A Weekend Immersed in Trials Training
This weekend just gone, I took the dogs away for a bit of a training getaway, focusing on the different Working Trialsexercises. The weather was baking hot—so no mud this time—but it added an extra layer of difficulty, especially for the nosework. It gave the dogs a proper challenge and reminded me how much I enjoy this sport.
Izzy is just getting back into it after her injury, and seeing her reconnect with tracking was fantastic. Nose down, tail going, completely absorbed. That look of sheer determination and enjoyment is something I’ll never get tired of.
Meanwhile, Trixie was working on her baby tracks—short, simple scent trails to build her understanding and drive. It’s such a joy watching her confidence grow as she realises this is her job to figure out.
What I love about Working Trials is that it keeps both me and the dogs thinking. One moment you’re working on heelwork or a long down-stay in the sun, the next you’re quietly following your dog as they cast across a field. It builds resilience, focus, and trust—for both of us.
Why Working Trials Is a Brilliant Outlet for Reactive and Working Dogs
Working Trials is one of the UK’s oldest and most rewarding dog sports. It was originally developed to reflect the skills needed by working police and service dogs, and it brings together scentwork, obedience, and physical challenge in a way that few other sports can match.
It’s a brilliant fit for reactive dogs who need space and purpose, and for high-drive working breeds that crave mental stimulation and a clear job.
What does it include?
Depending on the level, a Working Trials test might include:
- Tracking – your dog follows a scent trail across a field and finds hidden articles.
- Search squares – they use their nose to locate small items in a marked area.
- Obedience – including heelwork, a retrieve, a send-away, and a long down-stay with the handler out of sight.
- Agility-style challenges – including:
- a clear jump of 914mm (3ft),
- a long jump of 2.438m (8ft), and
- a scale to climb of 1.676m (5ft 6in).
These exercises build teamwork, confidence, and a real sense of achievement—for both dog and handler.
You can read more about the sport on the Kennel Club’s Working Trials page.
Why it works so well
- For reactive dogs – it offers a calm, structured environment where they can work with focus and independence, without social pressure.
- For working breeds – it provides a rich mix of physical, mental, and scent-based tasks, perfect for channelling energy.
- For handlers – it helps you develop better timing, communication, and a deep connection with your dog.
It’s not about polishing routines or looking flashy—it’s about real partnership and meaningful work.
Letting the Dog Take the Lead
One of the biggest shifts when you start tracking or nosework is learning to let go of control. We’re so used to giving cues, shaping behaviour, and calling the shots. But in scentwork, your dog is the expert. You have to trust their nose—and that can feel odd at first.
You might find yourself questioning whether they’ve lost the track, or whether you should step in. But over time, you learn to read the subtle signals—changes in pace, tail movement, the way their head lowers. That’s when your role becomes more about support and less about direction.
And what you get in return? A dog that learns to trust themselves, to problem-solve, and to work with real independence.
It’s a beautiful thing to watch—and even better to be part of.
Why Nosework Is So Effective for Reactive Dogs
For dogs who find the world overwhelming, nosework offers something truly therapeutic. It channels their energy into something positive, rewarding, and deeply calming.
Here’s why it helps:
- Sniffing lowers arousal – helping your dog relax and focus.
- It gives them a job to do – redirecting attention away from triggers.
- It builds confidence – especially when dogs succeed on their own terms.
This kind of work isn’t about suppressing behaviour, it’s about giving your dog something better to do. It allows them to use their brain and their body in a way that feels good—and that’s incredibly powerful for building resilience.
High-Drive Dogs Need an Outlet
High-drive dogs—your collies, spaniels, shepherds, and working mixes—aren’t content with just a walk round the block. They’re thinkers, doers, problem-solvers. And if you don’t give them a job, they’ll find one for themselves—and it usually won’t be one you like.
Nosework is ideal because:
- It offers mental and physical enrichment in equal measure.
- It encourages frustration tolerance and problem-solving.
- It’s instinctively satisfying, tapping into their natural drives.
Think of it like setting a bright kid a treasure hunt—they come back calmer, more fulfilled, and ready to rest. And you get a dog that’s more balanced, more focused, and easier to live with day-to-day.
Final Thoughts
Whether your dog is reactive, high-drive, or just thrives on a challenge, tracking and nosework can be a game-changer. It’s not about controlling your dog—it’s about connecting with them. Trusting them. Giving them a job that’s meaningful to them.
And sometimes, the biggest breakthrough comes when we stop telling them what to do—and start watching what they’re capable of.
Let their nose take the lead. You might be amazed where it takes you.
Ready to Get Started?
If this blog has sparked something and you’re thinking, “I’d love to give that a go”, then you’re in luck.
I’ve got brand new Sport Dog Puppy Classes starting this June—designed to give you and your dog the foundations for Working Trials, agility, gundog games, and more. It’s perfect for pups and young dogs with drive, curiosity, or just bags of potential waiting to be channelled.
Whether you’re just curious or have a future sport dog on your hands, you’ll get the tools and support to start off on the right paw.
Check out my new sport dog class Upcoming Workshops!
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