Design the Perfect Search
Design the Perfect Search provides a structured framework for planning purposeful, progressive scentwork sessions. You’ll learn how to assess current skill levels, set clear goals and design searches that build confidence and precision rather than creating confusion. By understanding what to include and what to leave out, you can avoid common design mistakes and ensure each session moves your team forward. Ideal for handlers and trainers who want greater control over training progression.
Searches are about so much more than tiring your dog out or filling time.
You can meet challenges and solve problems by designing smart scentwork searches.
Don't worry. I know that setting out a scentwork search isn't as simple as it seems. Neither is hiding the scented articles. But now you don't have to leave things to chance. Or rely on guesswork. In this course I will help you make great choices that will help your scentwork team enjoy every single search.
By learning why to use certain objects, where to place them and what you are aiming for you will have a clear plan for your searches. Understanding why to set goals, and how to figure out what those goals should be for you and for your dog, is key to having a fulfilling and successful time with scentwork. No more frustration. No more over- or under-estimating your challenge level. With this course I give you the tools to find your perfect starting place. Then you can plot your own roadmap to take you right to where you want to be.
You will learn:
- How to find your skill level, and your dog's skill level
- How to begin to set goals - discover if need to decrease or increase the challenge
- How to get inspired and creative as you plan your search
- What to include in your search area - and that not all boxes are equal!
- About dead space hides
- About inaccessible hides
I've packed so much information into this short course. Plus I've included photos and videos to illustrate my advice so that you have a clear way ahead.
The printables pack is included in this search design course.
These downloadable and printable charts and scenario sheets make it easy for you to devise the perfect scentwork search. If you can’t set up a perfect search you will not reach your goals. Using these printables, you can better understand what you need to do to get the outcome you want. Whether you want to increase your dog’s search stamina, or help her pay more attention to you, these one of a kind printables will quickly become your go-to resource.
Course Curriculum
Who knew that design skills would help your dog training? Luckily, I did!
No more searching in the dark. Know where you want to go AND how to get there.
I'm here to help you design smart scentwork searches.
Get started now!
Your Instructor
As a professional dog trainer for 30+ years, I have used scentwork to help thousands of dogs work with their owners to be more attentive, less reactive, more relaxed, less agitated. As a universal skill that can be learned by all dogs and all owners, the flexibility, fast results and good old fashioned fun found in scentwork led me to form Talking Dogs Scentwork® in 2011.
Since then I've been working hard to keep up with demand, such is the interest in scentwork. I work hard to stay at the forefront of my profession, staying creative, pushing boundaries and confounding expectations of what pet dogs can do. As the first national provider of scentwork training for non-selected (companion) dogs in Great Britain, TDS has quickly grown into the go-to scentwork training provider. I specialise in teaching all breed types, all ages, all abilities (physical, mental and emotional.) Combining my years as a professional drug detector dog handler for HM Customs with my experience as a pet dog training and behaviour consultant, I tailor my teaching to dogs who don't have jobs, those who have been selected as companions rather than tools of a trade.
Since 2011 I've worked full time teaching Talking Dogs Scentwork® skills online, at workshops, at conferences and with major organisations, including Dogs Trust, Puppy School, The Kennel Club, Victoria Stilwell and the prestigious Woof! Conference. Previously I worked as a veterinary referred behaviour consultant, appeared in court as an expert witness and was a frequent expert contributor on radio, TV and print media. I've taught many workshops to veterinary professionals, fellow dog trainers, rescue staff and non-pro dog enthusiasts on topics from safe and defensive handling, resource guarding, puppy behaviour and trick training.
Some of my working highlights include:
- Drug Detector Dog Handler with HM Customs & Excise
- Sirius Puppy Trainer in association with Dr. Ian Dunbar
- Dog Trainer for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
- Behaviourist for Wood Green Animal Shelters
- Creating TD Rally® - a sport for pet dogs & their people
- Founding & running Talking Dogs Scentwork®, part of Talking Dogs Ltd.