Scent Work
Scent work was designed to mimic the work of detection dog teams. It has evolved to become a sport of navigation, endurance, memory and precision. There’s a strong element of communication, as you are responsible for reading your dogs behaviour and alerting the judge to any finds you make.
Foundation
The classes center on generalising skills to a wide array of environments, and building a system that strengthens independance and communication between dog and handler.
ANKC Competitors
Support for dogs and handlers from Novice up to Ultimate. There is a focus on establishing strong foundational skills, and tailoring the learning to the individual team.
Scent for Fun
Seeking odour as a tool for behaviour change. Scent for Fun allows dogs to enjoy new spaces, build confidence and engage in a new activity with their own goals.
Olfactory fun awaits!
Foundation – For new dogs
Foundation consists of two parts. There is a six-week introductory class, followed by a six week gap for you to consolidate what you have learnt so far. During this time, you and your dog learn about navigating space, handling techniques, ignoring distractions and finding the odour source. Foundation Part 2 is a casual class designed to develop an alert behaviour and introduce dogs to odour. Foundation 2 also allows dogs competing at the lower levels to revisit basic skills. Those who have not attended Foundation 1 are able to attend Foundation 2 upon request.
Preparation – For ongoing assistance
Traditional group classes running from 6 to 10 weeks in length. Designed for dogs either currently or preparing to trial, to both practice existing skills and introduce new skills. Preparation classes allow you to improve gradually over the weeks across multiple areas of scent work. They are a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises. The preparation classes include Novice Preparation (which covers skills for Novice and Advanced) and Excellent Preparation (which covers skills for Excellent, Masters and Ultimate). There are minimal requirements for each class, so you can pick and choose your class depending on where your dog needs additional support.
Skills Practice – For casual skill development
One-off classes designed to fill in any gaps. Skills Practice focuses on one specific skill within the session. These can include navigating space, reducing frustration and effective marshalling. You can mix and match the skills you need, providing flexible learning. Skills Practice is also the cheapest class on offer, providing an affordable way to upskill. Skills Practice is offered intermittently at both Quakers Hill and Thornleigh
Trial Practice – For new experiences and trial preparation
One-off classes designed to test you and your dog. Trial Practice was born from my aim to provide dogs with plenty of variety in their scent work journey. Trial Practice takes place in unique locations all around Sydney. It works similarly to a mock trial, and dogs from food searches up to Ultimate are generally accommodated (depending on the size and complexity of the specific venue). It provides an opportunity to test you and your dog outside the trial environment, in a more relaxed setting.
Scent for Fun – Confidant canines through olfactory exploration
Scent for Fun sessions are distinct from competitive scent work. Instead of training to compete, we are utilising olfactory navigation as a tool for behaviour change. Scent for Fun can be integrated in to behaviour plans, or run as one-off or weekly classes (8 week curriculum). This is an option for vet clinics, training clubs, rescue groups and others looking to embolden dogs and their owners with new strategies and perspectives.
Workshops and Webinars – For clubs and other organisations
I’m currently only running workshops and webinars by request for various clubs and other organisations. Please send me an email to arrange more information about this, as I’m always tailoring the contents for the occasion.
Clubs who are DogsNSW affiliates, and rescues who are registered non-profits are eligible for discounted rates.
Quakers Hill
Convenient for residents of Western Sydney, including the Blacktown, Hills, Hawkesbury, Penrith and Liverpool areas.
New Venues Coming Soon …
Other Venues
Various other spaces, including community halls, schools, commercial and non-profit properties. These locations are used on occasion for one-off sessions (known as Trial Practice) and workshops. Locations are scattered all across Sydney
Other Resources
The list of cool internet things can be found here, for your viewing pleasure
Frequently-asked Questions
Are reactive dogs welcome?
Yes, as long as some conditions are met.
Reactive dogs are welcome if they fulfill two criteria. Dogs generally won’t see another dog during the class, so I’m happy to accept most reactive dogs into all levels. Dogs who are muzzled are restricted to Scent for Fun only.
- They are not putting another person or dogs physical or mental welfare at risk with their presence. This means that they are not going to injure a person, or another dog.
- Their own physical or mental welfare is not compromised by their attendance. This means that they are not stressed during their time either in the class, or waiting in between turns.
What training methods do you use?
It entirely depends on you and your dog!
Each dog is an individual, and I’m always aiming to embrace their unique learning styles. I use a variety of methods, mainly food searching for skill development, visual targets for alert development and a ‘break it down to build it up’ approach. I’ll also dabble in pairing, the pipe method, training odours, ACE Freework, social imitation, dog-driven search and a couple of other methodologies when the situation calls for them. I’m pretty flexible.
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