Every dog loves to use its nose. Whether you have a lively working breed, a reactive dog, or simply want to give your dog a fun new hobby, scent work is one of the most rewarding activities you can do together. It builds confidence, improves focus, strengthens your relationship and gives your dog a job they were born to do.
I’m excited to be able to offer scent work as part of Fresh Start Dog Training as a qualified UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Instructor.
If you’ve never tried scent work before, it’s one of the most enjoyable things you can do with your dog. It taps into what dogs do naturally by using their incredible sense of smell to search for and locate a target scent.
Together, we’ll teach your dog to confidently search for a target scent and, just as importantly, show you when they’ve found it by giving a clear indication. It’s fascinating to watch your dog’s nose at work and it’s a brilliant way of building teamwork between you and your dog.
It is suitable for almost every dog, pet dogs, working breeds, puppies, older dogs and reactive dogs. Whatever their breed, age or experience. Whether your dog is full of energy, lacks confidence, needs more mental stimulation or you simply fancy trying something new together, scent work has something to offer.
I’ll guide you through every step, from introducing the target scent, to building confident searches, teaching a reliable indication and progressing onto more challenging searches as your dog’s skills develop.
One of the things I love most about scent work is that it’s something you can continue at home. Once you’ve learned the foundations, it’s relatively inexpensive to practise, easy to set up, and there are endless ways to keep your dog challenged.
Using their nose is also one of the most mentally demanding activities a dog can do. A good scent work session can be incredibly tiring, often leaving dogs happily settled afterwards without the need for lots of physical exercise.
For reactive dogs, scent work can be particularly beneficial. It gives them an outlet for their natural instincts in a calm, low-arousal way, allowing them to use their brains, build confidence and satisfy those working instincts without becoming overexcited.
I currently offer:
- Detection Dogs Series 1 – a 4-hour introduction workshop.
- Detection Dogs Series 2 – a 4-hour follow-up workshop.
- A 6-week Scent Work class, where you and your dog can build your skills week by week in a fun and supportive environment.
- One-to-one scent work training tailored to you and your dog’s individual needs.
FAQ
Can any dog do scent work?
Yes. It is suitable for dogs of all breeds, ages and abilities. Whether you have a puppy, an older dog, a working breed or a reactive dog, most dogs absolutely love using their noses.
Does my dog need any previous training?
No. Everything is taught from the very beginning, so no previous experience is needed.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring plenty of training treats (a mixture of high, medium and low value treats works best), a harness or flat collar, a non retractable lead and a reward toy if your dog enjoys playing.
Which course should I start with?
If you’re completely new to scent work, I’d recommend starting with either the Detection Dogs Series 1 Workshop or the six week Bronze Beginner Class. Both will teach you the foundations you need before progressing further.
Is scent work good for reactive dogs?
Absolutely. It gives reactive dogs a calm, structured outlet for their natural instincts. It encourages them to use their brains, builds confidence and provides mental stimulation without the high arousal that some other activities can create.
Looking for Another Way to Have Fun Together?
If scent work isn’t quite the right fit for you and your dog, or you’re looking for another activity to enjoy alongside it, why not explore some of my other training courses?
🐾 Trick Training – Build confidence, problem-solving skills and strengthen your relationship while having fun together.
🐾 Gundog Training – Channel your dog’s natural instincts into fun, practical exercises that improve focus and teamwork.
🐾 Agility – A fantastic way to develop confidence, body awareness and communication while keeping both you and your dog active.
🐾 Dog Training & Life Skills – Build the everyday skills that make life with your dog calmer, easier and more enjoyable.
If you’re not sure which activity would suit you and your dog best, get in touch and I’ll be happy to help you choose the right place to start.