Scent Work is a sport that is based on the task of working detection dogs to locate an odour and communicate to the handler that the odour has been found. Scent Work is carried out in a variety of environments and often during changing weather or environmental conditions.

Scent Work is a positive, challenging activity that allows dogs the opportunity to use their strongest natural sense in a way that is fun, engaging, and builds and strengthens the foundation of trust between the handler and dog.

Dogs are trained to recognise specific odours and the handler must observe their dog’s many changes of behaviour when the dog is in odour and leading up to a final alert on the hide.

The dog and handler must work together as a team ensuring all parts of the search area are covered and indicating to the Judge when the dog has found the hide.

There are currently four types of searches also known as elements.  They are

Containers – this element tests a dog’s ability to locate the hide(s) which is concealed within one or more containers within a search area.  The number of containers that need to be searched depends on the class and can range from 10 containers to 35 containers.

Vehicles – the challenge difficulty in this element is set by the types and variety of vehicles used such as cars, buses, tractors, trailers – anything with wheels!  There can be anywhere from 2 to 4 vehicles to search.

Exteriors – this element tests the dog’s ability to locate a hide(s) in an area with natural airflow and changing airflow patterns, weather conditions and natural distractions such as the sounds and smells of nature. Search areas can reach up to 200sqm

Interiors – the Interior element tests the dog’s ability to locate the hide in an indoor search environment such as a room.  The search area can range from 10 sqm through to 100sqm.

Why do we enjoy  Scent Work? Dogs and handlers love it! Handlers of all ages and abilities can participate and you don’t need expensive equipment.