Scent work looks glamorous on Instagram - dogs leaping through rubble, heroic slow‑motion sniffs, handlers looking like they’re about to save the world. Our introductory class… is not that.

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Think of it as the preschool of sniffing. It’s where your dog learns the ABCs of using their nose on purpose, not just to locate the treat you “hid” in your pocket.

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Beginners scent work

Scent work is a sport built around your dog’s natural superpower: their nose. Every dog can do it, from the speed-demon agility dog to the couch potato who only sprints when you open the cheese drawer.

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In our intro class, we focus on:

• Imprinting - teaching your dog that a specific odour (usually birch) is the coolest, most rewarding thing in the universe.

• Building confidence - letting your dog realise, “Hey, I can find that smell!”

• Handler skills - learning how not to accidentally drag your dog away from the hide they just found.

• Fun - because if you’re not laughing at least once per class, your dog probably is.

This is the foundation. The tiny steppingstone. The “before” picture. Search and rescue? That’s the PhD. We’re starting with finger painting.

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And importantly: SCENT WORK TAKES TIME. Real scent work is built slowly, step by step, with lots of repetition, patience, and encouragement. Every dog learns at their own pace, and that’s part of the joy of the sport.

 

​Who is this class for?

Our Beginners Scent Work class is ideal if:

• You’re new to scent work and want clear, step‑by‑step guidance.

• Your dog enjoys food or toys and likes to sniff.

• You want a low‑impact activity that suits all ages and breeds.

• You’re happy to take things at your dog’s pace - no rushing, no pressure.

 

What to expect in class

Each week, we introduce simple, achievable exercises that build your dog’s skills.

You’ll learn:

• How to imprint a target scent.

• How to motivate your dog using food or toys.

• How to read your dog’s search behaviour.

• How to set up easy searches at home.

 

Your dog will:

• Search for food or a target scent in boxes and containers.

• Build confidence in new environments.

• Work in short, focused sessions with plenty of breaks.