10/05/2026
A recent discussion with Paul Bunker and handlers on our buried hides course last week, sparked this idea for a brand new course!
Why Foundations Matter in Detection Training
In modern detection training, there is often a rush to introduce odour as quickly as possible. While scent work is exciting, many of the vital foundation skills that create a confident, reliable, and successful detection dog are overlooked or skipped entirely.
A dog may learn to recognise an odour, but without the underlying foundations, teams can struggle later with motivation, handling, confidence, focus, independence, and communication. These are the skills that truly support long-term success in detection work.
Before odour is introduced, dogs should understand:
* How to engage and work with their handler
* How to confidently hunt and problem solve
* How to stay motivated within the game
* How to work independently while remaining connected
* How to respond to direction and handling
* How to recall reliably in all environments
* How to build resilience, confidence, and persistence
These skills are not separate from detection — they are the foundation of it.
By developing the hunt through play, motivation, and engagement first, we create dogs that genuinely love the work rather than simply searching for reward patterns. Strong foundations produce dogs that are more confident, adaptable, focused, and capable of working through challenges as training progresses.
This course focuses on building those essential skills first, or rebuilding them where needed, because no matter where your dog is in their detection journey, foundations can always be strengthened. The strongest detection teams are not built purely on odour recognition — they are built on communication, trust, motivation, and a dog that truly understands the game.
🌟 So to the course!
Pre-Detection Foundations Course
Strong foundations create successful detection teams. While these skills are often introduced before beginning scent detection training, they are valuable for dogs at every stage of their journey. Whether you are starting from scratch, rebuilding confidence, or strengthening existing skills, this course helps develop the core behaviours that underpin great detection work.
Through fun, motivational training and clear communication, you’ll learn how to build engagement, confidence, and teamwork with your dog while creating a strong understanding of the game.
What You’ll Learn
* Emergency Recall
Build a fast, reliable recall that keeps your dog safe, focused, and responsive in any environment.
* Directionals & Handling Skills
Teach your dog to confidently move away from you, follow cues, and work effectively as part of a team.
* Teaching the Hunt
Introduce and develop searching behaviours through motivational games that encourage curiosity, persistence, and independent problem solving.
* Engagement & Relationship Building
Strengthen your connection with your dog through reward-based training that builds focus, trust, and enthusiasm for working together.
* Drive Building Through Play
Learn how to use toys, food, and interactive games to create motivation, confidence, and a genuine love for the work.
This is a 3 day course, it is currently only going to be available in person as it will need to be adapted to each individual dog and handler and their needs.
Suitable for all dogs and handlers, from complete beginners to experienced teams wanting to refresh and strengthen their core skills.
Dates coming soon!
