What is Scent Detection?

Scent Detection is a form of olfactory/nosework that teaches you and your dog to work as a team to locate a specific target odour. The practical applications of scentwork are immense – dogs across the world are using their noses in search & rescue work, in conservation work, in medical work, and in law enforcement. We use specially trained dogs to detect diseases, alert us to medical episodes, find drugs and explosives, locate people missing in disaster areas, and even look for bed bugs in hotels!

For our pet dogs, scent detection is a great mental workout, and a low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by many dogs that may not be able to cope with more physically demanding sports such as agility or flyball. Because dogs can be worked one at a time, it’s also a fantastic activity for nervous, excitable and reactive dogs, as to some extent we can control their environment and allow them to work without being exposed to stress triggers.

In our scent detective classes, we teach both passive and active search, and use a variety of different target odours. Usually we start with red Kong, because this is safe and easy to creative a positive association with. Our dogs work for whatever reward they prefer – for some this is food/treats, for others it’s play, for some it’s verbal and physical praise, while others find the work so intrinsically rewarding that they aren’t as interested in what we can offer them.

If you have a dog with high work drive that you can’t ever physically tire, then you need to look at how to mentally work them to bring their energy levels down. In cases like this, scent detection may be exactly what you and your dog require to fulfill those needs.

When can I start?

We accept dogs of all levels on all of our Scent Detection classes, because the dogs are able to work at their own pace, and the activity/difficulty of each exercise is tailored towards the experience of the dog/handler team.

We’re lucky to have a venue that provides several different working areas, allowing us to set up vehicle searches, wall searches, novel search areas, as well as indoor searching and the traditional scent-pipe setup.

When, where and how much?

Our Scent Detection classes take place on Saturdays, with class times running 12pm – 1.30pm or 3.30pm – 5pm.

We’re hosted by the Adventure Neighground, a private livery yard in Accrington who are doing groundbreaking work in teaching scentwork to horses. Facilities include on-site-parking, a cabin for theory work, brew-making facilities, WC and several acres of land to conduct scentwork. Some of the venue is accessible, though wheelchair/mobility scooter users may find it difficult to access the field and paddock in adverse/muddy weather conditions.

The cost of each scent detection class is £17.00, and dogs are expected to wait in their vehicles when not being worked. If your dog doesn’t like being left, you are welcome to wait with your dog in the car, otherwise observe the teams during their activities.

Do I have to attend every week?

No, our classes are pay-as-you-go, so you can book whenever you’re able to attend.

Generally speaking, the more regularly you attend classes, the faster your dog will pick up scent detection, but this does of course depend on how much work you do with your dog in your own time, and on your individual dog’s learning style as well.

We enjoy seeing our clients grow in confidence as they progress through their scentwork journey, regardless of whether you come weekly or monthly.