If your dog would rather chase wildlife, chew the sofa, or bark at nothing than settle — this is for you. Scentwork flips the picture: instead of fighting what your dog naturally wants to do, you become part of the game. Small groups, real environments, and a clear path from first sniff to full search.
No experience needed. All breeds and ages welcome.
In-person, small-group sessions for dog and handler pairs, starting from absolute scratch. You bring your dog. I provide the environment, the guidance, and a genuine step-by-step pathway — dog-centred, expert-led, non-competitive, and welfare-driven throughout.
This is where your dog is introduced to the target odour for the very first time. We'll start with introductions and make sure everyone knows individual dogs' needs. We will then go through the scent kit, which you can take home with you at the end of the session. I'll show you how to introduce your dog to the target odour and start the journey of searching. We also cover your role as a handler, the mechanics of the game, and how and when to reward what you're seeing. There will be time for sniffy breaks and snacks for humans and dogs alike. This is the required first step before joining us for Area Search, Skill Sessions, or Detective Dog Search.
per dog and handler pair
Payment by bank transfer. Confirmation and full kit list sent by email.
For dogs with no odour foundations at all. We build value for the search, teach a reliable working pattern, and get your dog thinking like a searcher for the first time. Required before Area Search, Skill Sessions, or Detective Dog Search.
Real search areas, real environments. Your dog puts their odour foundation to work finding hides in a genuine setting, while you learn to read what they're telling you.
Skill focused sessions, working on things like Indication, Distractions, Odour availability and more. Come as often — or as little — as you like.
The immersive option. Longer, more complex searches with a genuine scenario to work through — duration depends entirely on the "crime." Bring snacks; these sessions run long enough to need them.
If your dog would benefit from learning the game before other dogs come into the picture, or reactivity makes a group a harder starting point, these are a great way in.
Private, focused coaching for you and your dog alone. Ideal for reactive dogs, nervous dogs, or anyone who'd rather build confidence before joining a group.
Get started in your own space, with your own distractions, at a pace that suits your dog completely.
Exact price depends on your location — travel time and fuel included.
Not sure which is right for you? Start with the Odour Foundation Intro.
See the Odour Foundation IntroEvery session is run by me personally, from start to finish. You'll never be handed a handout and left to get on with it — every search is explained, coached, and discussed as you go.
CoachingGroups are capped at 4–8 dogs, so there's space for every dog to work and every handler to ask questions and get feedback that's actually about their dog.
PersonalOdour Foundation Intro first, then Area Search, Skill Sessions, and Detective Dog Search work — building session by session, at your dog's pace, not a fixed weekly commitment.
StructureYou'll have access to a WhatsApp group and our website community group, so you're never stuck between sessions without somewhere to ask a question.
CommunityDog-centred, force-free, and built around what's genuinely good for your dog rather than a scoreboard. This is about the bond and the game, not the leaderboard.
Welfare
Hi, I'm Clare. I've spent 25 years working with dogs and the last 10 teaching scentwork — I've been a Scentwork UK Instructor since 2018 and I'm a WSDA Blue Level Instructor too.
I first came across scentwork about 10 years ago at an agility camp, and it changed how I trained from that point on. I recognised straight away what it could do for my reactive dog Georgie, and for Chloe, my young rescue springer at the time.
My approach is dog-centred, expert-led, non-competitive, and welfare-driven throughout — this isn't about scoreboards, it's about your dog's wellbeing and what searching does for the wider bond between you.
Like anything with dogs, you never stop learning, and they never stop teaching you something new. Scentwork is one of the few activities you can genuinely do anywhere — and it's actually better for being done in as many different places as possible, which is exactly why my sessions move around.
Whatever you book — Odour Foundation, Area Search, Skill Sessions, Detective Dog Search, 1:1 or Home Visit — this is what stays constant.
Small groups. Places go quickly. Payment by bank transfer.
Exact locations are sent by what3words alongside your booking confirmation, with parking details for that specific venue. Suitable for anyone — the only real consideration is mobility, since some locations involve uneven ground or steps. Get in touch beforehand if that's a concern for you or your dog.
Start with the Odour Foundation Intro — everything else opens up from there. Small groups. Expert guidance. Dogs being dogs.
Book the Odour Foundation IntroNot sure yet? Get in touch at clare@4activepaws.com first.