K9 Nosework Scent Channeling Stick

I used to sell this model, but I can't afford anymore to keep a printer dedicated to the time-consuming print this model takes, so I'm making it available to the community for free. 

What and why?

Trying to get your nose work dog to indicate the hide location more precisely? Teach your canine companion to go to source, not just alert to odor? Is your dog having problems with scenarios in which the scent is flowing away from source?

I started to think about these issues when I noticed that one of my dogs started to indicate a bit "early", a few inches away from source. Training with Gail McCarthy of Scentinel Nose Work Dog Training (http://www.scentinelnosework.com/), I had heard about her wooden scent channeling sticks (http://www.scentinelnosework.com/scentchannelingsticks/), but those are no longer available. 

One of my passions besides dog training is 3D printing. So naturally I began to think about "reimagining" that design, using 3D printing techniques. I also tried to enhance the original design by providing a mechanism to present scented q-tips without contaminating the stick. 

This is the result. The dimensions of the assembled stick are 31'' x 4'' x 2 1/4''. To create a "regular" stick, join 3 of those parts together and add 2 end caps to provide added stability. A dual connector allows to chain sticks together.

The stick has a groove along its top, to allow scent to flow away from the source. Inside the groove are two openings per piece (6 total), sized to hold a standard 1.5 ml microcentrifuge (Eppendorf) tube you can order on Amazon. ). Or use any other small container or shrink-wrap tubes instead.  Just pop one or two scented q-tips into the microcentrifuge tube and slip it into one of the holes in the groove.

For a video demonstrating the use of the scent channeling stick, see 

Printing

Please see the 3mf files for suggested settings. This model takes a lot of material. Less infill, and it wouldn't be stable enough. The settings are optimized for a 0.8 mm nozzle. Of course you can print everything with a smaller nozzle, which will take longer. Caveat: I used to print this on a Mk3.5S, and have not tried a Core One myself. On the Mk3.5S I turned the Maximum Volumetric Speed for PETG up to 20, which made a big difference in print time. 

Assembly

To assemble the parts, make sure the bottom of the parts are aligned and you hear a "click". The stick should not fall apart when lifted up or hit by a dog. For those extra rambunctious dogs, I've added an option to use four #8-1/2'' screws (included) to lock the components in place. 

If you like what I'm doing…

 … consider buying me a coffee or joining my Printables Club.

If you'd like to sell this model, join my Printables Club at the Commercial License level.