Why I Build My Own Scent Kits
People often ask me if there is any good commercial training kits they can purchase that are good for someone new to nosework. I don’t have any commercial recommendations as they don’t fit my thoughts on what a scent kit needs to have for those new to the sport. Many of the commercial kits have too many flashy unnecessary things in the kits and don’t have enough of the essentials. This is my views on what I feel a scent kit needs and doesn’t need for the average person.
What does my kit need?
Durable scent proof outer case: Your kit needs to have a nice durable scent proof case in something that’s similar to a pelican type case. These cases help to keep any residual odor from escaping the kit.
Separate jars for each odor for hides/vessels: This is an essential!!!!!!!!! You should have dedicated vessels for each odor and don’t have them co-mingling together in the same space causing cross contamination. They need to be stored in separate labeled jars for each odor. Jars with metal lids with a seal is the best choice as they do the best to contain the odors. Most of the commercial kits on the market do not come with this and is where many of them fail in my opinion.
Separate jars for scented q-tips for each odor: This is another essential! Most kits come with only one or two jars for you to store extra scented q-tips. You need a labeled jar for each odor you use to avoid cross contamination.
What doesn't my kit need?
Essential oils and droppers: My biggest piece of advice to anyone new to the sport is to use pre scented q-tips from someone who has been in the sport and knows what they are doing. That way you know you are training with proper odor strengths and it has been handled properly. Also when you go train in novel areas you don’t need to haul around essential oils and droppers. It increases the risk of a catastrophe if you drop your kit and one of the vials falls out or breaks. If you have essential oils I recommend storing them separately from the kit you train with daily.
Proofing materials in the kit: This is a HUGE contamination issue. You NEVER store any “cold” or non odor items with “hot” or odor items and this includes your nosework kit. Having commercial kits selling proofing vessels that are to be stored with the rest of your kit is setting you and your dog up for failure.
3D printed materials that don’t hold up to essential oils: Some of the commercial kits on the market utilize 3D printed materials that the essential oils eat the plastic of causing odor issues and “melting” plastic which changes the odors your dog is looking for as the plastic and essential oil intermix. Now not all 3D printed scent vessels are a bad thing BUT the materials they are printing with make a huge difference.
The reasons listed above are why I’m developing my own scent kit that will be available for sale. I am developing a kit that will be simple to the newcomers to the sport but still be smart from a contamination standpoint.