Preparing and Handling Scent Articles for Lost Dog Tracking: A Best-Practice Guide

In canine scent tracking, the reliability of the scent article is critical to success. A scent article is any item that retains the unique volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile compounds shed naturally by the target dog’s skin, glands, and hair. These compounds form an individual scent profile that trained tracking dogs can detect, discriminate, and follow.

What is a Scent Article?

A scent article is an item containing the uncontaminated target scent of the individual dog to be located. Optimal scent articles are free from extraneous odours and cross-contamination. Scientific studies on scent discrimination (e.g., Schoon & de Bruin, 1994; Jezierski et al., 2008) confirm that the clearer and purer the scent article, the higher the reliability and efficiency of the tracking process.

Best Options for Obtaining a Scent Article

There are two primary methods to ensure an adequate scent sample:

Creating a Controlled Scent Article

This is the gold standard for scent preservation, minimising environmental contamination. Follow these procedural steps:

Before collection:

• Wash hands thoroughly with unscented soap or wear sterile nitrile gloves to prevent the transfer of human odour compounds.

• Prepare a new, unused, sterile ziplock bag. Label it with:

  • Dog’s name

  • Microchip number

  • Date of collection

  • Optional: owner’s contact details.

Step 1 — Use sterile collection material:Use a piece of sterile medical gauze or non-scented cotton cloth.

Step 2 — Systematic scent collection:Rub the gauze gently but firmly over anatomical sites with concentrated sebaceous gland activity and scent gland secretions:

• Behind the pinnae (ears) — ceruminous glands

• Neck and collar region — where sweat and sebum accumulate

• Axillary region (underarms) — apocrine sweat glands

• Inguinal region (groin and inner thighs) — scent gland zones

• Base of the tail and perianal area — perianal glands contribute individual scent

This ensures the gauze absorbs a robust sample of the dog’s naturally shed odour profile.

Step 3 — Package securely:Immediately place the gauze into the pre-labelled sterile ziplock bag. Express excess air and seal it completely to reduce oxidation and VOC loss.

Step 4 — Storage conditions:Store the sealed bag in a cool, dry, dark environment (e.g., airtight container, sealed plastic tub). Avoid direct sunlight, humidity, or elevated temperatures to slow scent molecule degradation.

Obtaining an Existing Scent Article

Where proactive scent collection has not been conducted, an existing personal item can be used. Ideal articles include:

Items with direct, prolonged skin contact such as:

• Dog’s collar or harness (unwashed)

• Individual lead (not shared)

• Dog bed, blanket, or crate bedding

• A toy or soft item the dog regularly sleeps with

Important: The item must not have been in contact with other dogs to prevent mixed scent profiles, which can compromise olfactory discrimination during the search.

Once selected:

• Handle the item with gloves or washed hands.

• Place it in a clean, labelled ziplock bag immediately.

• Seal thoroughly to maintain VOC integrity.

If the item is large (e.g., bedding), cut a representative section and seal only that portion.

Scent Viability and Degradation

Under controlled storage, a sealed scent article can remain viable for 6–12 months, although freshness and VOC retention decline gradually. Research shows (Harvey & Harvey, 2003) that repeated replacement every 3–6 monthsmaximises tracking reliability in real-world conditions.

Key Contamination Risks

• Cross-contamination: Contact with other animals, household washing, or handling without gloves can add extraneous scent layers.

• Environmental exposure: Humidity and heat accelerate degradation of the organic compounds that make up the dog’s scent signature.

• Human odour transfer: Human skin oils and perfumes can interfere with the tracking dog’s ability to isolate the target odour.

Practical Best Practices

✔️ Label and date all scent articles.✔️ Store multiple scent samples if possible.✔️ Use gloves for handling and packaging.✔️ Keep the scent article separate from other stored pet or household items.