AKC Scent Work is a competition sport that allows dogs to do what they were naturally born to do: use their incredible sense of smell to locate specific odors hidden in a variety of environments.

In AKC Scent Work, dogs are trained to recognize and search for specific target odors (birch, anise, clove, and cypress). They then work independently with their handler to locate those odors in different search environments.

There are four primary search elements:

1. Containers: Searching boxes, luggage, and other containers to find the hidden odor.

2. Exterior: Searching outdoor areas, where wind, weather, and environmental distractions add to the challenge.

3. Interior: Searching rooms and indoor spaces, with odor hidden on or among everyday objects.

4. Buried: Searching containers buried in sand or another substrate, with the odor concealed beneath the surface.

The handler knows what odor the dog is looking for, but not where it is hidden. The dog must investigate the search area, work through competing odors and distractions, and communicate to the handler when the target odor has been found.

The handler's job is to read the dog, trust the dog's nose, and recognize the indication. It's a partnership built on communication, confidence, and trust.

Dogs of virtually every breed, size, age, and physical ability can participate. It's mentally stimulating, incredibly rewarding, and a wonderful way to build a relationship with your dog.

You don't have to have a working dog to enjoy scent work. You just have to have a dog with a nose!

-Kim Gilmore