Scent Work
About
The Club offers Scent Work Classes on Saturday from 12-2 and 4-6pm.
The new companion dog sport of Scent Work is based on the fact that dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell that has been put to use over many years professionally in the detection of many different odours in a range of environments.
NSDTC offers classes in Scent Work on Saturdays within the NSDTC Training days.
These classes are to be in line with the Dogs Australia (ANKC) Rules for the Conduct of Scent Work Trials.
The Handler
- Must be a financial member of NSDTC.
- Assist with set up and pack up of search areas at training.
- Must be willing and able to become proficient at being Hide Steward, Timing Steward/Scribe, Assembly Steward and Mashal at trials.
- Have and keep a sense of humour.
Four Elements of Scent Work
The four elements of Scent Work training are:
- Interior
- Exterior
- Containers
- Vehicles
Dogs will be taught to work in all elements at all levels.
Odours Taught
Birch, Anise, Clove and Cypress
Classes
Level 1 & 2 Classes will be held from 4-6pm on Saturdays (excluding General Meeting and other non-training dates) in Dog Hut B and surrounds
Level 3 & 4 Classes will be held from 12-1pm on Saturdays (excluding non-training dates) in Dog Hut B and surrounds
Level 5 Classes will be held from 12-2pm either in Hut B and surrounds or elsewhere on the showground
Five levels of classes will be offered
Level 1 Beginners
4-week block using (primary) food
Level 2 Introduction to Odour 1
4-week block where Birch odour is introduced.
Level 3 Introduction to Odour 2
4-week block where Anise odour is introduced.
Level 4 Introduction to Odours 3 & 4
4-week block where Clove and Cypress odours are introduced.
Level 5 Advanced class for Triallers
Offered weekly where searches will be for all 4 odours in all 4 elements and will be focussed on skills required for all trial levels.
- All participants need to be fully vaccinated and current club members.
- No prerequisites are required of the dog
- All class numbers are restricted to 6-8 handler/dog teams.
Teams should be available for the entire block of 4 weeks. If not, they may go on a waiting list for the next available block at their level. - Dates for classes will be advertised monthly on the Club’s Website and Facebook page.
- Each class level will be offered approximately once in every 3-month period.
Promotion tests are required to move up levels.
Promotion to Level 2
Find a blind Primary hide in Interior element
Promotion to Level 3
Find a blind Birch hide in Container element
Promotion to Level 4
Find a blind Anise hide in Container element
Promotion to Level 5
Find blind Clove and Cypress hides in Container element
Bookings
Bookings for blocks of classes by email only will be accepted.
Waiting Lists
There are currently waiting lists for classes at all levels as we have limited time allocations and limited instructors available.
For each class, please bring your dog, a large quantity of high value treats, a lead of between 3 and 5 metres in length, a harness with a back clip attachment and a water bowl for your dog.
When your dog is not searching, they will need to be crated outside the building or left in your car between runs.
Quick Links
Training times
Level 1 & 2 Classes
Saturday 4:00pm – 6:00pm *
Dog Hut B and surrounds
Level 3 & 4 Classes
Saturday 12:00pm – 1:00pm *
Dog Hut B and surrounds
Level 5 Classes
12:00pm – 2:00pm *
Hut B and surrounds or elsewhere on the showground.
* Excluding General Meeting and other non-training dates.
Location
St Ives Showground
454 Mona Vale Road, St Ives
North Shore, Sydney
Contact
Gael
Scent Work Coordinator
ScentWork@nsdogtraining.org.au
Waiting Lists
There are currently waiting lists for classes at all levels as we have limited time allocations and limited instructors available.