Module 2: Sensory Abilities of the Dog-Smell

Question 1

sense of smell

Answer 1

Olfaction

Question 2

the hairless part of the exterior nose, bearing a fingerprint-like pattern that’s unique to each dog.

Answer 2

nasal plane

Question 3

divides the nasal cavity into two sections

Answer 3

septum

Question 4

bony structures that jut out and slow the air movement

Answer 4

turbinates

Question 5

located in the roof of the mouth very close to the roots of the large canine teeth, any problem with the teeth can seriously affect the dog’s olfaction.

Answer 5

maxillary sinuses

Question 6

produce a darkish brown fluid that keeps the nasal cavity moist, moistens the air being breathed in, helps to trap foreign substances in the forward section of the nose, and farther within the nose seems to act as a solvent for breaking down and trapping odor-containing material.

Answer 6

goblet cells

Question 7

provide the major reason dogs excel at scent.

Answer 7

olfactory receptor cells

Question 8

each olfactory cell ends in _____, which are tiny hair like filaments of various lengths protruding out into the nasal cavity

Answer 8

cilia

Question 9

The olfactory cells connect with nerve endings leading to the _________ ____, an actual structure within the brain

Answer 9

olfactory lobe

Question 10

It runs along the floor of the nose, from just behind the canine teeth, and is connected directly with the olfactory lobe via 608 nerve bundles

Answer 10

the vomeronasal organ or Jacobson’s organ

Question 11

chemicals produced by animals that serve to stimulate other individuals in the same species to elicit specific behavioral responses.

Answer 11

Pheromones

Question 12

hollow, heavy rubber balls with a triangular attached handle.

Answer 12

Jolly Balls

Question 13

What anatomical features help the Bloodhound excel at scenting?

Answer 13

A large muzzle and head, skin folds, and long drooping ears

Question 14

What special structure does a dog use to retrieve a scented object underwater?

Answer 14

Vomeronasal organ

Question 15

What strategy should you use to reduce the dog’s unwanted sniffing during training?

Answer 15

Use scentwork as a reward after the dog has performed in training.

Question 16

How can dogs use their sense of smell to detect fear?

Answer 16

Dogs can differentiate scent from the human apocrine gland, which is activated by fear.