Super Sniffers: Dog Detectives on the Job
on Goodreads (135)
What’s inside...
A dog's nose is 300 times more powerful than a human nose, allowing dogs to use their advanced sense of smell for important jobs. Dorothy Hinshaw Patent explores how specific dogs use their sniffing abilities for tasks such as detecting bedbugs, explosives, and life-threatening allergies. This photo-essay includes firsthand accounts from those who work with these remarkable dogs.
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the dogs in the book use their sense of smell to help solve problems?
What qualities make a good detective, whether they are a human or a dog? Can you think of any other animals that could be detectives?
Why do you think teamwork is important for the dog detectives in the book?
If you had the skills of a dog detective, what is the first mystery you would like to solve?
How do you think the people in the story feel about the dogs and their detective work?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe what it might be like to have the heightened senses of a dog detective.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as depicted in the book and relate it to your child's everyday experiences with friends or in school.
Ask your child about what mystery they would love to solve if they were a detective, encouraging creative thinking and problem solving.
Relate the detective work in the story to real life by discussing with your child how police and other professionals sometimes use dogs to help in their work.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book showcases various dogs working together with their handlers to solve cases, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities and learning to cooperate with their peers to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of Training and Preparation
Explanation: The dogs undergo rigorous training to hone their skills, demonstrating how preparation is key to success.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to diligently prepare for their academic or extracurricular activities to perform well.
Example Lesson: Utilizing Unique Abilities
Explanation: Each dog uses its unique sense of smell to assist in investigations, teaching that everyone has special skills that are valuable.
Real-World Application: This can help children recognize and value their own unique talents and those of others around them.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Dedication
Explanation: The canine detectives persistently follow leads, stressing the importance of dedication in achieving objectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their endeavors, whether completing a difficult homework assignment or mastering a new skill.
Example Lesson: Helping Others
Explanation: The dogs and their handlers work towards a common goal of solving cases and helping the community, emphasizing the value of assisting others.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to contribute positively to their community in any way they can, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy.