AC Scent-Dogs

16/12/2025

A little update from AC SCENT-DOGS

I wanted to share a quick update and explain why things have been a bit quieter on the AC SCENT-DOGS side recently.

I’ll be honest, social media doesn’t come naturally to me at all. I’m very much someone who does the thing and then thinks, “I should’ve recorded that”. I will try to do better lol.

The bigger reason though, is that since losing Belle in August, I’ve struggled more than I expected — not just with training, but day to day in general. Living without her has affected every part of my life, with training being the most obvious. Belle was such a huge part of my world and my training, and without her I’ve found it hard to find my rhythm again.

I’ve been working on rebuilding that mojo with Nya. We’re doing little bits here and there, but nowhere near as much as we used to. I do sometimes feel like I’ve let her down- training looks different for us right now because I’m in a very different headspace but I’m
realising that that’s OK. I’m giving myself the time I need.

Looking ahead, My aim for next year is to get back into regular scent work with Nya, and we’re also joining a sports club to explore whether IGP, or at least working towards her BH, is the right path for her. Having goals again feels like a good step forward.

From a business point of view, I’ve also been doing a lot of reflecting. This year I’ve struggled with filling ongoing classes and finding a suitable venue, so moving forward the plan is to run UK Sniffer Dog Bronze workshops every few months, alongside the occasional fun trials. I am also hoping to complete my Silver and Gold to be able to offer these too.

Thank you so much to everyone who has continued to support me, check in, and stick around even while things have been quiet. It honestly means more than you’ll ever know.

With love
Claire & Nya

30/09/2025

Yes. She’s lean. No - she’s not skinny…and lean she will stay. People ask if it’s to keep her drivey or for training or behaviour but the truth is, it’s for her health….did you know…Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, with up to a third affected in their lifetime. Risk rises with age and varies by breed, with Golden Retrievers, boxers and large breeds like mastiffs and rotties showing particularly high rates.

Diet makes a difference. Obesity is strongly linked to higher risks of tumours, so keeping dogs lean is one of the best protections we have.

A landmark trial in dogs with lymphoma found that diets enriched with fish oil (EPA and DHA) and arginine improved survival and disease-free intervals. In another study, Scottish Terriers fed leafy green and yellow-orange vegetables several times a week had a significantly lower risk of bladder cancer.

While there’s no evidence that cutting out carbohydrates or following ketogenic diets prevents or treats cancer in dogs, the science does support lean body condition, targeted nutrients like omega-3s and arginine, and the potential benefits of vegetables in reducing risk.

I feed and have for two years. It’s perfect and I get a bunch of fresh treats, chews and extras to keep my dogs in good shape. Lucky for me, one of my best mates is also a nutrition expert so she helps keep me up to date as the industry changes.

02/09/2025

Busy minds = busy behaviours.
That’s why scent work is such a great thing to do with your high energy dogs.
When a dog gets to search, the world quiets down and focus takes over.

It’s more than enrichment.
It’s therapy for the nose, brain, and body.

This is why we love it. This is why your dog will too.

26/08/2025

11 days without our precious girl 💔 and I don’t think I’ll ever get used to how different the house feels. After 14 years, adapting to this “new” is so hard.

I’ve not really given Nya the time she needs recently — grief, no sleep, everything feels like a battle! I thought Nya was coping well. I honestly believed she didn’t really understand what was going on. Every time we cry, she appears with a toy and pushes it into us, almost insisting we play. We have laughed at her lack of understanding through the tears, but now I realise I might have been wrong - I think she does understand and I think she’s been trying to comfort us in her own way.

Over the past few days, I’ve noticed her searching more for Belle, and she seems so much more unsettled and unsure. It’s made me realise just how much confidence Belle gave her.

On today’s walk it was just me and Nya, and she never left my side. I think she is feeling it, the realisation that her best friend is not coming back - she is grieving too. I’m sorry if I haven’t been my best for you Nya. I promise to do better.

If you’re also going through grief, I get it. It’s brutal, it’s messy, and some days it feels impossible. But we’ll get there, one small step at a time. Sending love to anyone else who’s hurting right now ❤️🐾

16/08/2025

Our precious girl, our family is broken and we are devastated 💔. You were the life and soul of our home, it will never ever feel the same without you – not even close. You filled our lives with so much joy, you were the heart of our family.

People used to laugh when I said you were my best friend, but it was true! You were always there, right beside me through the madness of raising the girls and you watched them grow into beautiful young ladies. Through the laughter and the tears, the chaos and the calm. You saw it all. You never judged, just loved us unconditionally every single day.

We’ve been through so much together.
Some days were amazing, some were bloody hard – but you were the constant that made everything brighter just by being there with your whip of a tail, flip flop in your mouth and that Bellieboo sparkle in your eye.

You were the most amazing big sister to Nya. She adored you and you gave her so much confidence and love, a love that will stay with her for the rest of her life.

I honestly don’t know how I’ll get through losing you. I don’t think I ever will! But please know this – you’ll always be with me. They say grief is the price we pay for love and what a high price that is!! But I know we would pay it a thousand times over to be able to say that we were the lucky ones, we got to share life with you.

To my princess, I loved you the day I met you, I love you today and every day to come. My once in a lifetime girl.

Sleep tight Princess Belle 💖.
30/06/2011 - 15/08/2025

21/07/2025

Still a couple of places left on the course if you’re looking for a weekly class to attend with your pet dog. Message if interested

August Beginners Fun Scent Classes!

Ready to unleash your dog’s hidden talent? Join our Beginners Scent Work Classes at AC SCENT-DOGS, where you and your dog will explore the amazing world of scent detection in a fun, relaxed environment. We cover the bronze criteria of the UK Sniffer dogs and much more.

- Perfect for dogs of all breeds, ages, and energy levels
- Builds focus, confidence, and teamwork
- Taught by a UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Instructor and qualified WSDA Trainer

No experience needed – just a nose and a sense of adventure!

When?
Thursday August 7th at 6pm (6 week course)

Where?
The Grafton Centre, Grafton Street, Hyde, SK14 2AX

How much?
£120 for a 6 week block (£50 secures spot)

Classes run in small groups to ensure individual attention. Start your scent journey today and have fun with your dog.

Message to book or for more info.