Building strong Scent Work foundations should begin early in the training process. This webinar focuses on the core elements that shape a dog's ability to learn, engage, and perform confidently in any environment.
Arousal
Understanding and managing arousal is critical to successful searching. Learn how different arousal states impact scenting, problem-solving, focus, and decision-making. Participants will explore techniques for helping dogs achieve the optimal balance between excitement and self-control, allowing them to search with confidence and clarity.
Routines
Successful dogs thrive on predictable systems. Discover how pre-search, search, and post-search routines create consistency, reduce stress, and improve performance. Well-established routines help dogs understand their job, transition into work mode efficiently, and recover appropriately after searching.
Markers & Reinforcement
Clear communication drives learning. This section explores the effective use of markers, timing, and reinforcement strategies to build understanding, motivation, and reliability. Learn how thoughtful reward placement and reinforcement choices can influence search behaviors and long-term performance.
ABOUT THE WEBINAR SERIES
This three-part webinar series highlights the importance of a complete approach to scent work: odor is only one piece of the puzzle. The team’s success depends on strong foundations, clear communication, physical and mental readiness, and thoughtful training.
Teaching a dog to recognize and locate target odor is only one aspect of successful scent  work. Successful search performance depends on many other factors that influence how dogs learn, work, and communicate with their handlers. This three-part series explores the essential skills that support every stage of a team's scent work journey, from foundational behaviors to advanced problem-solving and real-world applications.
Whether you are just beginning your Scent Work journey or striving for higher levels of success, involved in competition or enjoying the sport for recreation, this series will provide practical tools and strategies to help develop confident, capable and effective search teams.
By the end of this series, participants will have a deeper understanding of the many factors that contribute to successful scent work outcomes and a practical framework for building confident, motivated, and effective search teams beyond the hide.
WEBINARS INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES
