Introduction to Scent Work

Instructor: Gavyn Grimes -

Overview

A scent work class for dogs and handlers focused on detection, tracking, and fun can be a wonderful way to engage dogs' natural instincts while building a strong handler-dog bond.

1. Introduction to Scent Work Basics

• Purpose: Introduce both the handler and the dog to scent work fundamentals.

• Skills Developed: Detection of specific scents, focus, teamwork.

• Activities:

• • Introduce simple search tasks where the dog needs to find a hidden scent (like essential oils, food, or a specific object).

• • Use treats or toys as rewards to reinforce the search behavior.

2. Detection Exercises

• Purpose: Teach dogs to identify specific scents and alert the handler.

• Skills Developed: Strong scent association, focus on a specific odor.

• Activities:

• • Find the Scent: Hide a specific scent in various objects (boxes, under chairs, or in piles of fabric) and encourage the dog to find it.

• • Scent Discrimination: Teach the dog to differentiate between scents, ensuring the dog is alerting to the target scent only.

3. Tracking Skills

• Purpose: Teach dogs to follow a human-made trail by scent.

• Skills Developed: Focus, stamina, tracking technique.

• Activities:

• • Basic Track: The handler walks a straight line while leaving a faint scent trail (e.g., scented items). The dog is encouraged to follow the trail.

• • Advanced Tracking: Over time, the trail becomes more complex with turns, stops, and varying surfaces. Handlers can vary the trail's difficulty as the dog gains confidence.

4. Fun Scent Games

• Purpose: Keep the training light-hearted while still reinforcing scent skills.

• Skills Developed: Engagement, problem-solving, positive reinforcement.

• Activities:

• • Scented Hide-and-Seek: The handler hides an object (toy or treat) with a specific scent, and the dog works to locate it.

• • Scented Relay Races: In a group setting, handlers can work together in fun relay games, where each dog must find and alert to the scent in different challenges.

5. Teamwork and Communication

• Purpose: Develop effective communication between handler and dog.

• Skills Developed: Understanding cues, timing, patience.

• Activities:

• • Teach the dog to alert to the scent with a specific behavior (e.g., sit, paw, or nose).

• • Practice the handler’s role in guiding the dog without overshadowing their scent work.

6. Fun Challenges and Simulation

• Purpose: Challenge the dogs and handlers while making it enjoyable.

• Skills Developed: Problem-solving, confidence, teamwork.

• Activities:

• • Real-life Scenarios: Use scent work to mimic real-life situations (i.e. lost items, or tracking a person in the woods).

Benefits of Scent Work Classes:

• For Dogs: Builds confidence, engages mental and physical energy, develops natural instincts, and improves obedience.

• For Handlers: Strengthens communication with their dogs, improves understanding of canine behavior, and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Such classes are enjoyable and valuable for both dogs and handlers of various skill levels. Whether for fun or as a step toward competitive scent work or tracking trials, they provide an enriching experience for all involved!

How much does the class cost?

$220 for the 5-week series

This class is 7.5 HOURS of instruction for YOU.

Each team works independently and we take turn rotating through exercises. This allows for much needed down time for dogs between searches.

Why does the ticket price above indicate that it's free?

We're leveraging many of the cool features of Eventbrite, but not their fee collection one. Why? Because they charge for that, and we're trying to keep your costs down by keeping our costs down.

How often & when will we meet?

We will meet every Sunday for 5 weeks from, March 23rd, 2025 through April 27th, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm at the Pet Supplies Plus in the Kroger Complex off Alps Road & Baxter Street. (Weather permitting, week 5 will be held at Brooklyn Cemetery).

NOTE: No dogs week 1.

All the things:

• Please email a copy of your dog's vaccination records for the Dept of Ag.

• We will send you a liability form you can sign electronically.

• The registration form (unless you filled it out online)

• We will invoice you for the class.

Host or Publisher Sit Happens Dog Training & Behavior, LLC