Early Scent Introduction

What is Early Scent Introduction?

ESI is a fun and easy way to expose newborn puppies (from 3 to 16 days old) to different smells, helping them develop a strong sense of smell early on. Since dogs experience the world mostly through their noses, this early training can make them more confident, curious, and better at scent-related tasks (like tracking or detection work).

How It Works:

Imagine giving a baby different foods to try—the more flavors they experience early, the less picky they are later. ESI does the same thing but with smells! By introducing new scents in their first weeks, we "wake up" their noses and brains, making them more adaptable and better at smelling things as adult dogs.

Puppies will be exposed to 1 new scent once each day during days 3-16. This is done along with Early Neurological Stimulation. Scents related to eating are not allowed.

What scents do we use and why?

We select pungent scent items based on the work that our dogs do (hunting, tracking) as well as items they may interact with during their daily life. We avoid meats, since we are trying to stimulate scent not taste.

Common ESI Scents (Safe & Simple):

Fruits, herbs and spices

(lemon, apples, bananas, oranges, rosemary, mint, cloves)

Natural items

(grass, tree bark, leaves, moss, dirt, leaves, evergreen needles and cones)

Training items

(gamebirds, such as pheasants, grouse, ducks, pigeons; tennis balls, leather, cloth, wooden and plastic items, essential oils, manufactured training scents)

Miscellaneous

(tolerant pets such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils)

Key Benefits of ESI for Newborn Puppies:

ESI has many benefits. Results observed from dogs that have undergone ESI are:

1. Excellent performance as Search & Rescue and Detection dogs.

2. Confidence in every sport involving scenting, from nose work to barn hunt.

3. Improved confidence and stability in pet and service dogs.

4. More optimistic attitude toward life.

5. Fewer behavioral problems.

Steps for Scent Introduction:

1. Pick Up Puppy

Once a day, pick up each pup individually and hold it gently but firmly in one hand, so that there is no chance of it falling. If you would be more comfortable, sit on the floor and cradle the pup in your lap.

2. Hold Scent Close

With the other hand, hold the scent item about ½ inch from the pup’s nose. If the pup wants to move towards the item, allow it to do so. If the pup tries to move away from the scent item, allow this as well. Do not move the scent item toward a pup that is trying to avoid it.

3. Wait and Watch

Hold the scent item in place for 5 seconds. If the pup shows no reaction or an adverse response, end after 5 seconds. If the pup chooses to engage with the scent item, allow it to do so for up to 30 seconds.

4. Return to Litter

Return the pup to the box and repeat this procedure with the next puppy until you have done the entire litter (or cohort, if you are splitting the litter).