.

The Chinese Cat Wave

Here’s a behaviour many of us have exhibited! It involves prematurely raising a hand to signal an alert, then realising the find isn’t there and lowering it, only to raise it again moments later, and perhaps lower it once more. This up-and-down motion reminds me of the waving paw of a Chinese lucky cat. This “Chinese Cat Wave” is often a part of a handler’s learning process as they become more familiar with their dog’s subtle body languages and the sequence of behaviours leading to the odour source. However, be cautious during competitions, as a judge may interpret this wavering hand as your alert. Practice and patience, ensure you’re confident in your dog’s indication, and then present a decisive alert. If it turns out to be a wrong alert, accept it and revisit the scenario during training.

The ‘Quick Draw’ Hand

When using a pocket or pouch to conceal your dog’s reward, whether it’s a toy or food, I often observe handlers reaching for the primary reinforcer before using their marker word signalling the end of the indication behaviour. This can cause the dog to become overly focused on your arm and shoulder movements throughout the search and it can shorten their indication duration, causing them to break away from the alert before the marker word is delivered.

The Skillful Long-Line Handler

Effective long-line handling is a skill in itself, and I always recommend practicing it outside of scentwork training sessions. Developing proficiency with this piece of equipment means one less aspect of the search you need to consciously think about, allowing your motor skills to take over.

Long Line – Too Taut

If  the long line is held too tightly, it can influence the dog’s search pattern. A shifter lead might be intentional depending on the specific search criteria. However, a taut line can prevent the dog from effectively bracketing within the odour plume to pinpoint the source. Additionally, a tight line can introduce handler pressure, potentially demotivating the dog.

Long Line – Too Slack

Conversely, a slack line poses a potential hazard within the search area. It can become entangled with objects and equipment. More importantly, it’s likely to get caught under the dog’s legs and body. This can distract them from the search, shifting their focus to navigating the obstruction around their limbs. A line caught underfoot can also be an aversive experience, causing the dog to change direction unexpectedly, much like the irritating feeling of a loose shoelace.

Long Line – The “Smile”

The ideal approach is to find a balance between too tight and too loose. I refer to this as adding a “smile” to the line – a gentle amount of slack that allows for freedom of movement while maintaining connection and control.

Summary

Given the deeply symbiotic nature of scentwork between handler and dog, the handler’s body language plays a crucial role but can also inadvertently demotivate the dog.

My advice is to record your dog’s searches, ensuring you are visible in the frame. This allows you to review your body language and positioning and make necessary adjustments.

I hope being aware of these common pitfalls proves helpful.

Please feel free to share your own experiences and feedback in the COMMENTS below. I’d be very interested to hear them

Mandy Rigby

Founder, Canine Scentwork  Academy

Companion Pet Dog Scentwork Instructor

Expert Article Range 9th July 2025

For Scentwork Hobbist and Dog Sporting