u/Dry-Letterhead-5703 — reddlx

Hi everyone! I’ve been working on a custom project where I was asked to design a 3D-printed 'pinecone' for nosework training.

To be honest, I don't own a dog myself, so I wanted to reach out to you experienced handlers to see if this type of object is actually practical for training. The person who requested it mentioned that they usually use cut-up scent-soaked cotton swabs inside small metal tins with holes. Their goal was to have something 'more natural' looking that doesn't stand out as much visually, forcing the dog to rely solely on their nose to locate the scent.

I’m curious:

Is this a shape/form factor that is commonly used?
Are there any specific challenges with 3D-printed material (like scent absorption or durability) that I should be aware of when designing hides?

I’m really just looking to understand the mechanics of nosework better to see if this design actually serves its purpose well.

Any feedback or insights from your training sessions would be greatly appreciated!