
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]

To Everyone at Cowichan Canine: Cyrus & I have just finished the Foundation program and passed with Honours - phew! Along the way we were fortunate to sample several of the other courses that you offer, including private lessons for my other dog, Ricco. It was a real treat to be able to do that . I learned soooo much about my dogs; from how they react to each other, how to understand their body language, to be more patient and even what treats to provide for success. I was very impressed from the start with your on-line registration, the class sizes, the ability to work at our own pace, and even the individual water bowls. And on top of all that, each instructor offers a unique view of training so that you can get different perspectives. And of course, Andrea keeps the ship running smoothly. The time the three of us have spent with you has definitely been a worthwhile Thank you from Sherie, Ricco & Cyrus.
Sherie Robb
Maple Bay
Hero has been making lots and lots of progress. His only setbacks have been when I have pushed him too far. I am on summer break from teaching and have been dedicated hours each day to his training. Too many great stories to share, but I do have to share this one, for me it was his "graduation." Ever since our sessions with you at the house, I have been working with Hero on an "away" command, where he keeps away from being right in front of doors. For the last months, I drop treats on the floor at the end of the hallway by my living room as I go in and out the front door. I do it 100% of the time. A few weeks ago, high winds blew open the front door at 7:30 a.m. while I was sleeping. I heard Hero pacing in the living room and then whining. I got up to investigate and found Hero waiting patiently in his "away" location, waiting for his treat, rather than go out the un-supervised wide open front door and into mischief. It was worth every treat I had spent!!!!!
Becky & Hero
Duncan