Scent Work
Scent Work uses a dog’s natural ability to locate an odour. Dogs are taught to indicate to their handler where an odour is, and handlers learn to read the nuances of their dog’s body language when searching. A variety of environments are used for searches in all kinds of weather.
Pure essential oils are used, and care is taken not to contaminate the scent.
There are 4 kinds of searches, called 'Elements', where the odours are hidded to be found.
This sport is a positive, challenging activity for dogs of all breeds and ages that focuses on their strongest natural sense. Scent detection is fun and engaging, and it strengthens the bond between handler and their dog.
Benefits
Training and trialling in Scent Work releases positive chemicals in your dog’s brain, and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
People of all fitness levels can participate, and training can be done anywhere with very little in the way of set up — excellent for cold and wet days!
Before you start
There are no requirements before starting, but dogs will need to be crated during the beginners class.
Training will be largely done at home once you get the scents to work with, and the class is used to see how you and your dog are progressing and receive pointers.
If you are interested, talk to a committee member who can put you in contact with instructors running the classes.
Trialling
Scent Work has a lot of opportunity to expand your dog’s skills, as there are titles in different levels to work towards by getting passes in four different kinds of searches called ‘elements’, and titles in those elements can also be achieved.
Scentwork Level Titles:
Scentwork Element Titles:
Contact
Bendigo Obedience Dog Club Inc
For enquiries please contact: [email protected]
Training Ground: Finn Street Recreation Reserve, Bendigo Vic 3550
Postal Address: PO Box 2396, Bendigo Mail Centre, Bendigo 3554
facebook.com/BendigoObedienceDogClub/
