Scent Work
What is Scent Work?
Dogs experience the world primarily through their incredible sense of smell - far more powerful and refined than our own. Scent Work, also known as nose work, taps into this natural ability, providing mental stimulation, enrichment and a fun way for dogs to engage their instincts.
Benefits of Scent Work for you and your dog
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It’s fun - both for you and your dog
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Your dog learns to problem solve which is great for building confidence, reducing frustration and boredom, and making them calmer
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It teaches independent thinking which makes them more resilient, and reduces stress and anxiety
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It builds your dog’s confidence which helps with multiple behaviour issues
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It builds your bond with your dog which makes training much easier
All types of nose work (like Scent Work and Mantrailing) are really enriching for your dog, and make them feel good. It’s widely believed that 10-15 minutes of nose work is the same as just plain walking for an hour - imagine tiring your dog out after just 15 minutes!
Where can you do Scent Work?
Once you learn the skills you can do scent work pretty much anywhere.
Our initial 1:1 sessions will be at your home, and it's up to you where in the house we start. We just need an area big enough for us to sit/atand and chat! Don't worry - it takes minimal set-up both for our sessions and for your practise sessions at home.
You will practise in various parts of your own home to begin with, and you'll learn to set up searches for your own dog. Then we can move to outside areas and then take scent work on the road! Future progression sessions with me could be on a 1:1 basis or in groups in:
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car parks
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parks
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woods/forests
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industrial estates
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halls
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dog-friendly areas like shops/cafeterias...
Each session will be planned so your dog is challenged but also comfortable where they're working.
Who is it for?
Scent Work is for all dogs - regardless of breed, age, temperament, behaviour, even those with mobility issues who can't participate in other dog sports.
Have you ever been told your dog isn't welcome in another class/sport?
Or have you felt other owners judging you because of your dog's behaviour?
Scent Work is perfect for dogs with issues - reactive, over aroused/excited, barky, won't listen, shy, anxious/nervous... the list goes on.
Here's why you and your dog will be welcomed and will thrive in our sessions:
I specialise with dogs like this - my own dog was massively reactive when we adopted her, and continues to work through her anxiety and distrust of new people.
I have multiple clients whose reactive/nervous dogs both enjoy some form of nose work and have experienced improvement in their confidence and reactivity.
Whether 1:1 or in a group, my sessions are a welcoming, safe place where everyone has your back, and your dog’s.
Scent Work Pathway
🟢 Level 1: Scentwork Foundations
Building clarity, confidence and understanding
Foundations is where dogs learn what the game truly is.
Over three structured sessions, we focus on:
• Odour pairing (Kong and gun oil)
• Clear search patterns
• Free work and structured line-ups
• Introduction to indication
• Handler mechanics and reward placement
• Building early duration and commitment
3-session block | 1:1 | £150
🔄 Transition Session
For dogs who have trained elsewhere or need consolidation
Not every dog starts with us - and that’s completely fine.
If your dog has completed a beginner course elsewhere, taken a break from scentwork, or you’re unsure whether they’re ready for Development level, the Transition Session ensures we move forward properly.
This 1:1 session includes:
• Assessment of odour understanding
• Review of indication clarity and duration
• Outdoor generalisation (including wind introduction if needed)
• Evaluation of independence and handler mechanics
• Clear placement into the appropriate next stage
The aim is not to “start again”, but to stabilise skills so progression feels smooth and confident.
60 minutes | 1:1 | £55
🟡 Level 2: Scentwork Development
Strengthening independence and environmental skills
Development is where we stretch skills thoughtfully.
This stage introduces:
• Elevated and inaccessible hides
• Outdoor searching and airflow
• Greater independence
• Stronger, cleaner indication
• Larger and more complex search areas
We focus on generalisation - ensuring the dog understands the odour matters, not the setup.
3-session block | 1:1 £150
🔴 Level 3: Scentwork Advanced
Operational problem-solving and vehicle searches
Advanced is for dogs who have demonstrated consistent indication, independence and environmental confidence.
This stage may include:
• Vehicle searches
• Multiple hides
• Blank searches
• Mixed search environments
• Increased duration and precision
At this level, dogs are working complex scent movement and problem-solving in real-world environments.
Available as structured blocks or specialist workshops.
3-session block | 1:1 | £150
Team Olive
"Really great setup for reactive dogs, and I very much recommend giving it a go!!"
Team Rodney
“Before booking I was a little worried because Rodney can be a little anxious and reactive in some situations but Janet sent us a really comforting email before we booked and made us feel really welcome.”