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What do dogs love to do? Sniff of course! Dog's sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,00 times greater than your or my sense of smell. Why not put that joy to work for you and your dog.
Scent work takes this innate desire and turns it into a game. It is a terrific sport for all kinds of dogs both young and old alike. It is a wonderful way to build confidence in a shy dog and build a lasting relationship with your dog.
MADTA offers 3 great classes in scent work. Chose the one that best suits you and your dog.
- Introduction to Scent Work
Class Description
According to AKC, the sport of Scent Work celebrates the joy of sniffing, and asks a dog to sniff to their heart’s content; turning your dog’s favorite activity into a rewarding game. In so many dog sports the handler is in control but this isn’t true in Scent Work. In a competition, neither the dog nor handler knows where the target odor is hidden. The handler has to rely on the dog, and follow the dog’s nose to success. In Scent Work, it is the canine who is the star of the show.
This class will explore the basic concepts of Scent Work. It will cover how to play Scent Training games at home to meet your dog’s need for mental and physical stimulation. As your dog learns to problem solve and gain focus, this class will also give an overview of the competitive aspect of the sport by introducing odor (the scented oils dog search for at a trial) and covering some foundational skills.
This class is good for dogs needing more confidence, dogs who have a lot energy and need a job, as well as senior dogs and those recovering from an injury.
Session 4 registration links Monday Evening class, Thursday Morning class
- Beginner Skill Building Scent Work
Class Description
This class will lay the foundation of the skills needed by beginner scent work teams. It will cover reading your dog, beginner handling, dog searching and motivation, challenges, and confidence building for both the dog and handler. We will also discuss scent work trials and elements, odor behavior, and hide setting. This class is good for handlers who are just starting out or want to go back to the basics, dogs who are still building their scent work skills, or dogs who need confidence in scent work searches. Dogs in this class should be on odor (paired or unpaired), or should have completed Introduction to Scent Work.
Session 4 registration link
- Scent Work Novice/ Advanced
Class Description
This class will pick up where Beginner class left off and develop your skills to have you ready for a Novice level Trial at its completion. Improve your confidence in knowing when your dog has located a hide.
Session 4 registration link
- Scent Work Excellent / Master
Class Description
This class will take you and your dog on from beginner/novice to more difficult searches involving multiple odors with greater difficulty levels.
Session 4 registration link
