The training cone with a hidden scent chamber is a clever accessory for scent training that naturally directs the scent stream upward – exactly what your dog needs during scent work.
The screw-on bottom with a metal element securely holds the Fluonose scent canister thanks to the built-in magnet, and the sealed chamber eliminates the risk of ground contamination. Available in an IMPACT plastic version (16 colors) or rubber (10 colors) – for use at home, outdoors, and on any type of surface.
If you are training with your dog in nosework or just starting your journey in scent detection, you probably know that a sample container is not just "something to put a cotton pad in." What matters is how the scent disperses, where it goes, and whether it stays on the surface. Our training cone has been designed with this in mind – to make scent work clean, predictable, and comfortable for both the dog and the handler.
Regular sports cones from a fitness accessory store are flat, open at the bottom, and completely unsuitable for scent work. By placing a sample under such a cone, you risk that the scent will seep into the surface and remain there for a long time – which is a serious problem for a dog learning detection. Our cone has a screw-on bottom with a seal, allowing the scent to escape only through the opening at the top of the cone. The dog receives a clear, concentrated column of scent – and knows exactly where to look.
An additional advantage is the metal element in the cork, which, together with the magnet built into the Fluonose Mini+ scent can, creates a stable connection. The can does not move around the scent chamber during transport or when the dog gets a bit too interested in the cone. 🐾
The cone is available in two material versions. The IMPACT version is made of hard, durable plastic resistant to mechanical damage and weather conditions. It's a good choice if you care about durability and a wide range of colors – you have as many as 16 shades to choose from. The rubber version is a cone made of soft rubber on a hard plastic cork. It is slightly more flexible and soft to the touch – it may work particularly well for dogs that tend to play with the cone rather than just marking it. Available in 13 colors.
Both versions have identical functions and parameters – screw-on cork, metal element for can attachment, scent outlet at the top, and a wide, stable base that does not tip over even in strong winds.
In nosework, the division between warm containers (with a scent sample) and cold containers (without scent) is key. For the handler, this is obvious – but to avoid confusion during exercise preparation, it’s worth having a consistent system. The wide color palette of our cone allows you to, for example, always use yellow as warm and ensure that you are not accidentally putting a sample in a cold cone. It may sound like a detail, but during more intense sessions with several cones at once – it really makes a difference.
Looking for a can for your cone? Check out the Fluonose Mini+ scent cans available in several variants with scent markings – cinnamon, clove, and orange peel. They fit perfectly into the cone's chamber and magnetically connect with the cork. If you prefer to insert a scent carrier directly (cotton pad, stick), that’s no problem either – the chamber is large enough.
Below we describe a sample training session based on proven methods for working with containers in scent detection. This is a good starting point for both dogs just beginning their scent work journey and for more experienced ones that need new challenges.
To start, you need one warm cone (with a scent sample inside) and a handful of treats. Place the cone on the floor and allow the dog to sniff it freely. At the moment the dog stops at the cone and shows clear interest in the scent coming from the top – reward immediately. Repeat several times. The goal of this stage is not yet marking, but positive association: this cone = something fun is happening.
When the dog responds well to one cone, spread several cones on the floor – one warm (with scent) and two or three cold (without scent, cork screwed on). Release the dog with the command to search and watch closely. When the dog stops at the warm cone and marks it – reward immediately. Gradually increase the number of cold cones and the distances between them.
Set up cones in various places – on the lawn, along the path, in the yard. One of them has a sample, the others are cold. The screw-on bottom of our cone is key here: the scent does not seep into the grass or surface, so the dog will not get confused by sniffing the ground. The entire scent trail focuses in the cone and exits through the upper opening – the dog learns to search for the source, not the traces on the ground. A great exercise for distinction and confidence in marking.
Remember: always store warm cones separately from cold ones. You can mark them with colors, a sticker on the cork, or simply keep them in separate bags. This is rule number one in nosework – a warm container never becomes cold and vice versa. Thanks to the screw-on cork and sealed chamber, our cone maintains scent cleanliness very well – after the session, just screw the cork back on and the scent stays inside, not spreading in the bag.
If you are looking for even more inspiration for scent training, check out our other nosework accessories: Scent cone for Nosework training or check out the Scent barrel with a carousel function – the perfect combination with the cone set for more advanced handlers.
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