Question 1

What is Scent Work University?

Answer

Scent Work University is an online dog training platform that focuses on all things Scent Work! We offer online courses, webinars and seminars to give you all the information you need to be successful in Scent Work!

Question 2

I only want to play for fun...is SWU still for me?

Answer

YES! At Scent Work University, we understand there are two separate elements of Scent Work: Scent Work the GAME and Scent Work the SPORT. Honestly, every dog everywhere should be playing Scent Work the GAME, but only some dog and handler teams would enjoy, or would be suitable, to participate in Scent Work the SPORT. With this in mind, we offer courses that can help everyone, from the handler who is simply looking for a way to fulfill their dog's life, to the competitor who wants to improve their trialing experience.

Question 3

What training methods does SWU use?

Answer

Great question! While SWU does feature a variety of highly qualified instructors who may approach the subject of Scent Work from different angles, all courses will be taught using positive reinforcement and reward-based training techniques. For our Foundation Sniffing Program, we start the dogs off with hunting for food, otherwise known as primary, to help cement their understanding of the game, to build their drive and enthusiasm while also setting them up to succeed. Our other programs may use a variety of reinforcers, and handlers are always urged to find and use what works best for their own individual dog.

Question 4

Online dog training...does that really work?!

Answer

We completely understand your hesitation. After all, shouldn't dog training be done in person?! In developing the courses for SWU, our goal was to provide high-quality instruction that not only provided the steps to complete a particular exericse, but would also promote the learner (you) to understand why an exercise was being done, and how adjustments could be made for each individual dog. All the courses offered at SWU are based off in-person group training courses, and we are extremely proud of our incredibly talented instructors who take great pride in being a teacher, first and foremost. One of the biggest advantages of online dog training is you having access to so many talented instructors, regardless of where you live! Then there is the convenience factor. No longer do you have to try to squeeze a group class into your already hectic schedule. The days of rushing home from work, grabbing the dog, sitting in traffic to dash into class frazzled, stressed and worn out are a thing of the past. With SWU, you can go through the material at your own pace, and when it works best for you. By offering three enrollment options, SWU allows you to decide the type of experience you prefer: an intensive instructor interaction or something more relaxed and low-key. It is entirely up to you. Online dog training is a wonderful option, and we hope SWU will provide a helpful service to as many dogs and handlers as possible!

Question 5

Are there refunds?

Answer

There are no refunds once the course has begun. Special consideration will be given due to dog or handler injury or death. Please direct these inquiries to refund@scentworkuniversity.com.

Question 6

Are results guaranteed?

Answer

No. As with all dog training services, the results hinge on a multitude of variables. These include the physical and behavioral status of the dog as well as the frequency, consistency and proficiency in which the training is conducted. It would be unethical and improper for SWU to guarantee results for any of our courses.

Question 7

How do I stay informed?

Answer

Great question! There are a couple of different ways you can do this. The easiest is to subscribe to the SWU mailing list. We send out notifications when courses and webinars are offered and available to enroll in. Another option is to follow us on social media. We have a Facebook Page, Facebook Group in addition to posting regularly on Twitter and Instagram. Of course, you are always more than welcome to contact us directly at if you have a question.

Question 8

I am a breeder and would like to refer my puppy people to you. Are there any discounts for this?

Answer

YES! We are delighted to partner with several breeders and are always happy to partner with more. We will create a special 30% off discount code for your puppy owners to use toward either the Puppy Scent Work or Introduction to Scent Work courses. Afterwards, we provide a 20% discount for subsequent enrollments. The more dogs we can get sniffing, the happier we are! If you are a breeder and are interested in partnering with Scent Work University, please contact Dianna at dianna@scentworku.com and she will set everything up for you.

Question 9

I work for a shelter and would like to get our dogs involved in Scent Work...do you offer a programs for shelters?

Answer

YES! We are delighted to partner with shelters to help improve the lives of the dogs in their care. We are in the process of creating shelter-specific courses, but in the meantime, shelters may receive a 30% discount on any of online Scent Work courses. If you a staff member of a shelter or rescue and would like to partner with Scent Work University, please contact Dianna at dianna@scentworku.com and she will work to get this set up for you ASAP.

Question 10

How long are your online Scent Work courses?

Answer

Our courses range from a single topic with several modules, to 2, 4 and 6-week progressive courses. All participants will have access to the course materials. For our progressive courses, Students are urged to follow along week-to-week, whereas Auditors and Watchers are welcome to access the materials and work on the exercises when it works best for their schedule.

Question 11

How much do your courses cost?

Answer

Participants may choose from three enrollment options: Student, Auditor, and Watcher. The cost for the course depends on the enrollment level and the length of the course. The cost is clearly outlined in each course.

Question 12

Do you offer installment plans?

Answer

Unfortunately no, SWU does not offer installment payments. Course packages, however, are available for certain courses. Be certain to check them out!

Question 13

How do I submit payment?

Answer

We are all about offering choices. You may submit your payment securely using either PayPal, Google Pay or via credit card. All options are secure and Scent Work University does not store your credit card information.

Question 14

What will be covered in a course?

Answer

This depends on the course. Each course will include both a Course Details and Course Outline section, so you can see what exactly will be covered, and if the course is good match for both you and your dog.

Question 15

Is there a limit to how many courses I can register for?

Answer

No! You may enroll in as many courses as you wish! We do recommend participants who are interested in enrolling as Students limit themselves to 3 courses per dog. This will help ensure the dog does not get overwhelmed or confused.

Question 16

How do I access my course?

Answer

Great question! When you first enroll, you will create an account through our online dog training hub, Online Dog Training University. Your email will be your username and you will create an account password. You may then login here to access any and all online courses, webinars or seminars you purchase through our various online dog training platfoms (Dog Sport University, Family Dog University and Scent Work University).

Question 17

Which devices can I view my course on?

Answer

Desktop, laptop, mobile device, tablet...you should be able to access, view and enjoy your course for any device!

Question 18

I enrolled as a Student...can I submit videos for more than one dog?

Answer

Great question! When you enroll as a Student, you can select the number of dogs you will be taking through the course and will submitting videos for the instructor to review (1-5 dogs). There is a $50.00/fee for each additional dog you submit videos for.

Question 19

Wait...where do I submit my videos?!

Answer

Another great question! Each course will have it's own private Student Facebook Group. You will be able to post your videos and homework assignments there. If you would prefer to not use Facebook - trust us, we get it - you may arrange to email links of your videos directly to the instructor to review.

Question 20

How do I provide feedback on a course I completed?

Answer

We want to hear from you! At the end of every course there will be a short feedback form that you may fill out. When you do, we will send you a $25.00 gift certificate that you may use toward any SWU online course, seminar or webinar.

Question 21

How long are your webinar?

Answer

We offer 45-minute and 90-minutes webinars.

Question 22

How long do I have access to a webinar after I have purchased it?

Answer

Great question and we are delighted to offer our webinar replays on a continual basis. That's right, no deadlines! The only requirement to maintain your continual access to is to purchase at least 1 webinar from any of our online dog training platforms (Dog Sport University, Family Dog University and Scent Work University) a year.

Question 23

I ordered a live webinar...will I still get access to the webinar replay afterwards?

Answer

YES! After each live webinar, we take the entire presentation and edit it to ensure it is "clean" - the audio and videos are excellent quality, etc. We then send an email to all of the live webianr participants with a link that will allow them to add the webinar replay to their Online Dog Training University account for free. Some people prefer to not have the webinar replay, so we think it is best to give people the option to add it or not.

Question 24

When would I receive a Certificate of Completion?

Answer

For our online courses, Students who complete the entire course and submit the Request for Certificate form will receive a Certificate of Completion via email. For our online webinars, if after completing the webinar replay you request CEUs, you will also receive a Certificate of Completion.

Question 25

I enrolled as an Auditor or Watcher...will I receive a Certificate?

Answer

YES! If you enrolled as an Auditor, completed the course and submitted the Request Certificate form, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance. If you enrolled as a Watcher, completed the course and submitted the Request Certificate form, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance - Self-Study certificate.

Question 26

How do I request CEUs?

Answer

We submit as many of webinars as possible to the CCPDT and KPA to be approved for CEUs. If a webinar is approved, this will be noted in the sales page and there will be a "Request CEUs" form with the webinar replay. When you submit a Request for CEUs, we will process this request for you and send you a Certificate of Completion for your records. We are also working to get our webinars approved by NACSW. If there is another organization you are looking to earn CEUs for, let us know and we will reach out to them to see if our webinars can be approved.

Question 27

What if I need technical help, who do I contact?

Answer

We are always happy to help you! Contact us at dianna@scentworku.com and we will work on finding a solution as quickly as possible.

Question 28

May I receive in-person help?

Answer

SWU focuses on providing online dog training, however you are always welcome to reach out to the instructors to see if they would be available to offer in-person services. This is crucially important if you were looking for assistance with more serious behavioral issues such as reactivity, aggression or separation anxiety. These issues need to be addressed in-person, so that your trainer may effectively develop a training plan and behavior modification program. You may reach out to the instructors directly here.

Question 29

I have a topic suggestion for a course, seminar or webinar...who do I contact?

Answer

Fabulous, we would love to hear from you! Please submit any course ideas or suggestions to dianna@scentworku.com. As a "Thank You", we will send you a $25.00 gift certificate that you may use toward any of our online courses, seminars or webinars.

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