It is all about the scent! We help you teach the dog to find a specific scent, not a specific item. This is similar to that used by drug detection dog handlers with HM Customs & Excise, it is a free flowing search which allows the dog to cover difficult areas effectively and the handler actively supports their dog to ensure the whole area has been checked, so the handler is a vital part of the search not simply an observer. This method is different to that used for obedience and working trials, search and rescue and tracking - but starting with us doesn’t mean you can’t train your dog to search using different methods ultimately (see below).
· Teamwork and relationship building starts on the first day.
· It is suitable for all breeds and ages of dogs.
· It is accessible to even those not motivated by toys or those that may be older and less keen or able to play.
· Dogs become more focused and less impulsive, they learn how to concentrate.
· They learn to look to their owner for help - this is a fun game which comes really naturally to the dogs where their human is involved.
· Older dogs get a new lease of life when they discover the new game.
· The real joy of Sniffing Dogs Scentwork is that each dog can work to their own ability, we teach you how to support your own individual dog, to build their sniffing confidence and have FUN doing it!
· Your dogs are allowed to be dogs and have fun, we aim to give you the skills to “control the sniff”, no more battling against their natural desire to sniff somewhere in the distance, you can build your relationship by playing the game wherever you are.
· It also helps in daily training situations, from improving calmness and focus, to improving recall, to learning to cope with new or fearful situations, it really will build your relationship with your dog.
About Us:-
Both Gaynor and Jo have grown up around dogs, we have years of previous experience teaching and assisting in a wide variety of classes using force free methods, with a huge variety of breeds and ages from puppies to oldies and content ranged from advanced obedience, Kennel Club Good Citizen classes to Cognitive Skills, but what really gives us joy is Scentwork , this because it truly is accessible to all and gives pet dogs such enrichment in their lives when their owners learn, with our help - the secrets of the sniff!!
We both have dogs who we have trained and have passed their Gold Kennel Club Good Citizen Test, Gaynor is also an Examiner for all of the Good Citizen Tests (Get in touch if you need an Examiner for your Club - we love a road trip).
We travelled the country together with our dogs for scent workshops, working our way up the levels and ultimately qualifying as Talking Dogs Scentwork Accredited Handlers. We are also Scentwork UK Level 1 Instructors (although this is not the style of searching we teach at our workshops).
Always looking to continue our Scentwork education (it’s addictive - you will find out!) we are currently enrolled on a six month instructors course with the WSDA (World Scent Dog Association) which is likely to give us new and more varied skills.
Also we are working our dogs for fun on an ongoing basis Tracking lost pets and people. Following assesments at some time in the future we may be able to offer this training option also (watch this space!) .
