Scent Work is a relatively new dog sport. It is based on the training techniques and skills used by professional detection dogs such as the Department of Agriculture Beagle Brigade or drug detection dogs.
All dogs use their noses and Scent Work is often referred to as a dog driven activity rather than a handler driven activity because the dog already knows how to use his nose and the handler needs to trust the dog and be observant for changes in behavior. Initial training primarily focuses on cultivating communication between dog and handler.
An assortment of essential oils are designated as target odors; for AKC training and competition, Sweet Birch, Anise, Clove, and Cypress are the official odors.
Competition covers two divisions, Odor Search, and Handler Discrimination. Odor Search consists of three different elements, Containers, Interior, Exterior, and Buried, all of which include four levels, Novice, Advanced, Excellent, and Masters. The difficulty and number of hides increases with each level. Titles can be earned either in individual elements, or all elements across a level. The Handler Discrimination division utilizes items scented by the handler for searches of varying levels of difficulty. Training in both divisions is available through CCCC.
For more information about AKC Scent Work, please visit the following pages:
All dogs use their noses and Scent Work is often referred to as a dog driven activity rather than a handler driven activity because the dog already knows how to use his nose and the handler needs to trust the dog and be observant for changes in behavior. Initial training primarily focuses on cultivating communication between dog and handler.
An assortment of essential oils are designated as target odors; for AKC training and competition, Sweet Birch, Anise, Clove, and Cypress are the official odors.
Competition covers two divisions, Odor Search, and Handler Discrimination. Odor Search consists of three different elements, Containers, Interior, Exterior, and Buried, all of which include four levels, Novice, Advanced, Excellent, and Masters. The difficulty and number of hides increases with each level. Titles can be earned either in individual elements, or all elements across a level. The Handler Discrimination division utilizes items scented by the handler for searches of varying levels of difficulty. Training in both divisions is available through CCCC.
For more information about AKC Scent Work, please visit the following pages: