All About Scent Work Podcast

When it comes to dog training, not to mention Scent Work, there is a tendency to lump things together. This can make the whole process rather confusing to our dogs. An excellent approach is to "break it down" or split up a given exercise into smaller pieces or steps to help the dog better understand. However, the benefits of "breaking it down" applies to BOTH ends of the leash! This means we, as handlers, should identify ways we can breakdown the skills we need to work on or perfect to be the best teammate we can be.  This all means instructors should ensure their program are cultivating the approach of "breaking down", for both their canine and human clients, and avoid the allure to lump, assume or rush ahead. We discuss this, and more, in this episode. ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking fo

The second in our ongoing series where we strive to learn more about participants of Cyber Scent Work, Inc., in this episode we have an engaging conversation with Jo Ann Dombeck about her journey into Scent Work, having three awesome little sniffing dogs and her experience with Cyber Scent Work.  A huge "THANK YOU" to Jo Ann for sharing her story with us and also sending an adorable video afterwards of her prancing poodle, it was heartwarming to say the least! Did you want to learn more about Cyber Scent Work, Inc.? Check out the Cyber Scent Work, Inc. website. Look over the Rules. Check out some of the most Commonly Asked Questions.  ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today! Interested in another dog spor

A common sentiment within the dog-owning community is accepting who your dog is. This is absolutely correct albeit not entirely complete. While we avoid trying to turn our dogs into something they are not, we should be working toward helping them be the best version of themselves. If for no other reason, than to allow our dogs to have the highest quality of life possible. Finding this delicate balance between accepting while still progressing and growing is not easy to do, especially in Scent Work. Do you find yourself capping your dog's abilities by only setting up searches you know they can easily tackle? Or perhaps you have a tendency of throwing them into situations they do not have a prayer of solving?! A better and more ideal solution is a happy medium, where the dog may have to work and strive, but can still reach the solution, simultaneously building their confidence, independence and tenacity in the process. We discuss the importance of finding this balance, and how challenging it can be, in this pod

Cyber Scent Work, Inc. is celebrating it's one year anniversary by announcing some new and exciting changes, including video reviews and earning ribbons for both Element titles and Level titles! In this episode, we hear from the co-founders of Cyber Scent Work, Inc., Dianna L. Santos and Sean McMurray, about these changes and the plans for the future. Did you want to learn more about Cyber Scent Work, Inc.? Check out the Cyber Scent Work, Inc. website. Create a free account here. Look over the Rules. Check out some of the most Commonly Asked Questions.  ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today! Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and

This is the first entry in our brand-new series where we speak with participants of Cyber Scent Work, Inc. to hear their stories, what their Scent Work training journey has been like and to learn more about their partnership with their dogs as well as their experience with Cyber Scent Work, Inc. For our inaugural episode, we are delighted to speak with Lisa Bartel about her journey with her wonderfully adorable boy, Rickon, how they got started in Scent Work as well as how Lisa has successfully leveraged sniffing to help Rickon build more confidence. Additionally, we hear from Lisa regarding her experience in going through Cyber Scent Work, Inc., the training feedback she received as well as her future sniffy plans for Rickon, who has proudly and bravely earned his Cyber Sniffer Beginner Paired Odor Track Level Title! We are thrilled that Lisa agreed to speak with us about her experience with Cyber Scent Work, Inc. and we look forward to hearing from more Cyber Scent Work participants to hear about their take

Many people are under the impression that canine fitness and Scent Work are unrelated and have nothing to do with one another. Nothing could be further from the truth! To be successful in Scent Work, particularly when competing in the upper levels, your dog MUST have a level of fitness to meet the demands, otherwise they have no hope of succeeding. In this episode, we speak with Donna Morgan Murray, PhD, CPCFT regarding the importance of canine fitness, how fitness impacts dogs who are doing Scent Work and other scent sports as well as the various life stages where a fitness program can be successfully utilized. We are also incredibly fortunate that Donna has put together several webinars focusing on canine fitness. Be sure to check them all out: Fitness for the Life of Your Dog Webinar Keeping Your Senior Dog Fit to Work and Play Webinar Fitness Exercises for You Puppy Webinar ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webina

The human experience with odor is far and away what our dogs are experiencing when they encounter odor. For one, they can actually "see" odor by using their incredible sense of smell. We cannot. Yet, time and time again, handlers will discount what the dog does, communicates or tries to do within a given search. In this podcast episode, we discuss this vastly different experience on either end of the leash and how we as handlers need to own our own shortcomings. How we must improve our own skills, both in understanding odor and in reading and supporting our dogs, to best allow our dog to be successful. Here are some resources available through Scent Work University that may help with bridging this gap regarding expectations and more properly supporting our dogs when doing searches with them: Hide Placement and Odor Movement Seminar with Laurel Scarioni All About the Box; A Detailed Look at Container Searches with Dana Zinn Tools to Help Design Your Scent Work Searches Webinar with Dianna L. Santos Wait, Quit

In this spotlight episode, we speak with Melissa Stagnaro regarding the titling organization in the United States, American Rettungshunde Sport Association (ARSA), where teams may work a variety of classes based upon the rules set by the international Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the International Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO). This is excellent conversation discussing the details of ARSA and also how handlers may volunteer for local SAR-groups, to learn the ropes and see if they and their dogs may up for the task to join a team and deployed. Be sure to check out the following links to learn more about ARSA: https://www.searchandrescuesport.org ARSA - FB Page ARSA - YouTube   Melissa also mentions a great book that listeners may want to look into: Family Disaster Dogs by Amber Higgins   ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, bu

In this roundtable discussion headed by Michelle Doram, we hear from the three varied experiences on how to manage expectations when competing in Nose Work. An excellent conversation between Jessica Koester, a CNWI and NACSW Judge, Monica Flores, a 10-year veteran Nose Work competitor and Jill Marie O'Brien, the co-founder of NACSW. The insights and stories shared in this conversation will help all dog and handler teams who are in any part of their competition journey, regardless of the venue.  We are incredibly fortunate that Michelle Doram is also offering a live webinar taking a deeper dive into the topic, outlining how handlers may better manage their expectations when it comes to trialing. Be sure to check to out Michelle's Great Expectations: Creating your Scent Work Trial Experience Webinar on April 20th at 4PM PST/7PM EST.  ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are int

In Scent Work, we must be able to read our dog. What the dog's tells are as they are working a space, detecting, chasing and sourcing odor or investigating dog odor or crittering. However, missing from the conversation is having a more general understanding of how our dogs communicate with their bodies and how WE communicate to THEM with our bodies, movements, actions and inactions. Having this knowledge and understanding is crucially important for everyone to understand, whether they are handlers, trainers, instructors, class assistants, trial officials or trial volunteers. For instance, what a dog does to communicate they are being threatened or are putting out a threat or warning. Why does this matter within the context of Scent Work? Remember in this activity we are asking our dogs, predators, to hunt. If we are not careful with how we conduct ourselves, we could illicit a dog to try to bite. In this episode, we discuss the importance for everyone, but particularly trainers, instructors and trial official

In this spotlight episode, we speak with Dana Zinn and Sue Sternberg about their collaborative. Dana and Sue are helping Scent Work teams elevate their training by focusing on the handler, highlighting what we are saying to the dogs during a search and how we may be clearer and more supportive throughout. Everyone who participates in Scent Work should look into what Dana and Sue are offering! Whether you are a handler, a trainer or instructor, their insight will allow you to improve your game and ensure you are being the best teammate your dog can have! Learn more about the video review webinars Dana and Sue offer here: Dana Zinn and Sue Sternberg Video Review Webinars — Zinn Dog Training Request a workshop here: Sternberg-Zinn Nose Work Collaborative — Zinn Dog Training Contact Dana Zinn here: Contact — Zinn Dog Training Contact Sue Sternberg here: suesternberg@icloud.com ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webi

Strap in, this is a blunt, real-talk episode. It is high-time that all of us within the Scent Work community hold ourselves to a higher standard where treating one another with respect is a requirement. Addressing questions, concerns or issues directly with those involved instead of rushing to social media to bash them behind their back. Calling out people who try to steal someone else's light just to make themselves appear "bigger and better". Demanding that instructors, trial officials and professionals stop expecting reverence while treating their colleagues as "lesser than" or dirt. Instead, requiring these professionals to treat each other as equals with the common goal of HELPING dogs and their handlers. We need to focus on our DOGS.  In short: We. Must. Do. Better. Enough is enough. ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for t

Working on advanced, higher-level, or challenging training concepts seems to imply our dog must struggle when they are trying to solve the puzzle. Otherwise, it is not a challenge, right? But what if the dog goes into the space, applying all the skills they mastered already, and immediately solves the puzzle? "UGH! I guess that was too easy. So disappointing!" In this episode, we discuss the importance of keeping in mind what our goals are when we are training and properly rewarding the dog when they do what we were looking for in the first place. If your dog aced the same search in a trial, you would be THRILLED. Why then are you disappointed in training? ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today! Inter

This roundtable discussion is dedicated to all the Scent Work instructors out there. In this episode, we discuss dealing with expectations and how instructors can steal their own joy if they are not careful. This is a riveting conversation we are hoping will help all instructors realize they are not alone if they are struggling with self-doubt, second-guessing themselves or worried about stepping out to showcase their abilities. We have all been there! This conversation is only possible thanks to the incredibly talented Michelle Doram, Michele Ellertson, Michael McManus and Khara Schuetzner. It is wonderful they were all open to having this discussion, sharing their stories and making it okay to talk about these topics openly! ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engag

In this roundtable episode, we discuss what makes Michelle Doram, Michele Ellertson, Michael McManus and Khara Schuetzner cringe at Scent Work trials. We hope that everyone who competes gives this episode a listen to ensure they are not causing their trial officials to cringe. Also, keep an eye out for Michele Ellertson's new webinar which will be covering these topics in more detail and providing solutions to avoid them. ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today! Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog. Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out

In our latest Spotlight episode, we have the distinct privilege of speaking with Becky Thomas of The Ultimate K9 in Australia about how she has been helping to grow K9 Nose Work® in Australia. This conversation is fantastic, as it highlights how this activity is for all dogs and handlers and is something that everyone should play. Becky's enthusiasm is contagious and we are fortunate to have her as a part of the community. Learn more about Becky here: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ultimatek9training Instagram – Ultimate K9 YouTube – coming soon ----more---- PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Coming soon!

The topic for this roundtable discussion is ways instructors can help their students better deal with "failures” they may experience at trial...whether "failure" is a real thing or not, how handlers may set better expectations for themselves and their dogs, how balancing training and trialing is incredibly important and so much more! We are so thankful for Michael McManus and Khara Schuetzner for having these riveting conversations with us, and we think you will enjoy this one as well. As mentioned in the episode, be sure to check out Michael's previous podcast episode, What is Failure?, where he talks about failure as well as his Conquering Competition Stress Webinar. If you would like to work one-on-one with Michael or Khara, you can regardless where you live! Submit a training or trialing video for them to review and provide feedback on or schedule a virtual Zoom consultation. Choose between 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes to have your Scent Work training questions answered and solutions provided.

With Scent Work continuing to explode in popularity around the globe, there is an ever-growing demand for more classes and training. Instructors and trainers are working to meet this demand. However, it is crucially important that every professional instructor or trainer keep in mind the responsibilities associated with this role. No matter if you are newer or have been teaching since the sports inception, your responsibilities are the same. In this podcase episode, we highlight how being an instructor and trainer is indeed an honor and privilege that we need to take very seriously to ensure we ae doing all we can to help our human and canine students learn, grow, progress and succeed. ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent

In this spotlight episode, we speak with Natalie Duberow, an approved USCSS CSD and Judge and AKC Scent Work Judge, who is quite literally helping to spread the word about Scent Work worldwide! Natalie travels the globe providing workshops for dog handlers, competitors and those interested in becoming trial officials with United States Canine Scent Sports. With her expertise and enthusiasm, Natalie is helping handlers near and far to remember to have FUN with their dogs as they play the sniffy game, regardless of where they hail from or what part of the equation they want to participate in, be a dog handler, competitor, trial official or trial host. We are so fortunate to have passionate people like Natalie who are spearheading the task of getting Scent Work into as many places as possible. You may learn more about Natalie on her Happy Dog College Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/HappyDogCollege Stay tuned for her Scent Work Center site! Learn more about United States Canine Scent Sports here:

In this spotlight episode, we have the privilege to speak with Michele Ellertson, CNWI, a professional dog trainer, instructor, CO with NACSW and the owner of The Dog's PACE about her PACE Team Games program. This program is a fabulous way to encourage people to support one another while tackling challenging, and FUN, searches. It has been a big hit in the Northeastern US and the Los Angeles-area as well. Be sure to learn more about the PACE Team Games program here. ----more---- Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today! Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog. Want to help your dog in the manner depart