Note: No Class on 28th May. Next Class: Kennel Club Good Citizen Tests - Thursday 4th June, 7-9pm
Scent work is a nose-led sport and enrichment activity built around giving dogs positive scent experiences and structured searching games. The idea is simple but powerful: dogs use their natural sniffing ability to search for a target scent, often in a toy, container, room, vehicle, or outdoor area. It is open to all dogs and trainers and includes exercises designed for any dog, making it very inclusive and accessible.
People get involved because scent work is both fun and genuinely useful. It gives dogs a mentally absorbing outlet, can help channel energy in a constructive way, and may support confidence and focus by turning sniffing into a clear game with a purpose. It can help improve dogs’ lives through nose work and can even be used to help with behaviour issues in pet dogs. For owners, it is a low-pressure way to build teamwork, learn to read their dog better, and enjoy a shared activity that does not depend on size, breed, or athleticism in the way some sports do.
The equipment needs are usually modest. Exercises may involve toys, including Kong products, food rewards, containers, and other household items, and dogs need to be in an appropriate flat collar and generally kept on-lead unless an instructor gives permission otherwise. That means you can start at home with simple boxes, treats, a favourite toy, and a few hiding places, then build up to sessions with us at Surrey Dog Training Society where searches become more varied and challenging and are based on the UK Sniffer Dogs grades and exercises.
Surrey Dog Training Society classes are split into Beginner and Advanced levels, with progression to UK Sniffer Dogs grades Bronze and Silver/Gold available.
Please see the Class Schedule for the next Surrey Dog Training Society Scent class. These are held from 7-8 pm (Beginner Level) and 8-9pm (Advanced Level) at Worplesdon Memorial Hall. Contact Us if you would like more information about Scent Work or wish to attend our next training class.