Clear, structured scentwork training designed for real dogs and real life.
New to scentwork? Start here.
If you’re new, the hardest part is usually knowing what to do first, and what actually matters.
Teach Your Dog to Sniff takes you through it step by step, so you’re not guessing or copying things that don’t really make sense.
You’ll learn how to introduce a scent, how to set up simple searches and how to recognise the small changes in your dog’s behaviour that tell you they’ve found it.
No overcomplicated setups. No pressure to get it perfect. Just a clear starting point that works.
This isn’t just a set of exercises
A lot of scentwork ends up as a collection of search ideas without much holding it together.
Things work for a bit, then they don’t, and you’re left wondering what changed.
What I focus on is helping you understand what’s actually going on. How scent moves, what your dog is responding to and how your setups are influencing the search, often without you realising it.
Once that starts to click, everything feels steadier. You’re not constantly tweaking things or starting again, you’re building something you can rely on.
Already doing scentwork but it’s a bit hit and miss?
That’s completely normal.
Most teams reach a point where the dog can find the scent, but things don’t feel consistent. Some searches work beautifully, others fall apart and it’s not always obvious why.
Essential Scentwork Skills helps you tighten that up.
You’ll build clearer searches, more consistent handling and a better understanding of what your dog is doing so you’re not second guessing every search.
If you’re ready, here’s where to go next.
Start here. Then build from there.
You don’t need to figure everything out now. Start with Teach Your Dog to Sniff and take it step by step.
You don’t need to figure everything out up front.
Most people start with Teach Your Dog to Sniff, then build from there as their dog’s skills grow.
Start → Build → Stretch → Specialist
You can take it step by step.
Helen & Sprocket
Training my anxious, reactive dog used to leave us both frustrated.
Talking Dogs Scentwork changed that. It’s built around the individual dog, which helped us work together instead of against each other.
It’s given us something he loves, something that works anywhere and something we can rely on.
Nicola & Betty
Scentwork has been part of my dog’s life from the very beginning. As a pup it helped her settle, in adulthood it gave her the stimulation she needed and in her older years it’s been a gentle way to keep her engaged.
It’s something we’ve grown into together, and it’s strengthened our bond more than I expected.
No complicated setups, no special locations, just something we can enjoy together anywhere.
I wouldn’t be without it.
Val & Truffle
I’ve tried lots of different dog training activities over the years, but Talking Dogs Scentwork is the one we’ve kept.
It’s something we both enjoy, and it’s so easy to fit into everyday life.
We can do it anywhere, and it keeps my dog engaged and active even now she’s 14.
I’m so glad we found it.
FAQs
Q. Is this suitable for beginners?
A. Yes. Most people start with no previous experience. Teach Your Dog to Sniff takes you through everything step by step, so you always know what to do next.
Q. My dog is anxious/reactive. Will this work for us?
A. Yes. Scentwork is particularly well suited to dogs who find other training environments difficult. Everything can be adapted to suit your dog, and you can work at your own pace, in your own space.
Q. Do I need lots of equipment or a special setup?
A. No. You can start with simple items you already have at home. Searches can be set up indoors or outside, and easily adapted to suit your space.
Q. What kind of indication do you use?
A. We use active indications, where the dog interacts with the find. It allows dogs to respond naturally and keeps the training accessible and enjoyable.
Q. What if I’ve already been taught passive indication?
A. That’s fine. The search skills and handling techniques still apply, so you can use what you learn alongside your current training.
Q. Is this only for certain breeds or ages?
A. No. All breeds and ages can take part. From young puppies to older dogs, scentwork can be adapted to suit the individual dog.
Q. How long do I get access to the course?
A. You’ll have ongoing access, so you can work through the training at your own pace and come back to it whenever you need.
Start your scentwork training properly
If you want clear, structured training you can follow with confidence, this is where to begin.
Professional Trainer?
If you’re a trainer, there’s plenty here for you too. There’s a full trainer pathway waiting inside the school when you’re ready.