AKC Scent Work
AKC Scent Work
The sport of Scent Work is based on the work of professional detection dogs (such as drug dogs), employed by humans to detect a wide variety of scents and substances. In AKC Scent Work, dogs search for cotton swabs saturated with the essential oils of Birch, Anise, Clove, and Cypress. The cotton swabs are hidden out of sight in a pre-determined search area, and the dog has to find them. Teamwork is necessary: when the dog finds the scent, he has to communicate the find to the handler, who calls it out to the judge.
Scent Work "Fun"damentals
Prerequisites: Completion of our Intermediate Obedience class, or CGC title, or with instructor approval.
1 dog per handler
This is the class for you if you are brand new to the sport of Scent Work!
We've designed this class to introduce dogs and their owners to the exciting world of scent detection. Throughout this course, participants will learn the "fun"damentals of scent work training as recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). From understanding the behavior of odor to teaching dogs how to effectively search for specific odors, this class offers a fun and rewarding experience for both canine companions and their handlers. Through a series of interactive exercises and games, dogs will develop their natural scenting abilities while owners learn essential handling techniques and scent work principles. Whether you're looking to engage your dog's mind, build confidence, or prepare for competitive events, this class provides a solid foundation for further exploration into the fascinating realm of scent work.
Dates: July 23 - August 27, 2026
Day & Time: Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:30pm
Class length: 6 weeks
Price: $120.00
Instructor: Siobhan W./Debbie R.
Minimum of 5 dogs, maximum of 8
Scent Work - Intro to Novice
Prerequisites: Completion of our Scent Work "Fun"damentals class or with instructor approval. Dogs must be alerting on Birch.
One dog per handler
Scent Work Novice is the next class to take after you complete Scent Work Fundamentals.
This class is designed to deepen your dog's understanding and proficiency in scent detection.
In this course, participants will build upon the foundational skills acquired in our Scent Work "Fun"damentals class, further honing their canine partner's scenting abilities and refining their own handling techniques.
Dogs will learn to discriminate between multiple odors and navigate more complex search environments. Handlers will refine their observational skills and learn strategies for effectively guiding their dogs through scent detection tasks. Whether you're pursuing competitive goals or simply seeking to enhance your bond with your canine companion.
Join us as we continue to unlock the incredible potential of your dog's nose!
Dates: July 21 - August 25, 2026
Day & Time: Tuesdays, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Class length: 6 weeks
Price: $120.00
Instructor: Kat S.
Minimum of 5 dogs, maximum of 8
Scent Work - Novice Skills & Drills
Prerequisites: Completion of our Scent Work - Intro to Novice class or with instructor approval. Dogs must be alerting on Birch. Dogs should be trialing, or ready to trial at the Novice level.
One dog per handler
This 6-week class is designed for dogs and handlers working at the Novice level who want to build confidence, improve search skills, and prepare for success in an AKC Scent Work trial.
Each week features focused exercises and problem-solving drills that strengthen both the dog's searching ability and the handler's observation, timing, leash handling, and trial skills. Searches may include Container, Exterior, and Buried elements, with an emphasis on developing efficient search strategies, clear communication, and reliable source identification.
Because the curriculum changes each session, this class is designed to be repeatable while your team is working toward Novice titles. New challenges, search setups, and skill-building exercises ensure continued growth and variety for both dog and handler.
Class Focus Includes:
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Building search commitment and drive
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Developing efficient search patterns
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Improving leash handling and handler movement
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Recognizing changes of behavior and alerts
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Strengthening source identification skills
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Increasing confidence in novel environments
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Trial preparation and AKC search procedures
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Problem-solving common Novice-level challenges
Dogs should be actively searching for BIRCH and able to work around other dogs in a training environment.
Whether you're preparing for your first trial or looking to sharpen your team's skills before entering the ring again, this class provides valuable experience and fresh challenges every session.
Dates: July 21 - August 25, 2026
Day & Time: Tuesdays, 7:45 pm - 8:45 pm
Class length: 6 weeks
Price: $120.00
Instructor: Kat S.
Minimum of 5 dogs, maximum of 8
Scent Work - Advanced Skills & Drills
Prerequisites: Dogs must be alerting on both Birch & Anise. Dogs must independently and confidently search for Birch and Anise and have completed our Novice Scent Work class, or equivalent class with another instructor. Dogs should be trialing, or ready to trial at the Advanced level.
One dog per handler
This class is designed to deepen your dog's understanding and proficiency in AKC Scent Work.
In this course, participants will build upon the skills acquired in our Scent Work Novice class, further honing their canine partner's scenting abilities and refining their own handling techniques.
This AKC Scent Work Advanced class is designed for teams already proficient in detecting Birch and Anise who are preparing to compete or improve their trialing skills at the AKC Advanced level. In this six-week training series, both dogs and handlers will refine their search techniques, enhance focus and endurance, and build teamwork.
By the end of the 6 weeks, teams will:
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Successfully locate Birch and Anise odor sources in Container, Exterior and Buried setups.
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Continue to build consistent, readable final indications.
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Confidently manage distractions and environmental variables.
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Execute efficient search patterns and confident handler calls
Dates: July 25 - August 27, 2026
Day & Time: Thursdays, 7:45pm - 8:45pm
Class length: 6 weeks
Price: $120.00
Instructor: April L.
Minimum of 5 dogs, maximum of 8
Scent Work - Vehicles & Containers
Prerequisites: Completion of our Scent Work Advanced class or with instructor approval. Dogs should be alerting on Birch.& Anise.
One dog per handler
This class is for teams who have completed our Scent Work Advanced class and are working to elevate their skills in scent detection. In this class, dogs and handlers will work on their skills for the Container element, including AKC & NW2 style distractions. We will also continue working the dog & handler teams on Vehicles searches at the NW2 level.
Disclaimer: This is not a NACSW certified class.
Dates: July 25 - August 27, 2026
Day & Time: Thursdays, 7:45pm - 8:45pm
Class length: 6 weeks
Price: $120.00
Instructor: Rachel W.
Minimum of 3 dogs, maximum of 6
Scent Work - Excellent/Master
Prerequisites: Dogs must be alerting on Birch, Anise, Clove & Cypress. Dogs should be trialing, or ready to trial at the Excellent/Master level.
One dog per handler
In this course, participants will continue to build upon the skills needed to trial at the Excellent or Master level, further increasing their dogs scenting abilities and refining their own handling and observation skills.
This class is designed for teams already proficient in detecting Birch, Anise, Clove & Cypress and who are preparing to compete at the Excellent & Master level of AKC.
This course focuses on the skills needed to run the Exterior & Container elements of AKC Scent Work, including handling, converging odor, elevated and inaccessible hides, and ignoring common distractors found in trial environments, such as food, toys and mimic distractors.
Dates: TBD
Day & Time: TBD
Class length: 6 weeks
Price: $120.00
Instructor: TBD.
Minimum of 5 dogs, maximum of 8
Buried Hides: Back to Basics
Prerequisites: Dogs should be trialing at the Advanced level and above
Are you a member of the "Advanced Buried Forever" club? Then this class is for you!
This 6-week course focuses exclusively on the AKC Buried Hides, guiding teams using simple, confidence-building sand searches to a full mixed sand-and-water setups modeled after trial conditions. Each week progressively increases difficulty through added tubs, deeper hides, additional odors, and controlled distractions.
Dogs begin with very easy, shallow sand hides and gradually advance to a full Master-style search containing both sand and water tubs with multiple odors.
Handlers learn clean search patterns, how to read subtle changes in behavior, and how to support their dogs without influencing the search.
This class is geared towards teams trialing at the Advanced level or higher.
Dates: TBD
Day & Time: TBD
Class length: 6 weeks
Price: $120.00
Instructor: TBD
Minimum of 5 dogs, maximum of 8
Scent Work Interiors - Skills & Drills
Prerequisites: Dogs should be alerting on Birch, Anise & Clove.
This class focuses on building confidence, precision, and problem-solving skills specifically for the Interior element of AKC Scent Work. Teams will work through a variety of indoor environments with increasing complexity, incorporating realistic search challenges inspired by trial conditions. We will target odor obedience, efficient search strategies, solid final responses, and the ability to handle common Interior distractions such as tight spaces, elevated hides, threshold hides, airflow issues, and inaccessible hides.
This class is designed for dogs already trained on Birch, Anise, and Clove.
Dates: TBD
Day & Time: TBD
Class length: 6 weeks
Price: $120.00
Instructor: TBD.
Minimum of 5 dogs, maximum of 8
NOTE: This class will be held in the Shelter Island area of San Diego.