Get Started in Scent Work
Get Started in Scent Work
Heard about Scent Work and want to try it out? You've come to the right place.
Solid Foundation
Our Introduction to Scent Work course has been used by countless students beginning their Scent Work journey.
Whether you are trying this out for fun or are looking to compete someday, this course will provide a strong foundation for your future Scent Work training.
Our course utilizes the K9 Nose Work® training method focusing on building the dog's hunt, confidence and independence as they search for food hides.
Convenience
Learn online at your own pace with prerecorded lessons.
Access never expires. Watch whenever you like on desktop, mobile or tablet.
You can do all of the exercises in your own home.
Looking for a more interactive experience? Enroll in a Student session where you will submit videos and attend live Zoom meetings with the course instructor.
How Can I Get Started?
Our Introduction to Scent Work course is an online training course that will teach you the fundamentals of Scent Work. Structured video lessons will walk you through how to get started in this activity.
In this course, you will learn:
- how to set hides for your dog to find
- how to read your dog's behavior and recognize when they find a hide
- how to handle your dog while they are searching
- how to design searches that keep your dog challenged
Enjoy continual access to the course materials and go through the lessons at your own pace.
What Our Clients Are Saying
FAQs
What if I need more help?
Our courses are self-directed, so you may go through the material at your own pace. However, if you prefer a more interactive learning experience consider our Student option. You will complete homework assignments, receive video reviews and attend a weekly Zoom class with the course instructor.
If you are looking for a one-time consultation to ask questions, you can always schedule a one-on-one Zoom consultation with the course instructor.
Do I need to buy any special equipment?
Scent Work can be played with treats alone, especially to start.
For the Introduction to Scent Work course, some of the lessons will also require:
- leash or long line
- harness or collar
- a variety of boxes (Amazon boxes, shoe boxes, tissue boxes, etc.)
- plastic lids (e.g., from yogurt container)
- Gludots or earthquake putty
How do I access the course?
Once you enroll in the course, we will create an account for you on the Scent Work University site.
You will receive an email with a link to create your password.
Upon logging into your account, you may acces the training videos and materials on mobile or desktop.
How long do I have access to the course?
You will have continual access to all the course materials and may go through them as often and for as long as you wish.
There are no deadlines, cut-off dates or expiration dates to worry about.
How can I learn more about Scent Work?
For an in-depth view into what Scent Work is all about, check out our FREE What is Scent Work webinar.
Why not use target odor like Birch, Anise or Clove?
In following the K9 Nose Work® training method created by NACSW, our focus is to first build the dog's hunt drive, confidence and independence. All of this can be effectively done using food.
This approach also allows us to identify any areas where the dog may need more help or support before introducing Birch, Anise or Clove. With this solid foundation, adding these target odors to the picture will be a breeze.
Does this training apply to all organizations (AKC, NACSW, etc)?
Yes! The Introduction to Scent Work course builds a solid foundation that is necessary to succeed in all the competition organizations.
My dog can already search for food, what course should I take?
The Introduction to Scent Work course includes exercises designed to assess and build the dog's confidence and independence.
If you feel your dog can confidently tackle food searches using a variety of containers and in multiple types of rooms, a good next step is the Exteriors and Vehicles with Primary course, as searching outdoors and vehicles are challenging for many dogs.
Otherwise, if you think you dog is ready to hunt for a novel target odor, we recommend that you start wtih the the Introducing Birch course.