Scent Work

Scent work.

Training the Nose, Building the Bond

What is Scent Work?

Scent Work is an engaging and rewarding activity that harnesses your dog's natural ability to detect and identify specific scents. By encouraging dogs to use their extraordinary sense of smell, scent work provides both mental and physical enrichment while allowing them to engage in a behaviour that comes naturally to them.

Often described as a form of "canine detective work," scent work teaches dogs to search for and locate a target odour, building confidence, focus, and problem-solving skills along the way.

Benefits of scent work include:

Provides excellent mental and physical enrichment
Helps reduce stress, anxiety, and excess energy
Encourages calm, focused behaviour
Builds confidence and resilience in different environments
Strengthens the bond between dog and handler through teamwork
Allows dogs to engage in a natural and highly rewarding activity
Suitable for ongoing learning and progression at any age

For many dogs, scent work is one of the most enjoyable activities they can participate in, allowing them to use their strongest natural sense in a purposeful and rewarding way.

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Is Scent Work Suitable for My Dog?

Absolutely. Scent work is suitable for dogs of all breeds, ages, and abilities.

Because it is low impact and adaptable, it is an excellent activity for:

Puppies and young dogs
Adult and senior dogs
Dogs recovering from injury or surgery (subject to veterinary advice)
Nervous or less confident dogs
Reactive dogs who benefit from structured, individual focus
Working and high-energy breeds that enjoy mental challenges

Every dog can participate at their own pace, making scent work one of the most inclusive canine activities available.

What Happens in Class?

Working as a team, you and your dog will learn how to identify, search for, and locate a specific target odour. As your dog's skills develop, they will progress from simple searches to more challenging scent detection exercises.

Dogs are rewarded using positive reinforcement methods, including food rewards, play, praise, and the inherent satisfaction they gain from using their natural abilities. Watching your dog solve scent challenges and observing the incredible power of their nose is both fascinating and rewarding.

Our classes focus on building confidence, developing handling skills, and creating a fun and supportive learning environment for both dogs and their owners.

About Our Courses

As a qualified City & Guilds Assured Detection Dog Instructor and Handler, trained through the College of Scent Dogs, I deliver structured scent work training based on nationally recognised standards.

Our courses follow the College of Scent Dogs UK Canine Scent Detective Programme, progressing through the Constable, Sergeant, and Inspector levels. These courses provide a clear pathway for dogs and handlers to develop their skills while enjoying a fun and rewarding activity together.

If you would like to discover more about your dog's incredible sense of smell and enjoy a unique training experience that strengthens your partnership, 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!”