Serenity Scent Work

20/01/2025

Week 2 of K9 Nose Work Foundations at The Woof Shed.! 🐾

Tonight, our wonderful teams continued building value in boxes while tackling new complexities designed to boost their problem-solving skills and confidence. It’s incredible to watch these dogs grow more curious and self-assured with each search!

Next week, we’ll introduce some distractions to keep things interesting—can’t wait to see how they rise to the challenge!

15/01/2025

For anyone looking for some upcoming ACSW events!

13/01/2025

New vessel feels ☺️

11/01/2025

🌟 Working Dogs Down Under: Herding Workshops! 🌟

Looking to develop your dog’s herding skills? I can personally recommend Downunder Working Dogs after taking part in their workshops with my own dog, McQueen. It’s been an amazing experience seeing his skills and confidence grow!

🐾 Beginner Workshop
📅 1st February
📍 Marulan
Learn the basics of working with herding dogs in this full-day workshop (9:30 AM – 4:30 PM).
💰 $350

🐾 Ongoing Workshop
📅 22nd January
📍 Marulan
Already completed a Beginner Workshop? Take your dog’s herding to the next level in this half-day workshop (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM).
💰 $250

🐾 One-on-One Sessions
📅 By appointment for tailored training.

To book, email [email protected] with your name and the date you’d like to attend. Spots fill quickly, so don’t miss out!

👉 Whether you’re starting out or ready to advance, these workshops are a fantastic opportunity to work with experienced trainers and watch your dog thrive.

05/01/2025

Today, the world lost an incredible force in the world of animal training and behavior, Karen Pryor. Her groundbreaking work in positive reinforcement and clicker training transformed how we connect with and teach our animals, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.

Karen’s book, Don’t Shoot the Dog, was a game-changer for so many of us, shaping the way we view behavior—not just in animals but in people too. She taught us the power of kindness, understanding, and clarity in communication.

Her legacy lives on in every dog taught with compassion, every trainer who believes in positive methods, and every moment where learning becomes a joyful experience.

Rest in peace, Karen. You’ve changed the world for the better, and we are forever grateful.

03/01/2025

Mantrailing: THROUGH AN ECOLOGICAL LENS.

Most of you who know us at Taff Trailers know that both Chris and I (Rhi) have an educational and working background in Ecology. I personally have a background in Ecology and Animal behaviour, and this is part of the reason I love mantrailing so much - observing animals interacting with their environment to follow scent trails in a way that feels natural to them, and placing us, the human end of the lead, as the role of an Ethologist - an observer and interpreter of natural canine behaviour.

We have all encountered those moments trailing, when out dogs have done something unexpected. Taken an unexpected route, found a 'simple' trail difficult, or a 'difficult' trail simple for example. As handlers and instructors, we try to theorise reasons as to why a dog may have done X or Y, and a good handler and instructor will consider weather, distraction, wind, humidity and a variety of other factors that we as humans can sense, perceive and understand as reasons as to why a dog may perform a particular behaviour - and an excellent instructor will offer good theories, but few certainties beyond what we know as fact.
But, I believe, that there are often Ecological/biological reasons as to why a dog behaves in different ways on the trail that almost definitely wouldn't be considered unless we begin to view trailing through an Ecological and Ethological lens, and that oftentimes, we can't even begin to perceive what caused the change in behaviour, and why.

There is an entire world that exists beyond our sensory perception as humans, that dogs are engaging with via their massively superior olfactory system - and as a result, we know absolutely nothing about how any of these unknowable factors may affect our dogs' trailing.

I was struck by this thought particularly strongly today when I came across this "Hair Ice" in one of our regular trailing spots, which is a natural phenomenon that occurs in nature when a very specific set of conditions are met; the right type of broadleaf tree with decaying wood gets infected by a particular fungus, and then in particular humidity the combination of fungus and ice causes this hair like structure to appear. The only reason we know that an interaction occurs between these variables is the fact that it produces a visual effect - something that humans can perceive, which prompted scientists to study it.

This got me thinking: We know, ecologically, that there are so many organisms that we can't perceive and have shockingly little understanding of, interacting with each other every day - so much of which we aren't clear on with regards to science, or that hasn't been interpreted scientifically at all. We know even less about what sort of effect these interactions, that often potentially produce odours or chemicals undetectable to us, have on our dogs, scent and odour molecules, and their ability to trail.

What I'm trying to say, is that it is extremely likely that there are factors that make trails easier, harder or even impossible for a dog to trail, or trail in a particular way - that are controlled by factors entirely beyond our understanding, because we have no way of perceiving them.

This is one of the things I love about Ecology, Ethology and Mantrailing, is that there is SO much we don't know, and can only begin to learn through careful observation, and so much we just have to trust the dog to know best.

30/12/2024

⏳ Final Hours: Boxing Day Deals End Tonight!

Time’s running out to take advantage of these incredible deals:

🐍 $100 off Snake Avoidance Training: A self-paced, 12-week program with everything you need to keep your dog safe.

🐾 15% off Pricing Plans for Mantrailing Progression & K9 Nose Work Continuing Courses: Advance your trailing skills with longer trails and blind searches, or progress to target odours and complex searches. All plans include a 2-year expiry.

🐾 15% off K9 Nose Work Foundation 6-Week Course (starting January 13): A fun way to begin your dog’s scent work journey.

🎁 15% off Gift Cards: A thoughtful gift for dog lovers—valid for any course or workshop!

⏰ Hurry—deals expire at midnight tonight!

📲 Visit serenitydogtraining.com.au/book-online to claim your deal before it’s too late.

29/12/2024

🎉🐍 Boxing Day Sale: $100 OFF Snake Avoidance Training! 🐍🎉

Prepare your dog for a safer summer with our Snake Avoidance Training Program—now $100 off! 🌞🐾

🛡️ What’s included:
✅ Self-paced online course with 12-week coaching support
✅ Zoom catch-ups for tailored guidance
✅ One-year access to course materials
✅ A snake kit with sheds for home practice

💸 Originally $550, now only $450!
📅 Offer ends December 31, 2024—don’t miss out!

Give your dog the skills they need to stay safe while exploring the outdoors.

👉 Message us to enrol (sign-ups not available via the website).

28/12/2024

Boxing Day Sale: Kick-Start Your 2025 Scent Work Journey! 🎉🐾

Ready to dive into an exciting new year with your dog? Don’t miss these opportunities to learn, grow, and bond while exploring the amazing world of scent work:

🐾 Mantrailing Intro Workshop
Curious about Mantrailing? Join us in Marulan on January 25 for a fun and rewarding workshop! Strengthen your bond with your dog while learning a unique skill together.

🐾 K9 Nose Work Continuing Classes
Completed the Beginners/Foundations course? Take your skills to the next level! Our new continuing classes at The Woof Shed in Mittagong start Monday nights in 2025, with more advanced searches to challenge and excite your dog.

🎁 Boxing Day Bonus: Secure your spot now and start 2025 with an adventure you and your dog will love!

👉 Book today at serenitydogtraining.com.au/book-online.

Let’s make 2025 unforgettable for you and your dog! 🐶✨ Have questions? Send me a message—I’m here to help. 💌

27/12/2024

🎉 Hey Super Sniffers! 🎉

We’re kicking off Boxing Day with an exclusive 15% OFF all Pricing Plans—just for you! 🐾

What’s included:
✨ Save 15% on Pricing Plans
✨ Ideal for those who’ve completed Beginners Courses or Intro Workshops, these plans make it easy to keep your K9 Nose Work® and Mantrailing journeys going strong with Continuing Courses and Progression Sessions!

How to claim your discount:
1️⃣ Click "Explore Plans" when booking
2️⃣ Use code BDP2024 at checkout
3️⃣ Hurry—offer ends Dec 31, 2024!

Bonus Perks:
🎓 Plans are valid for 2 YEARS, so you can train at your own pace!
🐾 One plan per customer.

This is your chance to save while securing your spot in future courses!

👉 Explore and book now: serenitydogtraining.com.au/book-online

Don’t miss out—offer ends Dec 31! 🎄

🐶

26/12/2024

Use code "BDF2024" FOR 15% OFF

🎉 K9 Nose Work® Foundations is here! 🎉

Kick off 2025 with an exciting new adventure for you and your dog! 🐾✨

Starting January 13 at 5:30 PM at The Woof Shed, Mittagong, this 6-week course is the perfect introduction to scent work—an activity inspired by working detection dogs that’s as fun as it is enriching!

🐶 In this course, your dog will:
🔍 Learn to use their nose to search for treats or toys
💪 Build confidence in new environments
🎯 Strengthen their focus and independence
❤️ Deepen your bond through teamwork

Each dog works individually in a calm, low-stress environment. By the end, they’ll be searching entire rooms and outdoor areas like a pro! 🌟

Spaces are limited—secure your spot now!
📲 Book online: 🎉 K9 Nose Work® Foundations is here! 🎉

Kick off 2025 with an exciting new adventure for you and your dog! 🐾✨

Starting January 13 at 5:30 PM at The Woof Shed, Mittagong, this 6-week course is the perfect introduction to scent work—an activity inspired by working detection dogs that’s as fun as it is enriching!

🐶 In this course, your dog will:
🔍 Learn to use their nose to search for treats or toys
💪 Build confidence in new environments
🎯 Strengthen their focus and independence
❤️ Deepen your bond through teamwork

Each dog works individually in a calm, low-stress environment. By the end, they’ll be searching entire rooms and outdoor areas like a pro! 🌟

Spaces are limited—secure your spot now!
📲 Book online: https://www.serenitydogtraining.com.au/service-page/k9-nose-work-foundations-1

Let’s make 2025 your dog’s year to shine! 🐕💨

Start your K9 Nose Work® journey with K9 Nose Work® Foundations, the perfect introduction to this enriching and fun activity inspired by working detection dogs.

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas from photobombing Phoebe 🤣🤣

24/12/2024

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from Serenity Scent Work! ✨🎄

Wishing you, your loved ones, and your amazing dogs a joyful and relaxing Christmas. 🐾💛 Thank you for being part of our wonderful community this year—it’s been such a gift to work with you and watch your dogs thrive!

I’m taking a short break and will be back on January 8th, ready for more scent work adventures in 2025. Until then, enjoy this special time with your loved ones, and give your dogs an extra cuddle from me! 🐶🎁

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Jess, Mick, Pedro, Ninja, McQueen & Phoebe 😊

23/12/2024

🎁🐾 Gift Cards Now Available! 🐾🎁

Looking for the perfect gift for the dog lover in your life?
Serenity Scent Work gift cards are here!

Whether it's K9 Nose Work, Mantrailing, or Free Work sessions, our gift cards can be used for any of our workshops, courses, or private sessions.

Available in pre-set or custom amounts with a 24 month expiry!

https://www.serenitydogtraining.com.au/gift-card

23/12/2024

Merry Christmas Wolfgang 🎁

23/12/2024

Merry Christmas, Z**i ❤️

23/12/2024

Saturday's Mantrailing Progression Class Recap

Saturday’s session was all about pushing boundaries and building skills, and every team brought their A-game!

Team Beans & Team Diesel focused on fine-tuning their target sniff cues – both teams made fantastic progress.

Team George H tackled the challenge of working with a new trail layer while a previous one was still present. They did an amazing job building clarity and focus!

Team Chippa took on slightly longer trails and handled them like a champ.

Team George S worked on shorter but more technical trails, showing off some impressive problem-solving.

It’s incredible to see the bond and teamwork growing stronger with every session. Great work, everyone – looking forward to the next adventure!