Scent Work

What is Scent Work?

Scent work is a fun way of training with your dog, using their natural ability to smell and target a specific odour whilst giving their incredible noses a workout.

What happens in class?

You will be working as a team with your dog, teaching them to search and identify a hidden target odour. Once they have a scent ID, you will teach them to search, locate and indicate. Dogs are rewarded through treats, praise, play and through the pleasure they get of doing something that is natural to them, and they love to do. For the handlers it’s amazing to watch and learn how incredible our dogs are!

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Is scent work suitable for any dog?

Scent work is good for all dogs, no matter what size, breed or age, from puppies to elderly dogs or dogs in recovery from injury or surgery. Also, nervous dogs and reactive dogs can benefit from scent work and working dogs in need of endless things to do.

What are the benefits of scent work?

The benefits of scent work are remarkable, it offers both mental & physical stimulation for your dog, creating a healthy state of mind.
Helps dogs to relax and tire, reducing stress and anxiety.
Scent work dogs are happy dogs, this is scientifically proven.
Working as a team with your dog creates strong bonds between you.
Scent work can increase your dog's confidence, too, as learning to engage their nose can help them cope in various environments.

About our courses

I am a City and Guilds assured detection dog instructor and handler. Qualified through the College of Scent Dogs.

The scent work courses we run are based on the College of Scent Dogs, Constable, Sergeant and Inspector levels, to become a UK Canine Scent Detective.

If you fancy spending some fun time with your dog, and learning more about their incredible nose then please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

“As a first-time dog owner, I am very grateful for all the advice and practical help Julia has given me to get my dog through the puppy and teenage stage. Over the last two years Julia has provided ongoing individual progression and training for a very lively Sprocker.” - Teresa Jones
I have been using The Surrey Dog Training Company since September 2019 for my not so little puppy Loki. Julia and Team are amazing with the dogs! We have done both puppy and puppy plus classes. They have been brilliant; we have both learnt so much! I highly recommend to anyone who’s looking for the best puppy class. Thank you, Julia and Team, for giving me such a gentleman of a dog. - Molly Silvester and Loki
“I can highly recommend Julia as a top-class dog trainer. She has helped with puppy socialisation, and 121 puppy training for my 4-month-old German Shepherd puppy. She obviously loves and understands dogs and can get the best out of our dogs. Julia was able to give me all the correct tools to go home and practice and has made training look effortless.”
“Julia and her team are hard to beat in the dog training world. Their approach is based on everyone having fun and the results are really impressive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone with a dog in need of training!” - Sally & Toast
“Thank you, Julia, for your endless kindness and patience. We (I mean the dogs and me) love Fun Agility. It is sometimes challenging for us all, but never any pressure, and always fun. You have helped me to learn and understand more about my dogs and build a stronger relationship with them. I cannot recommend your classes highly enough, they are outstanding.” - Theresa, Patch and Mitzi
“I can highly recommend agility courses with The Surrey Dog Training Company. I started with my Springer Spaniel, Alfie, over 5 years ago and we are still there! Each time is different, but always lots of fun, even if there are distractions i.e. apples, which mean I have to work harder! We both thoroughly enjoy our agility sessions.” - Kim Peters and Alfie
“Just like to say my dog really enjoys the classes. So, if she could speak, she would say join up. Classes suitable for all. My dog is unpredictable, and Julia goes to great lengths to accommodate her. Classes medium, small or individual. Friendly, supportive advice. A great asset to the community.” - Monica and Lunar
“Julia and her team are all approachable and friendly people. Knowledgeable about all your dog’s behaviour delivered in a professional and non-condescending manner. Plenty of one to one during the classes. Whatever your needs are I’m sure Julia and her team will be able to help!” - Claire Crocker
“We have a crazy 2 year old Border Collie (Jackson) and found Julia at The Surrey Dog Training Company a couple of years ago. Julia has been a huge part of the progress we’ve made, and without her help we wouldn’t have the well behaved, wonderful dog we have today! She has always provided excellent advice and is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to dogs, their training, and their behaviour. Julia is always so patient and really cares for the dogs and people she works with. We would highly recommend” - Caroline and Steve Vallis
“I was recommended Julia by a friend of mine and I have to say how amazing she and her team have been with Cookie. We have had one to one sessions and group training and both have exceeded expectations. They are fun, motivating and encouraging. With the 1-1 sessions you get detailed follow up notes and reminders to support the learnings. Cookie is a much better behaved dog and has learnt some cool tricks as well. Thank you Julia and we look forward to Cookie progressing to the next level with you very soon.” - Ian & Ben Wallis & Cookie
“SDTC is absolutely amazing! Julia came to see our family at home to start training even before we had collected our new puppy from the breeder. She has been there for us every step of the way from puppy training to daily dog walking 5 years on. Julia and her brilliant team are the most lovely, most caring and most kind dog carers you will ever meet and we are so blessed that they are able to care for our precious little Pug on a regular basis. We absolutely love the entire team! Thank you SDTC!”