Store your oils upright with the original polycone cap. If your oil came with a dropper, we recommend only using the dropper for oil transfer and then replacing the oil vial with the polycone cap provided. This will prevent deterioration of the rubber bulb on the dropper.

A scented Q-Tip should always be placed inside a vessel rather than directly on a surface. Direct contact will transfer oil to the surface and contaminate the search area.

Your scented Q-tips should be stored longterm in an airtight glass container away from prolonged sunlight. They may be refrigerated or kept at room temperature.

Essential oils are natural products, so their scent can vary from batch to batch. Growing conditions, harvest, origin, and processing can all make a small difference and some variation is perfectly normal. Our oils are 100% pure and botanically correct for the sport detection venue stated and obtained from trusted and reliable suppliers. Dogs have no problem recognizing the distinctive odor characteristics of the target oils.

There isn't one universal amount. Oil amounts and Q-tip preparation vary between venues, and dropper sizes differ greatly. Some organizations may specify a particular number of drops, while others may have different instructions for how the scent aids are prepared.

Be sure to check the current odor-preparation guidelines for each organization or venue you compete in and prepare your Q-tips according to their requirements.

For training, we always recommend varying the amount of oil you use rather than always training at the same odor strength. This helps your dog become comfortable working odor at different strengths and prepares them for the variation they may encounter in competition.

Scented Q-tips can be reused many times as long as they remain clean and uncontaminated. Be sure to keep them contained in a scent vessel such as a tin, straw, or other hide container.  Provided they are not contaminated, you may return them to the glass jar to be refreshed and odor to redistribute.

While we can’t give an exact recommendation of how many times you should reuse a Q-tip, we can say that in our own training, they are often used for several weeks. We also save the Q-tips with less odor to purposely work lower odor thresholds.

This is normal for Anise essential oil. Cooler temperatures can cause it to become cloudy, crystallize, or partially solidify. Allow the vial to return to room temperature. If needed, a warm (not boiling) water bath can help return it to liquid form. Avoid open flames or excessive heat.

Myrrh can naturally vary in color, ranging from light yellow or golden to amber or brown. Differences in color and thickness between bottles are normal for this essential oil.

Our Myrrh is steam distilled and has a consistency that allows it to be dispensed with a dropper with little to no need to warm it first.

Vessels can be wiped clean with a paper towel between uses. For a more thorough cleaning, rinse with very warm water and allow to air dry completely, or wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow to dry completely.

Essential oils and scent work vessels are training tools and should be used with appropriate supervision. Keep oils, scented swabs, and small containers out of reach when not in use. If your dog ingests an oil or training item, contact your veterinarian immediately.