Scent Work 1 – Building the Search 2025

Event Phone: 510 845-7735,ext 215

About the Class 

Welcome to the sport of Scent work! This class utilizes techniques similar to those used to train professional detection dogs. Scent work and search skills harness your dogs’ natural instincts and love of hunting—your dog will have fun, build confidence, and use mental and physical energy during the class and homework sessions. Instructor Nancy Frensley is a certified Scent work instructor and AKC Scent Work Judge. This class offers a class curriculum that is suitable to prepare your dog for competitions.

For a brief look at scent work, view this introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFYKoldNrFM

Each dog will have individual time for coaching in searches.  The class will run 1 1/2 hours and teams will be scheduled to arrive and work at a specific time. For instance, the class might have  two teams each at 4:30, 5 pm and5:30 PM.  This prevents any team from having a long wait. Dog/Handler teams will wait outside the building until called in to work.

Class Requirements

Recommended for dogs over 4 months of age. No previous scent work experience required.  Vaccinations: Your dog should be current with all core vaccinations.

You are welcome to register more than one dog, but every dog must have an individual handler.

If you have questions, please contact trainthebay@berkeleyhumane.org or call 510-845-7735, ext 215.

Don’t see a class that works for your schedule? Contact Train the Bay to get on a waitlist!