scentarticles

This web page is dedicated to U-CDX Ch. Geiger's Masked Bandito UD and his son Ch. Geiger's Painted Pony UD

Bandit Tonto
Bandit earned his UD in 5 trials and had 2 High Combineds. He retired with 5 UDX legs
Tonto earned his UD in 7 trials, a 1st place and a High Combined. They were true working Chihuahuas!

Custom made utility scent articles
AKC regulation single bar

Specializing in toy size and hard to fit dogs

This set of articles belong to 'Oni' a Pug in Texas

Rita, if articles could be lovely, these are lovely. :-) I'm very, very
pleased. So much so, that I've already posted to the pug obedience list about
them. You're check will be in tomorrow's mail, and it's money well spent.
Thank you. Phyllis

Pictured below are a few sets I have made of different sizes and colors. Email me for prices.

If you would like to tackle the project yourself, here are the directions for making scent articles.

Disclaimer:
These directions are offered FREE of charge. There are no guarantees given or implied as to the success of these projects nor can I be held responsible for problems that you or your dog experience during or after construction. Use your own common sense, always double check the math and if you have any question please Email me and I will try to help you figure out the problem.

AKC regulations regarding scent articles; Chapter 5, Section 7: "The articles will be provided by the handler and will consist of two sets, each comprised of 5 identical objects, which may be items of everyday use. The size of the articles will be proportionate to the size of the dog. One set must be made entirely of rigid metal and one of leather, designed so that only a minimum amount of thread or other material is visible. The articles in each set will be legibly numbered with a different number and must be approved by the judge."

Tools needed for the project: The bench vise is used to hold the pieces while drilling holes. The sandpaper and block are used to take the sharp edges off the metal ends and dowels. The cutting knives and board are used for the leather pieces. When using the bench vise to hold the aluminum dowel, wrap a cloth around the dowel as the soft material will indent easily if you don’t cover it.

Materials needed for a set of 6 leather, 6 metal articles: You can make the ends of the articles any size. I am working with the 1 ¾" square. The square aluminum ends need to be cut at a metal shop. If you don’t have access to a bench vise have a metal shop cut the dowel lengths and drill the 1/8" pilot holes deep enough for the screw length too. Metal and leather ends need 3/16" holes drilled in the VERY center BEFORE you round off the corners.

photo #1a (cut) and photo #1b (finished)	photo #2 corners cut off.......hole in center	photo #3
photo #4	photo #5a and photo #5b	photo #6

Useful information:
I buy solid aluminum rod from a metal supply yard. It is generally sold by the pound and comes in 1/4" to 3/4" diameter. Do not buy material smaller then 1/4" diameter it is too difficult to work with because you need to drill a pilot hole in each end of your dowel (this is tricky) to attach your ends. If you are real fortunate and have a drill press, it does the best job otherwise you need the bench vise to hold the dowels while drilling. Make sure you wrap the ones used for the metal article or you will damage it as aluminum is a soft metal.

I buy the ‘off billet’ strap of a saddle at a tack store for my leather ends. It is 1 ¾" wide and only needs to be cut between the holes to make 1 ¾" leather ends. This is very cost efficient, about $12. Or you can go on Ebay and find some leather remnants for a few $$$. The ends should be at least 10 oz weight or 3/16" thick. Metal and leather ends need 3/16" holes drilled in the VERY center BEFORE you round off the corners.

The length you cut your dowels depends on the fit for your dog. I want the article just wide enough for me to scent the dowel, so 4 fingers wide is 3" for me. This gives the dog width to see when returning with the article. This is a factor in Chihuahuas because of their eye placement and short muzzle. Six of the aluminum dowels will be covered with leather. The 3M weather stripping adhesive has a strong odor but this goes away after it is dry. I have used it for years on many sets and it is the BEST.

After you have your leather cover pieces cut (6) the length and just to go around the dowel with a perfect seam (practice a few), spread a coat of glue on the rough side of the leather and adhere it to the aluminum dowel. Lift up and reposition as this activates the glue to stick VERY well. Be careful not to twist the leather so you have a straight seam with edges just touching. Some of the glue may seep out as you work the leather but it will clean off with a cotton cloth and lighter fluid. Wear disposable gloves while gluing.

Start by assembling the metal articles first. Attach each end to the dowel with a sheet metal screw and a washer on the outside. A drop of glue in the pilot hole will help ‘set’ the screw. Make sure it is tight and square when placed on a flat surface. You don’t want the article to look ‘sprung’. Do all six. The leather cover on the aluminum dowel should be allowed to dry 24 hours before assembly. Follow the same procedure as with the metal articles to assemble.

Now all you need to do is number them 1-6 or 0-5 and find an article basket to carry them in!

If you would like to call and discuss scent articles, I am in southern Minnesota, CST 507-947-3611