Good videos Rouen! We've been doing K9 Nosework for almost a year and a half, and just got our NW1 title -- those boxes took me way back.
The first class starts with a bunch of boxes out and food in one of them - really easy. You just want the dog to get the idea of searching. As the classes advance, then the boxes are closed - not tightly, so when the dog finds the food, he/she can poke their heads down thru the flaps to get to it, or you can easily poke your hand down to reward the dog. We then intro essential oils (birch, anise, and clove), but that's where you may want to intro a toy - dog finds food paired with his favorite toy, hidden in a box. Then, start moving occasionally outside the box - hide it near a box, paired with food. And reward for finding the toy, too! He'll get the idea that hey, I find this toy, it's a win/win. I bet it moves very quickly - maybe throw his toy, play some tug, etc. You can make your own game (we obviously have specific rules).
It amazes me to think we've gone from a room with boxes, to a huge open field (or anywhere) and my GS can now locate a Qtip with a scent on it. Blows me away!!
If Buddy has a toy he loves more than any other, once he gets the idea you want him searching, use that one. I swear, I could drop Makena's kong in the middle of a thick forrest, and she'd search until she found it - the girl can't be without her beloved kong.
Give Buddy something really worthwhile to search for - he'll get it. It's such great fun!! (not to mention the fact that it really wears them out mentally!!)
