Air Scenting Course - Beginners

We are thrilled to introduce what we believe is the first of its kind in the UK – a 6-week course designed specifically for pet owners to train their dogs in Air Scenting a skill very similar to those used in search and rescue operations! 🐾

This fun and engaging course will teach your dog how to search for hidden items and individuals in forests, moors, and wilderness environments – all in a safe and controlled way. It's perfect for owners who want to build a strong bond with their dog while learning exciting new skills.

Whilst this is purely for fun, if you and your dog excel, you may even consider joining a search and rescue team in the future!

Air-Scenting Dogs

Air-scent search and rescue dogs are specially trained dogs that assist in locating missing persons in various environments, such as forests, mountains, and disaster areas. Unlike trailing/tracking dogs that follow a specific scent trail, air-scent dogs work by detecting human scent that is drifting in the air. These dogs are trained to work off-lead and can cover large areas quickly. Once they locate the source of the scent, they return to their handler to alert them, often leading the handler back to the found person. Air-scent dogs play a crucial role in search and rescue operations due to their speed, efficiency, and ability to detect scent over long distances and in difficult terrains. Their work is invaluable in expediting rescues, thereby increasing the chances of survival for the individuals they seek.

Air-scenting dogs rely on detecting scent particles that are carried by the wind. They work off-lead and use the wind to locate the general area where the person is. They do not follow a specific trail but instead work in a sweeping pattern, often criss-crossing an area, until they pick up the strongest scent. Air-scenting dogs are often used in search and rescue operations to find lost individuals in wide areas like forests, wilderness, or disaster sites.

Nosework offer your dog a fun way to use their natural talents
Dogs have been bred to work alongside us; teaching them to use their natural talent of smell keeps them happy and entertained. It gives them a feeling of purpose. Dogs thrive when they feel like they have a job to do; and it’s even better when it’s something as simple as teaching them to sniff things out for you.

The benefits of teaching your dog Air scenting include:
• Fun way to give your dog more mental stimulation
• Gives your dog extra physical stimulation
• Nose work builds your dog’s confidence
• Gives your dog a job to do
• Builds a stronger bond with your dog
• Nose work is fun & rewarding for dogs