If you want to teach scentwork properly, this is where you begin.
Teach Your Dog to Sniff is the foundation of the Talking Dogs Scentwork pathway. It is not a collection of search games or enrichment ideas. It is a structured introduction to teaching your dog to search for a defined scent and to communicate clearly when they’ve found it.
We build carefully here, because what you build first determines everything that follows.
Some dogs seem to have endless energy and no off switch. They struggle to concentrate, to settle, to think before acting. Others are older, recovering or managing physical changes and need something purposeful but appropriate. Different presentations, same underlying need: clarity and direction.
Scentwork gives them a job. When that instinct is channelled properly, focus improves. Communication improves. Energy becomes purposeful rather than scattered. This is not about exhausting your dog. It is about giving them a meaningful outlet.
This is the first step in a clear pathway
Teach Your Dog to Sniff is the first step in a clear progression.
Start Here → Build Your Skills → Stretch Your Searches → Applied Searches.
Teach Your Dog to Sniff prepares you for Essential Scentwork Skills. Essential Scentwork Skills prepares you for complexity. Complexity prepares you for real world searches. Each stage supports the next. There are no leaps, only steady progress.
Learn to read your dog properly
Introduce a defined scent and understand how your dog communicates when they’ve found it.
Work as a team
Structured scentwork strengthens focus, clarity and communication.
Train where you live
Progress step by step in your own home, at your own pace.
Course Preview
Inside the course, you will learn how to introduce a specific target scent correctly, how to build genuine desire for that scent and how to recognise solid indication behaviour. You’ll develop calm search routines and learn how to handle searches without over directing or impeding your dog. Just as importantly, you’ll understand why each step matters.
Before you run searches, you’ll gain a working understanding of how scent behaves and how dogs detect odour. That background prevents common foundation mistakes and gives you confidence from the outset. Then we move through the core training steps together, from choosing your scent and preparing articles to running your first structured searches. You’ll see real dogs learning each stage so you can recognise progress and avoid confusion.
The course includes demonstration videos, clear explanations without jargon and practical guidance you can apply immediately. Written notes are collated into a 52-page downloadable reference booklet so you always have something solid to return to. Short quizzes help you consolidate understanding and, on completion, you’ll receive a graduation certificate.
By the end of this course, your dog will be searching for a defined scent and indicating on it confidently.
Not by accident. By design.
Designed for real dogs
You might be wondering whether dog training can really be learned online. That hesitation is reasonable. Good training depends on timing, clarity and progression. I’ve spent over 30 years teaching dogs and coaching handlers. If I couldn’t break skills down into achievable steps and explain them without drowning people in jargon, I wouldn’t still be doing this.
Teach Your Dog to Sniff has been designed for real dogs and real homes. Puppies and seniors can take part. High energy and sensitive dogs can succeed. Food motivated or toy motivated dogs can learn. No prior scentwork experience is required. Your dog does not need to “know the basics” first. We start here.
There is something deeply satisfying about watching your own dog search with purpose. Head down, brain engaged, body steady. When they locate source and look to you clearly, it changes how you see them. You stop seeing “too much” or “not enough” and start seeing capability. You feel partnership.
That confidence comes from building something properly together.
Scentwork works best when it is built step by step. Teach Your Dog to Sniff is the first stepping stone.
If you are ready to begin with structure and clarity, start here.
Real results with real dogs
I had been struggling to teach my dog scent discrimination for obedience as she found the whole exercise dull. I enrolled in the course with low expectations, however right from the start, Lulu loved what we are doing, picked up everything so well and is now a scent monster. She even squeals with excitement when I say “shall we play find Ratty” would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to do that little bit more with their dog.
Julie
“Perfect for me as a complete novice… it’s been great for our relationship and gives us something we can do together inside. I’m already pondering which course to try next.”
Louis
Excellent introduction which provides everything you need to start doing scent work with your dog.
Val
Search Tracker
Included with the course is a structured Search Tracker to support your training.
Record each search and you’ll quickly see patterns emerge: the articles used, locations, duration and whether the outcome matched your goal.
Used consistently, it helps you train with intention rather than guesswork.
Print as many sheets as you need. Keep separate logs for different dogs or different types of searches. Track outdoor sessions to spot distraction patterns. Chart steady progress with a new puppy.
Complete it at the end of each search and it becomes part of your routine.
If you teach scentwork, it also gives you a simple way to monitor client progress and adjust challenge appropriately.
Small tool. Serious impact.
Course Curriculum
Hi, I’m Pam Mackinnon, pictured here with my labrador, Cherry Blossom.
I’ve spent over 30 years coaching dogs and their handlers, from pet homes to operational detection work. I began my career as a drug detector dog handler with HM Customs and went on to build a long standing practice as a pet dog trainer and behaviour consultant.
Teach Your Dog to Sniff brings those two worlds together.
It combines operational detection principles with practical, real-world pet dog training. The result is a clear, structured way to teach dogs to search for a defined scent and indicate it reliably.
I’ve guided thousands of dogs and handlers through this process. What still matters most to me is that moment when the team understands the task and works together with clarity.
That’s what this course is designed to give you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need any previous scentwork experience?
A: No. Sniff is the starting point on the pathway. We begin with introducing a defined target scent and build step by step from there. No prior scentwork or specialist training is required.
Q: What equipment do I need?
A: Very little. You’ll need a specific scent and simple household items to begin. Full guidance on preparation and set up is included inside the course.
No specialist kit is required.
Q: My dog is very busy or struggles to settle. Will this help?
A: Often, yes.
Structured scentwork channels natural instincts into a clear task. The emphasis in Teach Your Dog to Sniff is on thoughtful searching and steady progression, not speed or excitement.
Q: My dog is older or managing physical changes. Can they take part?
A: Yes.
Scentwork can be adapted for puppies and seniors. The focus here is foundation skills, not athletic performance.
Q: How long do I have access?
A: Teach Your Dog to Sniff is self-paced and includes lifetime access. You can work through it steadily and revisit lessons whenever you need to.
Q: What comes after Teach Your Dog to Sniff?
The next step in the pathway is Essential Scentwork Skills, where you increase complexity gradually and build on the foundation you’ve established here.
Teach Your Dog to Sniff ensures you’re ready for that progression.