What is the primary focus of the odor memorization stage in dog training?

The primary focus of the odor memorization stage in dog training is learning to recognize specific odors. This phase is crucial for a narcotics detection dog, as it lays the foundation for their ability to identify and alert on various substances. During this stage, the dog is repeatedly exposed to specific scents, allowing them to associate these odors with a reward, which enhances their ability to detect the odor in different environments later on. Mastery of odor recognition is essential for successful performance in the field when the dog must reliably locate narcotics among other distractions. This memorization process ensures that the dog can differentiate between the target scents and any other smells encountered during searches.