About
Scentwork sessions give your dog the chance to use their most powerful sense in a structured, rewarding way. Whether your dog is brand new to scentwork, building on existing skills or getting competition ready, we’ll focus on clear foundations, confidence and thoughtful progression.
These sessions support your dog to search independently while staying engaged with you as the handler - because scentwork is always a team effort. As skills develop, your role becomes increasingly important, from reading subtle changes in your dog’s behaviour to making handling decisions during more complex searches. Sessions are suitable for handlers of most abilities and fitness levels; scentwork is about observation, communication and timing rather than physical exertion.
You'll leave with exercises and guidance to keep building at home.
Noses at work
Want to get started?
I run regular sessions at Finedon Community Centre, NN9 5LG, in the form of 5-week courses or drop-in sessions - suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced teams.
I also run sessions from other venues, including Raunds Town Football Club, and Scentwork UK trials are coming soon.
You can check out upcoming sessions here, or drop me a message if you have any questions.
FAQs
What is scentwork?
Scentwork is a scent-based activity where your dog searches for a specific target odour, hidden on or around objects, furniture or areas. It's a brilliant standalone activity for any dog - and there's the opportunity to compete through organisations like Scentwork UK and National Nosework Association.
How does scentwork help build confidence?
Scentwork lets dogs make choices and solve problems independently, which builds confidence through success. Sessions are always adapted to each dog, with difficulty increasing gradually as skills develop - so every dog is set up to succeed at every stage. It can also be taken to different environments, which further helps build confidence.
Do I need any previous experience?
No experience needed. Sessions are available for complete beginners through to experienced teams and competition preparation, with exercises adapted to suit each dog and handler team.
Is scentwork suitable for my dog?
Scentwork is low impact and mentally rather than physically demanding, making it suitable for a huge range of dogs - regardless of age, breed or background. This includes nervous, reactive and DDA-affected dogs, elderly dogs, and those recovering from injury or on restricted exercise. If your dog is recovering from an injury or has a health condition, always check with your vet or physiotherapist before starting.
Is scentwork suitable for nervous or reactive dogs?
Yes, and it's often particularly beneficial for them. All my regular sessions are held inside at Finedon Community Centre, which means dogs can build confidence in a controlled environment. Confidence grows through the job itself - through success, repetition and gradual progression. As skills develop, we can adapt exercises and take scentwork into new environments, which further builds confidence over time. All sessions are 1-to-1, so your dog always has the space to work at their own level.
Can dogs work in a muzzle?
Yes, muzzled dogs are very welcome. Dogs required to wear a muzzle under the DDA are also welcome - and as my regular sessions are held at a private venue, it may be possible for them to work without a muzzle. Get in touch before booking and we can work out the best arrangement for your dog.
I have physical limitations - can I still take part?
Yes. Scentwork is suitable for handlers of most abilities and fitness levels - it's about observation, communication and timing rather than physical exertion. Get in touch if you have any concerns and we can discuss what works for you.