Intro to Scent Work Seminar
Be Nosey! Check out the Introduction to Scent Detection Seminar
Designed for those starting out in the activity/sport. We will provide an overview of options in the sport, plus teach you how to get your dog started on detection of a scent. Working spots and Audit spots available
Benefits of Nose Work:
- Mental stimulation: It’s great for working the dog’s mind and helps tire them out mentally.
- Bonding: It strengthens the relationship between the handler and the dog as they work together as a team.
- Confidence-building: Dogs can gain confidence through scent work, especially if they’re a little shy or anxious, as it’s something they can succeed at.
- Fun and engaging: It’s a natural, enjoyable activity for dogs since they’re using their best sense.
Working Spots and Audit Spots available.
2.5 hour Seminar
Working Spot
- Periods of time during the class may require handler to work without their dog. A crating area is available.
- Dog should be able to focus on handler (with our without treats/toy rewards)
July 9th 6-8:30 PM
Instructor: Sammie Sciolino
$60 / Dog
Audit Spot
- Not ready to try it with your dog? Sign up to observe and learn as others work their dogs. (You will not bring your dog to the workshop)
July 9th 6-8:30 PM
$35/dog
Scent Detection
Your dog using it's strongest sense!
Sign up for an Intro class to get started.
Scent Detection can take many forms. Most of us are familiar with working dogs using their nose to detect illegal substances for law enforcement, or find lost people by following a scent trail. Our instructors have experience with narcotics dogs, ratting dogs, and even search your house for bed bugs! But did you know that your pet can also participate in scent detection as a fun activity or competitive sport?
Dog nose work (also called scent work) is a sport or activity where dogs use their incredible sense of smell to search for specific scents, usually hidden in different environments. It mimics the scent detection work that dogs do for things like search-and-rescue, drug detection, or even detecting medical conditions, but in a fun and structured way.
How it works:
In dog nose work, a handler and their dog work together to find a scent that has been hidden by the instructor (or "trial" organizers, in the case of competitions). The dog is trained to alert when they find the scent, either by sitting, lying down, or using another signal.
The sport has several levels, often starting with a simple introduction to sniffing and progressing to more challenging searches. The scents used are typically essential oils like birch, anise, or clove, which are standardized for competitions, although you can practice with other scents as well.
Types of Nose Work:
- Container Searches – The dog searches through various containers (like boxes or bags) to find the target scent.
- Interior Searches – This involves searching indoor areas like rooms or buildings
- Exterior Searches – Dogs search outside in areas like parking lots, gardens, or open fields.
- Buried Searches – The scent is buried under materials like sand, dirt, or gravel, and the dog needs to dig it out or sniff it out.
