Put your dog’s most powerful sense to work! Scent Work is an exciting, confidence-building activity inspired by the work of professional detection dogs. Dogs learn to search for a specific scents: birch, anise, clove and cypress; and communicate to their handler when they have found it—all while doing something that comes naturally to them.

Scent Work is open to dogs of all breeds, ages, and experience levels. It provides valuable mental enrichment, builds independence, and gives dogs and handlers a whole new way to communicate. Whether you hope to compete in AKC Scent Work trials or simply want an engaging activity to enjoy together, every successful search is a reason to celebrate.

What You’ll Learn

Our Scent Work classes help dogs develop organized, enthusiastic search skills while teaching handlers how to recognize and support their dogs’ natural working styles. Depending on the class level, teams may work with containers, interior spaces, exterior areas, buried hides, designated target odors, or the handler’s own scent.

You'll learn how to:

• Introduce your dog to search games and target odor
• Build an independent and confident search
• Recognize changes in behavior when your dog detects scent
• Develop a clear, reliable indication
• Use your leash and body position without interfering with the search
• Work through distractions and increasingly complex search areas
• Prepare for AKC Scent Work trials and title opportunities

Skills You’ll Build

Scent Work strengthens far more than your dog’s nose. As you learn to trust your dog and read the information they provide, you’ll build:

• Stronger communication and teamwork
• Greater confidence and independence
• Improved focus and problem-solving
• Better observation and handling skills
• Mental enrichment and an appropriate outlet for natural instincts
• A deeper bond built through trust and shared success

What to Bring

• A large supply of small, soft, high-value treats
• A well-fitted collar or harness
• A 6-foot leash and a longer search line if recommended by instructor
• Water and a bowl
• A crate and optional crate cover; some crates may be available at the facility
• A willingness to watch, learn, and trust your dog
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