USEFUL INFORMATION

Scent work email address:  scentwork@lccoc.org

AKC Scentwork Page

AKC Title Descriptions

AKC Scentwork Regulations

SCENT WORK

Similar to tracking, scent work is an AKC performance sport where the dog uses its nose.  It mimics dogs working in the real world to detect explosives, drugs, or other scents.  Dogs were even used to smell those with COVID!

Scent work has several different levels with four different scents (birch, anise, clove, and cypress) used that the dog must correctly find and indicate with actions such as gently pawing, downing, or sitting.  Each level adds a scent with birch being the first scent used on the first level.  In the handler discrimination class, the dog must find an article with its handler's scent.  

There are several elements (divisions) of scent work.  The Odor search division includes container, interior, exterior, and buried.  There are also the handler discrimination and detective divisions.  There are four initial levels of difficulty: novice, advanced, excellent, and master. Each level can add an additional scent, with master having the option to utilize all four. Each difficulty level has a time limit, and distractions are added as difficulty increases.  Some hides may even be inaccessible for the dog and the size of the search area also increases.  A title is earned for each level and each element.  

In the handler discrimination class, the dog must find an article with its handler's scent instead of one of the four essential oil odors.  The detective class most closely mimics the job of a true detection dog.  There is only one level.  Scented hides are placed in an area from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet and can be hidden at any height.  The dog and handler must do a thorough search of the area to find all the hides.  Dogs must have at least one master title to enter the detective class. 

LCCOC is approved by AKC to hold scent work trials.  Classes/practice sessions are often offered.  Please see the AKC scent work link above for further information.

FAQ's

Does LCCOC hold a scent work trial?
Yes, LCCOC has obtained approval to hold trials.  See the homepage for information on trials.

Are all dogs eligible to enter the LCCOC scent work Trial?
The scent work trial is an AKC event so dogs must be registered with the AKC to enter.  Dogs do NOT have to be purebred.

Does LCCOC offer scent work classes?
See the homepage for information on classes.

Can any dog do scent work?
Yes. Some breeds are more suited to this event or have more specific instincts, but any dog can train.  

Can I do tracking and scent work at the same time?

Some instructors may recommend not doing both sports simultaneously or doing tracking before scent work.  It is up to the handler to decide if his/her dog would do well in both sports at the same time.