Talking Dogs Scentwork

Skye and I attended a level 2 scent work workshop run by Pam. We had the most amazing day. The workshop was well organised and everyone who attended got loads out of it. Pam is really enthusiastic, a really good encouraging teacher and obviously just adores her job and dogs in general. Pam created a great supportive atmosphere amongst the participants and really got the best out of everyone- people and dogs.

Great way to have fun and bond with your dog, no previous training of any kind required and dogs of all abilities able to take part. You get to understand how the dogs use their nose and how to put it to working searching for specific scents. Highly recommend it. It helps build confidence in more reserved dogs, it helps focus more outgoing dogs. Good for rainy days or when you are unable to get out for a walk.

Myself and my working cocker spaniel Bootie had the pleasure of attending Talking Dogs Scentwork Level One & Two and out Tutor was Helen Greenley. Level One was an introduction to the scent game and the emphasis was very much on the positive fun element of the search, and working together as a team, building a closer bond between yourself and your dog. I was addicted and went away and did lots of practise and couldn't wait to attend Scent Two. This was about learning to trust your dog and developing the team work and the skills required to read when your dog had picked up on a scent and also the methodology in the actual searches themselves. Scentwork is something that anyone can learn to do at any level and with any dog and the difference it makes to the relationship you then build is amazing. I would thoroughly recommend getting involved in this very addictive scent game and there are workshops hosted all over the country, I attended mine in Sussex.

This is a wonderful set up. Here is where you learn to trust your dog to find a chosen scent. The workshops cover both the theory and practical aspects of finding hidden, specially scented, toy mice or, for dogs that prefer it, a chosen food item!
My dog and I learned to work together to find the scent and follow it to a successful conclusion. The handler is taught how to handle the dog in the best possible way to facilitate a successful "find".
My trainer was Pam Mackinnon who has worked as a professional drugs dog handler and is a mine of information on all things scent! There was a video introduction, followed by games with the dogs to encourage enthusiasm for the toy or food item. We then went on to scent out our chosen item. Every single dog was successful!
Scenting is something all dogs can do. It is very concentrated work and will tire even the liveliest dog out after a couple of searches. It creates a special bond between dog and handler.
I can't wait to start my new dog on the Scentwork journey!