How to scent and store q-tips for nosework
A common question for those new to nosework is how do I scent my q-tips for training. Different organizations have different rules for how they want their q-tips scented for their venue.
I do recommend everyone start their dogs and do a majority of their training using the cooked method for scenting q-tips then if they are trialing in an organization that uses stronger odor train on that from time to time so your dog gets used to working a larger odor source. The weaker cooked method in general causes dogs to work some odor inconsistencies as some q-tips will end up stronger scented than others and also has a lower risk of residual odor problems.
I go over both methods in the video above. What I’m calling Cyber Scent Work is a cooked method of scenting q-tips. I followed Cyber Scent Work’s scenting regulations but the method is the same for the cooked odor venues of nosework. Just each venue may have slight modifications for odor strength and number of q-tips per vessel.
Cooked Method (RECOMMENDED FOR TRAINING): This is a method I recommend for training and is used for trial organizations like Cyber Scent Work and NACSW. This method trains the dog for you to handle slight variations in odor strength which pays off in the long run.
• Step 1 Put a cotton ball in a GLASS jar (you need one glass jar per odor)
• Step 2 Add about 3 drops of oil to the cotton ball
• Step 3 Put about 20 half q-tips in the jar
• Step 4 Shake well and let sit for 24-48 hours
When you handle your q-tips make sure you use tweezers and don’t touch the scented q-tips with your fingers otherwise you are going to transfer scent to surfaces around you which can confuse your dog.
When using the q-tips as prepared with the cooked method, you will use THREE per vessel.
No matter your venue, I STRONGLY suggest that you prepare and train with q-tips prepared using the cooked method even if you are only going to trial in organizations that use the direct scenting method.
Direct Scenting Method: This is a stronger odor source. Many venues like AKC, UKC and CPE use this method in their trials.
• Step 1 Have a GLASS jar (you need one jar per odor) ready and something like a paper towel or piece of cardboard to set your q-tips on.
• Step 2 Add about 1-2 drops of oil per q-tip depending on the organziation.
• Step 3 Put your scented q-tips into a glass jar
• Step 4 Let the q-tips sit for at least 24-48 hours
When using the q-tips as prepared with the direct scenting method, you will use 1-2 q-tips per vessel depending on the organizations rules (most venues its 1 q-tip per vessel).
Storing your scented q-tips and essential oils
It is recommended to store your q-tips and essential oils in a dark room temperature place. I personally store my q-tips and essential oils in a jar then inside of a mylar bag so I have two levels of containment from the scent to the outside world. I train with scent kits with pre-loaded hides so I am ready to go train whenever then change out the q-tips every few months unless they get contaminated early. So my unused scented q-tips and essential oils don’t need to travel with me and typically stay home.
Hopefully this guide helps you in preparing q-tips for training in nosework with your dog.