Nosework Marker Dummy

Flumaster, or the secret scent laboratory in your hand

Flumaster measures 107 × 27 × 16 mm and weighs less than 35 g – just right to hide behind a binder, slip between books, or leave on a windowsill next to real markers. Inside the body, there is a steel plate that the Nano+ magnet holds securely like glue. You don't need an additional holder or tape; just screw in the canister, and you're ready to go.

Full technical specifications

• 📏 Body dimensions: 107 mm (L) × 27 mm (W) × 16 mm (H)
• ⚖️ Weight: ~35 g (without canister)
• 🧵 Material: IMPACT™ (modified impact polymer)
• 💨 Holes in the cap: 2 × 8 mm – direct the scent cone down and sideways

Why is a marker a genius prop?

Nosework involves searching for scents in as realistic conditions as possible. The article Journey Dog Training emphasizes that “everyday household objects” (like cups, books, or remotes) help dogs transfer skills from the training room to real life. The marker meets these criteria 100% – it has a clear, geometric shape, but the scent only escapes from the holes in the cap. The dog must therefore locate the source very precisely, which trains their nose targeting.

Flumaster will also work in so-called inaccessible hides – meaning hidden in such a way that the dog cannot touch them with their mouth, only work out a distant indication. This concept is well described in the article The Noble Beast, noting that “puzzles with inaccessible scent” build the dog's determination and confidence. Just slide the marker into a gap between binders or into a jacket pocket hanging from a hook; the scent escapes, but the object remains out of reach of the mouth. This is a scenario you will encounter in higher levels of competitions (NW2+/NW3).

Sample session “Marker in the library”

Below you will find a three-step training scenario inspired by exercises from “Indoor Scent Games” by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Before you start, saturate a cotton pad with a drop of your favorite oil (e.g., clove, lavender) and place it in the Nano+.

1. Step 1 – Visual support: Place the Flumaster upright on the desk within the dog's line of sight. Command “Search!” + immediate reward upon touching the marker with their nose.
2. Step 2 – Warm start: Hide the marker in a pen holder, but leave the cap visible. Decrease the intensity of the Nano+ to encourage the dog to work with their nose.
3. Step 3 – Library maze: Slide the Flumaster horizontally between books on the shelf so that the holes in the cap point at a 30-45° angle towards the passage. This is an inaccessible hide – the dog sees the shelf but cannot reach the highlighter. Watch for the “source” (nose freeze) and mark with a clicker or verbal marker exactly at the moment of indication.

Two to three such rounds of 5 minutes will tire the dog's brain better than an hour of running. Regularly rotate the scents, as advised by Journey Dog Training – variety stimulates the olfactory system and prevents routine.

Maintenance & hygiene

• 🧼 Wash in warm (40 °C) water with a mild detergent.
• 🌡️ Do not put in the dishwasher – high temperatures may deform the material.
• 🌬️ Air dry; IMPACT does not absorb odors and does not fade in the sun.

Flumaster is a perfect example that great possibilities lie within a small casing. Pack it into your “nosework toolbox” and see how one unassuming marker can turn ordinary books, desks, and shelves into a true scent laboratory!