Scentwork Foundations: Teach Your Dog to Search
Part of the Dogwarts Academy “Sniffin’ Spells” Series
Teaching imprinting of a target scent, build the beginnings of a strong indication, and begin simple searches
What is Sniffin’ Spells: Scentwork Foundations?
This is Level 1 of our Sniffin’ Spells Series – a structured introduction to canine scent detection, based on the standards of the World Scent Dog Association (WSDA).
Over four magical weeks, your dog will learn how to:
Recognise a specific target scent
Begin structured search patterns
Develop the beginnings of a clear and consistent indication
This isn’t just fun and games (though it’s definitely fun), this is real scentwork, taught in a clear, step-by-step way that lays the foundation for all future search skills.
Whether your dog is lively, sensitive, or just loves using their nose, this course channels their natural instincts into focused, confidence-boosting work – all while building calmness, cooperation, and connection.
All dogs must complete this foundation class before joining our ongoing Sniffin’ Spells Series, including Super Sniffers and future advanced levels.
This is where the scentwork journey begins.
Why scentwork?
Behaviour Magic
Most people think dogs sniff just for fun.
Here’s the secret: structured scentwork is one of the most powerful tools we have for:
✔️ Calming an overstimulated or hyper dog
✔️ Building resilience and confidence
✔️ Reducing barking and reactivity
✔️ Improving focus and self-control
✔️ Creating true mental enrichment
✔️ Strengthening your bond through teamwork
This isn’t a party trick. It’s a game-changing behaviour tool in disguise.
Who is this class for?
This course is designed for any dog that:
✅Enjoys using their nose
✅Needs more mental stimulation
✅Benefits from structured focus work
✅Is able to work calmly in a small group setting (5 dogs max)
This is not a class for dogs with significant reactivity or behavioural concerns around other dogs or people.
If your dog struggles in group environments, please get in touch – we may recommend starting with 1:1 training to help set you up for future group success.
The Details
Duration: 4-week scentwork foundation course
Where: The Erskine Centre, Chedburgh
When: Thursdays at 6pm – starts 24th April
How Much: £80 per dog
Taught by: World Scent Dog Association Certified Instructor & Judge
Class size: Small – calm, safe, supportive
Each week builds on the last as your dog:
🐾Is introduced to a unique scent (target odour) 🐾Learns how to signal when they find it (indication)
🐾Practices searching with increasing complexity 🐾Becomes more focused, confident, and calm
This is more than a course, it’s your dog’s gateway to a richer, more relaxed life.
What happens after?
Once your dog completes this Foundation Block, you’ll be invited to join our ongoing Super Sniffers classes working your way through the Sniffin Spells Stages – where the real scent adventures begin.
Think fun challenges, themed searches, mock trials, confidence courses, with like-minded sniffers.
But first, every dog must complete the Sniffin’ Spells Foundation Level to join.
That’s where the magic starts.
How to book:
Click below to secure your spot.
Spaces are limited to 5 dogs to ensure a peaceful environment and personalised guidance.
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Words of praise from our clients
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I thought scentwork would be fun – but I wasn’t prepared for how emotional it would be watching my dog in action. The first time she really locked onto the scent and tracked it down, it gave me goosebumps.
Her whole body changed – focused, determined, and so graceful. It was like everything else disappeared for her. I’d honestly never seen her move like that before.
It’s given her purpose, and me a whole new way to connect with her. She settles so much better now, and it’s something we both genuinely look forward to. It’s magic, pure and simple! Introducing scentwork has been one of the most rewarding experiences we’ve shared together. Thank you!
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Rachel & Pepper
"
I joined scentwork classes thinking it would be a bit of fun for my anxious, excitable Cockapoo but I wasn’t expecting it to completely shift how we connect. From the first session, I could see her confidence grow. She was so focused, so calm, and so proud of herself when she found the scent. It taught me to stop second-guessing her and just let her lead and that’s been the biggest lesson of all.
The change at home has been amazing. She sleeps better, she’s less reactive on walks, and when visitors come over, we set up a search and she settles beautifully. It’s given us a tool we use every day now. I’d recommend this to absolutely anyone, not just for the dog, but for the joy you feel when they find the scent.
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Mark & Luna
FAQs
Do I need any experience?
Not at all! Sniffin’ Spells Foundation Level is designed for complete beginners. Whether you’ve never tried scentwork before or just want to do more with your dog’s amazing nose, you’ll be guided every step of the way.
Is this class suitable for reactive or aggressive dogs?
While scentwork can be brilliant for building confidence in anxious or reactive dogs, this group class is designed for dogs who are comfortable being in the same room as other dogs (even if working separately). If your dog struggles with reactivity, gets very vocal, or finds group settings stressful, please get in touch — we’d love to support you in a more tailored 1:1 environment first.
Will the dogs be off-lead?
Nope – all searches are done on-lead or individually. Dogs work one at a time while others are calmly resting, so everyone gets a fair chance to shine.
What should I bring?
Your dog, a comfortable fitting harness, a standard lead (no retractables), lots of tasty treats, and a sense of fun! We’ll send you a further details after you book.
Course Pricing
Tracy
Welcome to Dogwarts K9 Academy where I help stressed out dog parents overcome their dog training struggles and fall back in love with their dog again with pressure free, fun training techniques that get real life results.
Helping all dogs but specialising in Reactivity & Anxiety cases.
When you work with me you get the training your dog would choose if they were given the chance to pick a trainer. Why? Because my training helps you to understand your dog, to speak their language to help you understand the real meaning behind their behaviour which creates an unbelievable relationship of trust that enables you to get wonderful results.
I do not use and will not recommend any aversive training methods so you can be assured that the training you receive is judgement free, pressure free and fear free. I will never use intimidation to get results but instead use fun techniques that your dog can relate to, learns with, and puts the joy back into your training time together. When you work with your dog this way, your results really do become unstoppable.
I help you to break it all down, help you understand your dog’s go to response, pick up on the triggers (these may not be what you think they are) then we work together to bring hope back into your lives.
From dogs that have escaped war-torn countries to dogs that need help to learn that not everything in the environment is something to worry about, I have helped dogs with lead reactivity, dog/people reactivity, noise reactivity and separation related reactivity, I have helped them to reshape and rebuild their emotions so they can live their lives with less anxious reactivity and experience more adventures with joy.
