21/07/2026
One of the things I love most about scent work isn’t when the dog finds the hide.
It’s everything that happens in between.
As trainers and handlers, it’s easy to celebrate the find (and we absolutely should!) but I’m always watching for the little moments that tell us where a dog could become even more confident.
Do they hesitate before stepping into a narrow space? Do they avoid putting their head into something they can’t quite see inside? Do they lose concentration because something moved or made a noise? Do they find the odour but struggle to fully commit to the because the position feels awkward or unstable.
Our dogs aren’t purpose-bred detection dogs. They’re our much-loved pets, all with different personalities, physical abilities, life experiences and confidence levels. Some are naturally bold, some are more cautious, and that’s absolutely okay.
Some dogs may never enjoy certain situations, and that’s okay too. But what if, in some areas, we could help them feel just a little more confident? A little more resilient?
Not by forcing them. Not by overwhelming them. But by giving them the skills and experiences, sometimes away from the search itself, that help them believe, “I’ve got this.”
Because so often, the biggest challenge in a search isn’t finding the odour at all. It’s feeling confident and clear enough to stay committed to the game.
“The bits in between” are where partnerships grow.
And they’re definitely the bits I get most excited about as a trainer.
📷 thanks Hilary
More from today to follow.
