Scent Work
Dogs have a sense of smell that’s between 10,000 and 100,000 times more acute than ours! 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. It is a terrific sport for all kinds of dogs, and is a wonderful way to build confidence in a shy dog.
In so many dog sports the handler is in control but this isn’t true in Scent Work. 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.
Scent Work is an exciting sport that allows dogs to engage in their natural instincts by locating specific scents and signaling handlers when they've found them. Inspired by the incredible skills of real-life detection dogs, this activity can involve for various items, from drugs to human remains. The AKC Scent Work program transforms this essential working relationship into a fun and enjoyable game that dogs of all breeds and skill levels can participate in. Join us in exploring the world of Scent Work and watch your dog thrive!
Scent Work is an exciting sport that mimics the skills of professional detection dogs, like those used in drug detection. In AKC Scent Work, dogs are trained to locate hidden cotton swabs infused with essential oils such as Birch, Anise, Clove, and Cypress. The challenge lies in searching designated areas where these swabs are concealed. This sport emphasizes teamwork, as the dog must signal their discovery to the handler, who then alerts the judge.
