scent detection training in South Oxfordshire and West Berkshire

Scent detection or nosework - the new buzz words in the sport dog world and now weaving its magic in our pet dog homes. And for splendid reasons.

Curious Labradoodle nose – scent detection training that taps into natural dog instincts.

Goring on Thames

Streatley

Whitchurch on Thames

Cholsey

Wallingford

Benson

Whitchurch Hill

Pangbourne

Ashamptsead

Upper Basildon

Nettlebed

Stoke Row

North Stoke

Didcot

South Stoke

Woodcote

Blewbury

Aston Tirrold

Goring on Thames Streatley Whitchurch on Thames Cholsey Wallingford Benson Whitchurch Hill Pangbourne Ashamptsead Upper Basildon Nettlebed Stoke Row North Stoke Didcot South Stoke Woodcote Blewbury Aston Tirrold

why choose scent detection?

01

Build cognitive development and mental stimulation.

02

Learn fun teamwork instead of having a busy, self-employed dog!

03

Regain missing impulse control and build frustration tolerance.

04

Improve focus, listening and engagement through fulfilling work.

05

Teach your older dog new tricks suitable for all ages and stages.

06

Be part of a thriving community of supportive dog owners.

Sounds good? Really, what’s not to love about this super skill?

the how

I use similar motivational methods to those deployed in the professional dog handling world and which are inspired by the Norwegian People’s Aid Land Mine Detection dogs. But we train on less explosive odours! The principles of the game are the same: 

01

We train your dog how to search in a specific way;

02

We teach them how to tell you when they have found the search item – called an indication

03

Then we teach them a target odour and bring the skills together.

04

There will also be some handler skills for you to learn to make sure you are supporting your dog with this new game.

I teach scent detection in small group classes, with dogs working one at a time and resting in their car between turns. It’s a mentally demanding activity, so this structure helps them stay focused and relaxed. You’ll enjoy watching different search styles and learn to read canine body language, while your dog’s personal space is always respected – making the class suitable even for dogs who usually struggle around others.

Cosy dog nose emerging – Blue Lemon scentwork begins with curiosity.
Focused dog – building scentwork skills and confidence through enrichment.

where to start?

here’s how I can help...

  • "I love bringing him to sessions"

    “Kissa has made fabulous progress. He has grown hugely in confidence and I love bringing him to sessions just to see him happy and settled near other dogs!”

    Sue and Kukki and Kissa
    Finnish Lapphunds

  • “Patient, understanding"

    “Patient, understanding, knowledgeable, kind and most of all, good fun”

    Rachel, Phil and Beattie
    Border Terrier

  • "Slink’s reactivity has much improved"

    Slink’s reactivity “has much improved since she began her scent training journey. Slink recently had IVDD …the neurologist was super supportive of scent training to aid her recovery due to it being low impact for her physically but high on stimulation”

    Jules, Jim and Slinky
    Mini Dachshund

  • "scentwork is a useful tool"

    “Maja can be a handful queuing at agility shows… so scentwork is a useful foil to that also involving some brainwork but without over-arousal”

    Tony and Maja
    Belgian Shepherd

  • "An obedient, well behaved pooch"

    “I regularly get people commenting on what an obedient, well behaved pooch he is”

    Jacqui, Mark, Freya, Henry and Augustus
    Cavapoo

  • “Where would we be without you?!"

    “Where would we be without you?! Thanks for all that you have done for Pheebs; all your love patience and brilliance”

    Lizzie and Phoebe
    Cockapoo

  • "Enthusiastic about her new hobby"

    “Ebony has been enthusiastic about her new hobby and a real pleasure for me to see that she is enjoying it and learning new skills”

    Eva and Ebony
    Belgian Shepherd

  • “Cerys helped us"

    “Cerys helped us to understand how to support Frankie and without her we simply wouldn’t have known what she needed”

    Sarah, Jez and Frankie
    Cockapoo

  • “Scent work has been amazing"

    “Scent work has been amazing for confidence building and focus….I’m blown away by her every time I watch her amazing nose in action”

    Lois and Luna
    GSP

  • "made me realise that I’d had my whole understanding of her a bit wrong”

    “Maisie has had problems with being massively overexcited by people…It’s been the scent work training that made me realise that I’d had my whole understanding of her a bit wrong”

    Rich and Maisie
    Black Labrador

why choose me?

I practise what I preach! I get such a buzz out of stepping into my dog’s world and allowing him to show me how clever he is. My dog, Pongo is a sensitive soul with several health issues, but he blossoms when we perform scent detection together. His confidence grows and it feels like there is a real communication and understanding between us.

Scentwork trainer Cerys Watson and her dog Pongo – Blue Lemon Dog Training in action.

I regularly get together with other Scent Detection colleagues to benefit from continuing CPD.

I always ensure I am progressing our detection and teamwork skills. I also attend lectures and conferences striving to learn more about the marvellous canine olfactory system and how it is used to help humans, whether that’s Medical Detection and Alert dogs, Drug Detection teams, Lost Dog Tracking, Search and Rescue or detecting invasive plants in the UK. 

Cerys and Pongo on a frosty path – exploring scentwork in natural environments.

ready?

Are you ready to be amazed by your dog? See what scent detection options are available with me now.

White dog resting on a blanket in the woods – scentwork sessions with calm and focus.