Scent work for dogs and horses

Learn how to use your animal’s nose to benefit their mind and body!

Odor is all around us and telling a story to our animals.

We can use this to help resolve mental and physical issues!

Using our animals’ ability to find things by smell is called scent work, nose work, or odor detection. Working with our animals to develop this skill has many benefits!

I am experienced in both the science and practice of scent work. I am a World Scent Dog Association instructor and have received tutoring in scent work for horses by Rachaël Draaisma both online and in person.

Benefits for dogs:

Scent work taps into your dog’s most powerful sense—their incredible sense of smell—turning it into a fun and rewarding game.

It builds confidence, sharpens focus, and provides mental exercise that can tire them out just as much as a long walk. Because it’s low-impact, dogs of all ages, sizes, and abilities can join in—from bouncy puppies to wise seniors. Scent games can also help shy or reactive dogs feel more secure, and they’re a great way to strengthen your bond while giving your dog a healthy outlet for their natural instincts.

Best of all? Your dog will think it’s the most fun they’ve ever had “working”!

Benefits for horses:

Horses have an incredible sense of smell, and scent work gives them a safe, engaging way to use it.

Scent games encourage problem-solving, build confidence, and offer enrichment that keeps their minds active and curious. It’s especially helpful for horses who may be anxious, recovering from injury, or limited in their physical work, as it provides stimulation without strain. Working through scent-based challenges can also improve focus, strengthen your partnership, and give your horse a positive outlet for natural foraging and investigative behaviors.

Best of all, it’s fun—many horses quickly learn to love the “search” and look forward to the challenge.

Group classes for dogs

Every Tuesday from 4:45pm at the Canine Learning Center, Fort Collins

Put your dog’s nose to use! Develop this amazing ability as mental enrichment or a new sport. This is a fabulous way to tire out your dog by using its brain, and dogs love it!

  • Mental Enrichment Through Odor:

    This class is great for handlers and dogs of all abilities! It teaches the basic skills of odor detection, while teaching you how to work with your dog and play games while solving odor puzzles. We end the class with your dog finding your car keys!

  • Odor Detection Next Steps:

    This class is for graduates of the mental enrichment class, and where we introduce your dog to detecting specific odors (essential oils used in competition). You will also learn how to identify when your dog has found the odor it is looking for.

  • Advanced Odor:

    This class focuses on improving handler skills and exposing dogs to more complicated scent puzzles. We will introduce inaccessible, elevated, and suspended hides, making things more or less difficult depending on the level of the dog and handler.

  • Preparing for Competition:

    In this class we go through each of the elements of a competition focusing on handling skills and reading your dog to assist with success in trials. Each week we will cover one of interior, exterior, vehicle, and container searches, plus buried/inaccessible and a bonus search.

  • Drop-in Classes:

    Available for dogs who know how to find specific odors and want more opportunities to practice.

Are you looking for private dog scent work coaching?

Schedule a free 20 minute Zoom call today to discuss how I can help you reach your goals!

Scent work for horses

Learn how to play with your horse using scent work!

Scent work is wonderful mental enrichment for horses and has many physical benefits too. Scent work is good for every horse, but especially for:

  • Horses that are shying or bolting.

  • Horses that lack confidence.

  • Horses that struggle with leaving their friends or pasture.

  • Horses that cannot be ridden due to age or injury.

You can find all the ways this will help your horse over 4 sessions for $590

This package includes:

  • Four 60 minute in-person or virtual sessions where I will show you techniques to help your horse based on your needs. This may include any of:

    • Treat searches

    • Scent gardens

    • Teaching your horse how to follow a track

    • Teaching your horse how to detect a specific odor.

  • Plus an additional option for video feedback during the package.