Perth Scent Work

14/05/2026

14/05/2026

Do we rely too heavily on the trained final response?

What happens before the trained final response is just as important — if not more important — than the alert itself.

In this short clip from one of Charlie’s recent trial searches, you can see several clear changes in behaviour long before the trained final response occurs. As he moves from one area into another, his pace increases. He then makes a sharp left turn — another indication that he has hit odour and is beginning to work it. His sniff rate increases and he begins moving between the three wooden benches, collecting information and narrowing down source before finally committing and giving his trained final response.

Learning to recognise these moments is key. Start paying close attention to the subtle and obvious behavioural changes our dogs show us before the alert. The trained final response should confirm what the dog has already been telling you.

A great training exercise is to video a blind search and narrate out loud everything you observe from your dog as you search. Then watch the video back – did you read your dog correctly? Did you miss behavioural changes in the heat of the moment?

This exercise will enhance your observation skills and improve your understanding of your dog’s search behaviour.

10/05/2026

*** 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 ***

Yesterday the SWCWA had two Ultimate classes at the new venue of Lesmurdie Senior High School.

Ultimate 1 commenced just after 9am with the judge setting an area of approx. 360sqm. We had a time limit of 9mins and 30 seconds to find an unknown amount of hides. The search encompassed 2 metal/woodworking classrooms, an outside area and three vehicles – 2 cars and a mini truck. The judge chose to place a total of 7 hides in the search and there were a number of distractions to avoid including a flirt pole, cake, cooked peas, dog treat and sheep wool. Harry and Charlie were 2 of the 11 competitors in the class and there were 2 qualifying searches – one of which was the amazing Cass and Harry who completed their search with 1.4 seconds to spare! I was handling Charlie and just missed finding 1 hide.

Presentations were made and then we were onto the second ultimate of the day. This search included a large gymnasium, undercover canteen area and 20 containers covering 416sqm. The judge chose to have 8 hides in this search with a time limit of 9mins. There were several transition hides in this search along with an inaccessible and converging hides. Unfortunately, there were no passes in this class but both Harry and Charlie were two of three dogs to find 7 of the 8 hides just missing the last hide! Charlie and I were delighted to receive the judges award for our search.

Presentations were made at the conclusion of the afternoon class and then we all headed home. Many thanks to the Scent Work Club of WA, stewards, judges and competitors for a great day.

04/05/2026

*** 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 ***

Yesterday the Advanced Tracking Club put on their annual trials (2 trials in one day) at Armadale Senior High School.

First up was Masters Interiors. We had a three room search with up to 5 hides in total. The judge chose to have 2 hides in the first room with a 2min 30sec time limit, then the second room was blank with a 2 min time limit and the last room had just one hide with another 2min 30 second time limit. There were 3 distractions hidden across the rooms – a frog toy, apricot jam and a banana. Sona was handling Harry and did such an awesome search they came in first place! I handled Charlie and came in third place.

Running concurrently was Advanced Vehicles. There were 2 cars and a dog trailer in this search with a time limit of 2mins 45 seconds. The distraction was a dog toy placed on the front of the trailer. Presentations were then held for the morning classes.

After lunch, Excellent Interiors and Novice Vehicles commenced.
With Novice Vehicles, there were 2 trailers in this search with a time limit of 2mins to find the one hide of Cypress.

Excellent Interiors was held over two classrooms with a total of 70m2. The time limit for each room was 2mins 30 seconds with an off-lead option given in each room. The distractions for this class was a banana skin and a ball on a string. There were 3 hides over the two rooms – one hide in the first room and two in the second room, including an inaccessible hide.

Presentations were made at the conclusion of the afternoon classes and then we all headed home. Many thanks to the Advanced Tracking Club of Western Australia (Inc), stewards, judges and competitors for a lovely day.

A special shout out to the sponsors of this trial – Harry and Charlie have enjoyed their prizes - see the 3rd photo :) )
Prosperity Pet
Southern Raw Pet Meats
Better Pets and Gardens
Pet Fresh
Zen Dog Training
Denver Designs Aus

24/04/2026

Pause, reflect, remember...

24/04/2026

Working with a different type of distraction...🤣

22/04/2026

*** 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 ***

This one came around quick! Today the SWCWA put on a midweek trial at the new venue – Swan Settlers Market at Herne Hill.

First up was a large group of Novice competitors. The search area was held in a large room with a concrete floor– the judge had 10 containers placed in one long line and gave a time limit of 1 minute.

Next up, was Excellent Containers with just under 30 competitors. The judge had 27 containers in 3 lines. We were given 3 minutes to find the 3 hides and avoid the two distractions of wool and cheese. The judge also gave us an off-lead option. I was getting some practice in and handled Charlie off-leash and the amazing Sona handled Harry and did a beautiful search. Both boys passed in nice times.

Presentations were made and we had early finish – packing up and on the way home by 2pm. Many thanks to the club committee, stewards, judge and competitors for a lovely day.

…. And thanks to Jodie Grieve Photographer for taking these search photos!!!!

20/04/2026

*** 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 ***

Yesterday, Southern River Agility & Obedience Dog Club put on their first ever Ultimate trial – and made it a double header - at the Agriculture Facility of Kelmscott Senior High School.

The first Ultimate search was an area that encompassed 3 vehicles, part of work shed, staffroom and an outdoor undercover area. With a multitude of distractions, the judge chose to have 5 hides in this search. 2 on vehicles, 1 in the staffroom, 1 in a pot plant in the undercover area and one on the corner of the demountable. The time limit of 7 minutes was given to competitors. I was handling Charlie, who did a great search right up until we weren’t quite close enough to the hide on one of the vehicles. As usual, Cass was handling Harry and they smashed it and qualified!

After a break and some lunch, then we were onto the second search which was in an area that encompassed classrooms, an auditorium type area, a small outside area and a pile of containers. This time the judge chose to have 7 hides in this search with a time limit of 7 mins 30 seconds. This was a fun search but unfortunately both boys didn’t qualify – both with a false alert on different containers! Back to do some more training on containers!

A massive congratulations to David & Shadow who achieved their title of Scent Work Champion (DogsWest Pending) at this trial.

It was a long day but fun! Many thanks to the Judge, stewards and Southern River organising committee!

18/04/2026

It's that time of year when the mornings turn chilly and we do our annual hoodie order!

This year, we have two options available - our original Perth Scent Work hoodie or the option add 'Train, Don't Complain' printed on the back.

To order, simply email [email protected] with your size and which option you would prefer!

17/04/2026

Miss Mia working through an abundance of food distractions in her private lesson this morning....and that tail never stops wagging!