Celebrate the Game and Focus on the Fun

Scent Work is unique and special. An activity that honors our dog's incredible sense of smell. An opportunity for us to be invited into their amazing world, all the while deepening our relationship and connection with our dog. The benefits Scent Work affords both dog and handler almost appear magical at times.

At its core, Scent Work is a game. Something for us to play with our dogs, something that we and our dogs should look forward to playing together.

Luckily, there are countless ways to play the game! There is an option that works for every dog and handler team on the planet. Perhaps we play occasionally when we have time, a special treat for us and our pup. When we do play, this can be on our own or with a group of friends. We can partner with an instructor to play the game in any number of ways, be it broadening our dog’s horizons, building their confidence or even prepping for trial.

The bottom line is this game is completely customizable. We can make it ours. A game that both we and our dogs eagerly look forward to playing.

There is simply nothing better than watching a dog who ADORES the sniffing game. They start doing their happy dance as we get ready for a practice session. Their eyes light up as we approach the start line. Their bodies are ablaze with a level of joy and exuberance that is downright addictive. We LOVE watching our dogs search!

Better still, the community is filled with fellow passionate sniffing aficionados. Their dogs are their everything and Scent Work has given them and their dogs so much. The support this community offers one another is incredible. Whereas newcomers, reactive dogs, sensitive dogs, senior dogs and even shy handlers may feel out of place in other contexts, they are welcomed and celebrated in the Scent Work community. We take the adage that ALL dogs, and thus their people, should be playing the sniffing game quite literally.

Reminding ourselves of all that Scent Work has to offer ourselves and our dogs is important.

So, take a moment to truly celebrate this special activity.

Recall the moments when you caught yourself smiling in awe as your dog worked their magic.

Focus on how much FUN this game can truly be.

Take a moment to think of everyone who continually strives to promote the sniffing game, offer more sniffing opportunities or simply celebrate how amazing Scent Work is. This includes yourself! Life is ridiculously busy. There are a million different options every single day of how you can spend your time. Yet, time and time again, you CHOOSE to grant your dog the GIFT of sniffing. That is amazing.

Celebrate all that Scent Work has to offer. How it helps us grow as dog owners, handlers and trainers. The way it grants our dogs the ability to be DOGS.

Focus on the fun that is an inherent and critical part of this game. Grant yourself permission to smile and laugh. Be silly and even vulnerable when playing with your dog. Support your fellow sniffing aficionados. Keep this lighthearted and something you and your dog will always look forward to.

Let’s get to sniffing and help spread the word.

More sniffing. More fun. More happy dogs and handlers.

Dianna has been training dogs professionally since 2011. She has done everything from teaching group training classes and private lessons, to specializing in working with fearful, reactive and aggressive dogs, to being a trial official and competition organization staff member.

Following a serious neck and back injury, Dianna was forced to retire from in-person dog training. But she was not ready to give up her passion! So, she created Pet Dog U and Scent Work University to provide outstanding online dog training to as many dog handlers, owners and trainers possible…regardless of where they live! Dianna is incredibly grateful to the amazingly talented group of instructors who have joined PDU and SWU and she looks forward to the continued growth of PDU and SWU and increased learning opportunities all of these online dog training platforms can provide.

In June 2021, Dianna and her business partner, Sean McMurray launched Cyber Scent Work, an organization that operates in the gray space between training and trialing in Scent Work. With Cyber Scent Work, handlers have the opportunity to earn Qs, titles and ribbons while also receiving helpful training advice regardless of whether they qualify or not! The advent of the Cyber Sniffing Games, Traditional Cyber Scent Work Program, in-person and online assessments have been met with much fanfare! Be sure to check out Cyber Scent Work, you will be happy you did!