Teaching scentwork is about more than being able to search with your own dog. In this course I share how I teach. What works, what doesn't. I share how to avoid overwhelming students while still teaching the myriad skills needed to be a proficient scentworker. I look at the practicalities of setting up classes, devising curriculum and coaching clients with different skill levels. With 40+ video clips, a comprehensive course booklet plus all you need to run an 8 week starter course, including handouts, this huge course is the perfect resource for all aspiring scentwork trainers.
Whether you have taught your dog using active or passive indications, learning scentwork body language is key. It's not enough to wait for the final sit or retrieve, you need to know what your dog is telling you on the run-up to that point. Can you spot the difference between indication and interest? Not being able to respond appropriately to what your dog is telling you can result in the dog shutting down the conversation, shutting down the scentwork game and shutting you out. I will show you how to identify which signals are and are not indications, how to distinguish interest and investigation from indication and because every dog is an individual, understand how to tailor your behaviour to support different dogs. This masterclass is a must for everyone who is fascinated by canine body language and for every serious scentworker .
What you do while your dog is searching can have a positive or negative effect on your team's success. Being able to see how your behaviour affects your dog is such a valuable tool. With use of video clips and explanations as to the why's not just the how's this masterclass is a deep dive into the vital, and often underestimated, role of the handler. You are part of a team, not just a bystander so be proactive and learn what your dog needs and how to provide it.
Smart strategies for scentwork success. Whether you're a pro trainer teaching clients or a keen scentworker teaching your own dog you'll come up against challenges you've never encountered. What happens if your dog works too fast? Does she need to be on a lead? How do you handle a long line without getting tangled up? How can you help a deaf dog enjoy scentwork? Or set up searches to accommodate wheelchairs? How can you boost the dog's indication? Or increase engagement? I'll give you strategies for all these situations and more.