This is an event where the Basset Hound should truly excel. Scent Work allows one of your dog’s favorite pastimes to become a rewarding game. In this sport, there must be a partnership between the dog and the handler. The handler must rely on the dog’s nose to find the target odor.
This sport mimics the work of professional detection dogs who look for specific scents. Cotton swabs are hidden out of sight and the dog must find them. The dog must indicate that he has found the scent and the handler will make it known to the judge. Scents used are the essential oils of Anise, Birch, Clove, and Cypress.
Scent Work is a fun game that any Basset Hound can play!
Odor Search & Handler Discrimination
There are two divisions of AKC Scent Work. One is for Odor Search (one or more of the essential oils) and the other is Handler Discrimination, where the dog searches for the scent of their handler.
Elements
Scent Work searches are performed in different environments, called Elements:
- Container – target odor is concealed within a container such as a cardboard box
- Interior – target odor is within a container in an indoor search area
- Exterior – target odor is concealed on or in an object in an outdoor search area, requiring the dog to work through weather conditions, distractions, and airflow patterns
- Buried – target odor is concealed in a small container and buried underground
Basset Hound University has great resources on how to train your scenting dog. View the course & get the flash cards!
Four Levels of Scent Work
There are four levels for both Handler Discrimination and Odor Search. You may work at different levels in each category:
- Novice
- Advanced
- Excellent
- Master
The levels of difficulty change based on the size of the search area, the number of hides, handler knowledge of hide locations, and the height of the hides. The most difficult class is the Detective Class, designed to emulate real detection dog work.
How do you win?
In Scent Work, you either qualify or do not qualify. Dogs use their nose to find hidden odors and alert their handler through behaviors such as pawing, barking, pointing, sitting, or other signals. The handler then notifies the judge.
To qualify, the team must find all hides within the allowed time and without committing non-qualifying faults. The top four teams are ranked 1st through 4th based on the fewest faults and fastest time.
Unveil the mysteries of Scent with this comprehensive book by William G. Syrotuck, available on Amazon.
In Scent Work, you either qualify or do not qualify. Dogs use their nose to find hidden odors and alert their handler through behaviors such as pawing, barking, pointing, sitting, or other signals. The handler then notifies the judge.
To qualify, the team must find all hides within the allowed time and without committing non-qualifying faults. The top four teams are ranked 1st through 4th based on the fewest faults and fastest time.
Find or Enter a Scent Work Trial
Scent Work trials include a premium list with all relevant details, including the official entry form. Completed entries are sent to the trial secretary, who will provide a judging program.
To find a Scent Work Trial in your area, check the AKC Events Calendar using the button below.
For more information
This is a sport you can begin learning at home, though understanding the rules and regulations is essential. You can learn more about the classes and rules by visiting the American Kennel Club website.
There you can review AKC Scent Work Regulations and access additional training resources.
