Let's Chat: AKC Scent Work Clubs - Passion and Realities

Jennifer is an AKC Scent Work Judge and founder of the Sonoran Desert Scent Work Club and is passionate about all things Scent Work. It is always inspiring to speak with people like Jennifer who take the initiative to embark on creating more sniffing opportunities in their communities. So impressive!

Jennifer shared the following: "Scent Work is a wonderful hobby for me that has turned into a passion on many levels, the most being able to spend time and have fun with my own dogs! I showed up to my first trial with my All American dog Buddy with a leash, some treats, a questionable crate and hope. After that first Q I was hooked, absolutely positively 100% all in. There weren’t very many training opportunities in Tucson, AZ in 2018 so I dove into online training, books and podcasts.

This passion lead me to form The Sonoran Desert Scent Work Club in Tucson, Arizona. We hosted our first trial in April 2021, our second in May 2021. The club’s official mentored event was in August 2021 with Michelle Munson, Caroline Oldham and Charlene Dunn judging. The friendships and mentorship created with these ladies remain a mainstay in my Scent Work journey. AKC Scent Work Director Judith Powell was the AKC rep at Mt Lemmon. She was there to observe, quietly offer advice but give her blessing to SDSWC full AKC license. Judith loved what she saw in our club and definitely gave her blessing.

As a Judge and Trial Chair I have met so many fabulous people and their canine partners. As a nurse, I have always considered myself a scientist of sorts. Scent Work has given me an opportunity to “geek out” on scent theory, dog behavior, and training. I enjoy all aspects of learning in this sport, whether through articles, webinars, podcasts, or seminars and workshops. I crave it all! I have competed and titled in AKC Scent Work and NACSW with my dogs."