Scentwork

Scentwork for dogs is an activity that involves training dogs to use their keen sense of smell to locate specific scents. This can be done as a sport, a form of enrichment or just for fun.

Key Aspects of Scentwork: Scentwork as a Sport: In recreational Scentwork, dogs are trained to find hidden scents, typically Red Kong, Gun Oil or Catnip, in various environments. Competitions are held where dogs are judged on their ability to locate these scents accurately and quickly.

Training: Dogs are taught to recognise and indicate the target scent, through positive reinforcement techniques. They learn to search for scents in different settings, such as indoors, outdoors, and in vehicles.

Enrichment: Even outside of competitions, Scentwork provides mental stimulation and physical activity for dogs. It taps into their natural instincts, helping to reduce boredom and anxiety.

Benefits:

Mental and Physical Exercise: Engages the dog’s brain and body.

Confidence Building: Helps nervous or anxious dogs build confidence as they successfully complete searches.

Bonding: Strengthens the bond between dog and handler through cooperative work.

Scentwork is a versatile and rewarding activity that can be tailored to suit any dog, regardless of age or breed.