Sniffer Dog School


Does your dog dream of being a sniffer dog? 

Then it is time to enrol in Sniffer Dog School!

Scent training is a great activity as it is incredibly mentally stimulating for your dog and uses their natural talent of sniffing things out. You will learn lots about your relationship with your dog and have heaps of fun along the way. And, the best part is, any dog and any person can have a go!                                                     

Sniffer Dog School and private classes are designed by Fiona Cowie, a qualified dog trainer and an accredited instructor with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers. Fiona also has 14 years experience as a professional detector dog handler and is a Foundation Judge for ANKC Scent Detection trials.

Classes are taught by either Fiona or one of her amazing team - all qualified trainers who are IMDT accredited and passionate about Scentwork - Stephanie Bryson, Heather McGregor, Alison Healey or Kelby Faulds. 

Sessions are held primarily at Billys Day-care for Dogs in Belmont - but we can even hold a private class for you in your own home.

Beginners Level teaches you all you the theory behind scent work and introduces your dog to our first target odour - Vegemite (or ANKC odours for those that want to compete)! We then have fun teaching them how to discriminate between their target odour and other interesting smells. By week three the dogs can find thier target odour when it is hidden with three other "control" boxes. By week 5 they can find it from about 30 boxes that contain distracting smells - even dog treats - while you manoeuvre them around a course of mock hazards just like a real live operational search! Your dog will amaze you with its sniffing ability. This level consists of five fun 90 minute training classes. The cost is $265 (incl GST) and includes everything you will need except a dog and lots of yummy treats. 

Then you can move to our intermediate and advanced levels. In our Intermediate level we take it “out of the box” and then we take it outside…. And our Advanced Level tackles serious Vegemite smugglers when we do on-body searches! Our Masters Class undertake some amazing challenges – building searches, vehicle searches, even sniffing underwater targets out.



We also offer a range of "trial ready" classes for those interested in, or already competing in, ANKC Scentwork Trials. From Introduction to Scentwork Trials, Novice, Advance, Excellent - all the way to Masters Level. Plus we hold "mock scentwork trials" to let you have some trial practice whilst having a great time with your fellow scentwork friends. 




Other services include mystery sniffs at fabulous locations and much more!












If a class situation is not for you, I also offer private sessions at venues ($60-80 per half hour) or at your home ($150 for one hour – can train multiple dogs if you like). These sessions can cover the class syllabus or be more flexible in delivery. I am happy to discuss with you what option will suit your dog.

 



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