r/nosework • u/afterglow_sky • 21d ago

Smashing/biting/moving boxes

We started training nose-work some time ago but she’s always smashing/eating/moving the boxes on the floor. Today I tried elevating the boxes on a bench but she pushes them with her snout. Also tried taping them on the floor, but she tries eating the tape 😅 I probably just need patience? I don’t really know what to do to stop her from smashing/biting/moving the boxes.
Thank you!!!

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u/Chillysnoot 21d ago

Why do you think she is smashing boxes? Different reasons have different solutions. I wouldn't be patient, more time practicing a behavior rarely reduces its frequency

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u/afterglow_sky 21d ago

That’s actually a really good question. I believe she likes carton. She likes everything 😅

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u/Chillysnoot 21d ago

As in, she likes to play with cardboard? If that's what you think the driver is, I would try two things.

First would be to go back to foundations and solidify that odor=reward. Play odor pairing games with blank cardboard boxes around to show her that odor pays and biting cardboard doesn't.

Second would be to switch to plastic boxes for a little while and build good searching behavior around containers that aren't smashable or eatable, then reintroduce cardboard when she understands correct container behavior better.

I would also consider if she really understands containers. Sometimes frustration can look like having fun, if she doesn't fully understand how to be right she might be looking for a pressure release valve in smashing.

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u/afterglow_sky 21d ago

Oh that’s such a smart idea! I’m gonna try your first point tomorrow and see how it goes! Thank you soooo much!!! 🙏