Scent Foundations

Scent Foundations is the starting point for dogs new to Lupo Academy scent detection. We begin with two important pieces of the job: indication and Sweet Birch.IndicationThe dog learns a clear way to communicate that they have found the source. The response is built carefully so the dog understands what earns reinforcement and learns to stay committed to the find.Sweet BirchThe dog is introduced to Sweet Birch as the target odour they will learn to recognise and search for. From there, odour recognition, searching and indication are brought together.

Small dog investigating a scent target during scentwork training

What you and your dog will learnA clear indication at sourceRecognition of Sweet BirchIndependent searchingStaying committed to the sourceSearching different objects and areas

Confidence working away from the handlerGood odour handling and search setupHandler observation skillsKnowing when to support and when to let the dog work

Your dog searches. You learn to read.One of the hardest parts of scent training for humans is resisting the urge to help. Dogs can become very good at following tiny cues from us, even when we do not realise we are giving them.Good scent detection training develops independence in the dog and observation skills in the handler. The aim is not simply for the dog to find the smell. It is for both ends of the lead to learn how to search well.

Scent Foundations course details£99 for 6 weeksIn-person introductory courseBooked via the standard online booking formProgression route into Scent Club

Scent Club

Once you and your dog have the foundations of odour recognition, indication and searching, you can continue through Lupo Academy Scent Club.Scent Club gives established teams the opportunity to work on progressively more challenging searches while continuing to improve both dog and handler skills.

Black and white dog locating a scent target during scentwork training

What you and your dog will work onSearch patterns and area coverageDifferent hide positionsWorking through environmental distractionsGreater independenceSource commitment

Handler movement and positioningReading changes in search behaviourMore complex scent problemsApplying familiar skills in new search environments

Progress without rushingProgression is not about making everything harder at once. Harder is not automatically better.Complexity is added when the dog understands the previous problem well enough to cope with the next one.

Scent Club details£99 for 6 weeksFor teams with established foundationsBooked via the standard online booking formPrefer to train at home?The Lupo Scent Academy is the online progressive scent detection programme. It gives you an online route if you cannot attend in-person or want additional training at home.

Explore Online Scent Academy

One-to-One Training

Individual training can be a good option if you have one particular training issue to work on, prefer one-to-one help or feel your dog would learn better away from a group environment.Sessions can focus on everyday skills such as recall, lead walking, settling, greetings, confidence, engagement and working around distractions.Training is built around you, your dog and the life you actually live together, with practical exercises you can continue between sessions.

One-to-One Training

£60

One to One

Individual training for you and your dog
Everyday skills and training problems
Approximately one-hour sessions
Reward-based and practical
£60 for one session
Three sessions for £160

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