Rated 4.9 out of 5 from over 200+ dog owners
Does your dog have a nose for adventure? Scentwork training classes are designed to tap into your dog’s innate scenting abilities, offering a fun and engaging way to stimulate their mind and body.
In these classes, your canine companion will learn to use its incredible sense of smell to detect and identify specific odors. Through structured exercises and games, it will develop essential scenting skills, such as focus, problem-solving, and perseverance.
But scentwork isn’t just about sniffing – it’s a complete mind and body experience. As your dog navigates various search scenarios, they’ll burn off energy while honing their cognitive abilities. This mental and physical stimulation can help reduce problematic behaviours often associated with boredom or excess energy.
Moreover, scentwork training fosters a unique bond between you and your furry friend. You’ll learn to read your dog’s subtle cues and work together as a team, deepening your connection and communication. This collaborative experience not only strengthens your relationship but also boosts your dog’s confidence and trust in you.
Scentwork training classes cater to dogs of all breeds and skill levels. Join us and discover the joy of unlocking your dog’s natural talent for scenting – an enriching experience for both you and your canine companion.
Price:
£90 / 6 Sessions
Suitable For:
For dogs +24 weeks old
# Classes:
6 Sessions (1 Per Week)
Class Length:
45 Minutes
Max Class Size:
6 Dogs
Class Days:
Daytime, Evening, Saturday
Use our online booking system to view available dates and times. Alternatively, call our office on 01243 697202
All classes are held at our dog training centre based in Aldingbourne, Chichester | Get Directions
With courses for all abilities, we make it easy for your dog to progress through the stages.
Here we delve into the basics of the sport including teaching your dog to indicate and begin the searching process. Your dog will work with a red kong and be introduced to cloves by the end of the term.
This course will look at the human handling side of the sport. Working on the most efficient and effective ways to work with your dog and ensure that we are not hindering the dog’s work. We will start to look at outside environments to expand the dogs abilities.
By this stage your dog will be able to search both inside and out, on cars and walls for red kong and cloves. We will introduce another scent, gun oil. This course involves more advanced search areas with harder distractions, resulting in more focus and impressive results!
This is for the top search dog, no search area will faze a dog of this level. Working in grass, searching walls and cars as well as starting to work with distraction scents. We also introduce truffle oil, so we have a dog that can search for 4 different scents in a single search area. Here we also work towards trials, competing in the sport if the handlers enjoy the competitive side!
Get to know the friendly faces ready to help you and your dog thrive!
Abi has been working with Sussex County Dog Training since 2018. She is a qualified IMDT Dog Trainer & is one of our Scentwork trainers here.
Abi is passionate about the sport. She believes it is great that it gives dogs an outlet for using their primary sense.
Anna is a qualified Scentwork UK instructor with a wealth of knowledge in scent work, puppy training and general obedience.
She has trained thousands of dogs successfully over the years, and her kind approach means she has many devoted customers who return regularly for ongoing training.
The Scentroom. Purpose-built training space with underfloor heating and a non-slip floor to help your dogs feel confident and ready to learn.
We also offer convenient amenities like ample car parking, clean and accessible toilets, and tea and coffee facilities. Don’t forget to check out our on-site shop, stocked with a selection of training tools, toys, and other puppy essentials.
Will scentwork be good for my dog?
Yes, scent work is the only dog sport that is excellent for dogs of all ages and breeds. It is low-impact and highly stimulating for your dog without overly increasing adrenaline. It is a true enrichment activity.
Does my dog have to be friendly?
For the enjoyment and safety of your dog, we can only allow dogs who are friendly to other dogs and people at all times. We offer 121s for dogs who aren’t comfortable being in a class environment. (please click here)
What will my dog search for?
To begin with, it’s a Kong they will search for; we then progress to Cloves by the end of the term. When your dog becomes advanced, they will search for gun oil and truffle oil.
Will we work outside?
Yes, once your Dog has an understanding of the sport, we will move outside and do more advanced wall and car searches. This stretches your dog and makes it realistic and challenging. Because of this, don’t forget to bring layers and suitable footwear.
What age should I start doing Scentwork?
Your dog can start scent work at eight weeks as it is a non-impact sport; however, we always suggest that you have finished your puppy training class before attempting scent work. This is because your dog could do with the foundations before they start, as well as having a relationship with you. This means most people and their dogs will start Scentwork from 16 weeks until 16 years!
How many people can come to Training?
We think it’s really important that the whole family can be involved in your Dog Training. If you have any family members who wish to come along, please feel free to bring them along. You can attend with up to four people, including children. Please make sure an adult always accompanies children.
What do I need to bring?
Flat collar, harness or head collar and lead. Please don’t bring extender leads, slip leads or choke chains.
Good quality treats such as cheese, JR pate, chicken or other soft meaty treats – not their normal kibble. Treats can be purchased at the centre or by visiting www.naturalchoicepetfoods.co.uk where you can use the ‘pick up’ option at the checkout so they’re ready to collect before your session.
Poo bags – Just in case!
Small blanket/bed
Favourite toy/tuggy & a filled Kong – your dog will need something to keep them busy when your trainer is explaining the exercises!
Please make sure you wear suitable clothes and shoes for these sessions, pockets or a treat bag (treat bags also available at the centre) are essential.
Please feel free to bring your own water and your dog’s water bowl unless you are happy for your dog to use the shared communal bowls.
Enhance your dog’s natural scenting abilities with fun and engaging classes
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