Scent Work Dog Training at Jenn’s Dogs

To participate in our dog scent work classes at Jenn’s Dogs, we ask that teams complete an evaluation or have previously attended a dog training class with us. This helps ensure that your dog is comfortable working in a group training environment before joining our scent work or nose work classes.

Our scent work dog training classes are intentionally kept small to support learning and safety. Each group scent work class includes up to four dogs.

During scent work training exercises, dogs work on the training floor separated by X-pens so each dog can focus on their own scent search. As dogs progress through scent detection training and more complex searches, teams may wait in a designated staging area until it is their turn to work.

This structure allows every dog and handler team to practice scent work in a calm, focused environment while developing strong nose work skills.

Both our group scent work classes and private scent work training programs include seven sessions, with the first session being human only.

During this orientation session, guardians receive the scent work handbook, review recommended equipment, and begin learning the training techniques that will be used throughout the scent work program. This first session helps prepare handlers to support their dog’s learning as they begin scent detection training.

Our beginner scent work classes are appropriate for dogs six months and older. Because scent work training relies on a dog’s natural ability to use their nose, it is an excellent activity for adolescent dogs, adult dogs, and senior dogs.

Dog scent work and nose work training provide valuable mental enrichment and are especially helpful for dogs who benefit from problem-solving activities or structured enrichment.

Scent work for dogs provides powerful mental enrichment while allowing dogs to use one of their strongest natural abilities: their sense of smell. Through scent detection training, dogs learn how to search for odor while practicing problem solving and impulse control.

Dog scent work classes can be especially helpful for adolescent dogs, reactive dogs, dogs who appear bored, or dogs who benefit from having a job. Many guardians choose scent work training as a fun activity that strengthens bonding and teamwork between dog and handler.

Because scent work engages a dog’s brain and natural instincts, it is one of the most rewarding enrichment activities available in dog training.

At Jenn’s Dogs, all dog training and scent work training is based on positive reinforcement and force-free methods. Our scent work classes prioritize the welfare and emotional well-being of your dog while encouraging natural learning.

In scent work training, the dog leads the search while the handler supports the process. There is no need for corrections or pressure during scent detection work. Instead, we reinforce the search process, reward the find, and use free shaping to help dogs develop strong scent work skills.

Our scent work classes are designed for the family dog and focus on fun, enrichment, and developing scent work skills rather than preparing specifically for competition.

However, the scent work and nose work training skills taught in our classes build strong foundational search behaviors. Teams who later decide to pursue AKC scent work or nose work trials will have the foundational scent training skills needed to continue developing those abilities.

 For scent work dog training classes, dogs should wear a buckle collar or harness and be handled on a standard six-foot leash. A long line of 15 feet or longer may also be used for certain scent search exercises.

The following equipment is not permitted in our scent work classes:

• Head halters
• Martingale collars
• Choke chains
• Prong collars
• Shock or electronic collars
• Retractable leashes
• Any equipment designed to cause discomfort or harm

Handlers participating in scent work classes will need a marker, such as a clicker or verbal marker, along with a release cue. Teams will also use containers during search exercises, treats or chews for reinforcement, and scent tins for holding odor during scent detection training.

These items help create clear search setups while supporting your dog’s scent work learning process.

 Scent tins used in our scent work classes are available for purchase at the Jenn’s Dogs Training Studio. We carry scent tins used in class along with training treats that work well for scent work reinforcement.

Teams can purchase scent tins and Fig and Tyler treats directly at the studio so they can continue practicing scent work training at home between classes.