
Scent Detection is fun for every dog - shy dogs, boisterous dogs and even dogs with physical limitations!
This popular sport, adapted from techniques used to train bomb and drug detection dogs, allows you and your dog to have fun identifying and indicating different scents.
Dogs learn to systematically search boxes and other objects, including vehicles, for hidden scent. The level of difficulty increases each week and it is fascinating to watch dogs learn to indicate and show they've found scent!
Your dog will gain confidence, enjoy using its extraordinary scenting abilities and have a fun outlet for all that energy. You will develop a deeper bond as you learn to read your dog's behaviour and work together as a team.
Scentwork classes run from Level One through to Four, and you can enter trials and earn titles with your dog. We train to SDDA Sporting Dog Detection Association Standards. http://www.sportingdetectiondogs.ca
Our scent detection classes run for 4 weeks, with attendance limited to 3 dogs and their handlers. Classes are 45 minutes in length, and run once a week for 4 weeks. Your investment is $135.00.
Pre-Requisites
1. Parvo/distemper vaccination certificate no older than 3 years, or parvo/distemper titer certificate no older than 1 year.
2. Dog is over 8 weeks old and not reactive to other dogs or people.
Registration
If you're new to Cowichan Canine, please attend an online Orientation session.
Provide us with your dog's vaccination certificate (parvo and distemper), and register for a Scent Detection class that works for you. Our class schedule can be accessed here
Any questions, please call 250-929-1400 or email [email protected]

Hi Lisbeth,
Just wanted to let you know Wylie’s emergency recall works! We came across two unleashed dogs on a hike yesterday and he went over the edge unfortunately- tore the leash out of my hand and ran away into the woods.
I took a tumble in the process and by the time I got up he was out of sight. Pulled out the whistle, called him repeatedly and after what seemed like ages he came to me!
We will never leave the house without my whistle ad sardines…thank you so much!
Marika
Marika with Wylie (Reactive Dog Programme student)
Victoria
I sincerely want to thank all the trainers who worked with us on
training our newest member of the family, Mila. Actually it was
training us but we won't admit to that!! We had the privilege of
working with Karen, Jody, Glenda, Bev and Lisbeth in our Foundation
Classes. Every trainer took an active role in helping us achieve
success. We felt that they were as excited with our small steps
towards success as we were! The training program was so well laid out
with the book, clickers, backpack and superb teachers that it made it
easy to be successful if you were willing to put in the time. It also
made it fun! There is a saying "it takes a village or community to
raise a child". We think the saying could say "it takes Cowichan
Canine to help raise a dog". We are now hoping to continue with
agility classes and maybe even try the scent class.
Thank you again
Mila, Marg, Andre, Sarah & Curtis
Cowichan Valley