The Dog Training

School for Trainers

Year of Scent

Learn the Art and Science of Scent Detection, Tracking & Trailing

An advanced trainer certification course from The Dog Trainer School

BECOME AN APPROVED

SCENT COACH

FIND A TRUSTED DOG TRAINER IN YOUR AREA

Master the Power of the Canine Nose

The dog’s nose is one of the most extraordinary biological tools on Earth, capable of detecting a single drop of odor in an Olympic-sized pool. But harnessing that power takes skill, science, and structure.

This course teaches you, the professional trainer, how to confidently teach nosework, tracking, trailing, and scent-detection skills to dogs and clients of all experience levels.

You’ll leave with the ability to design, run, and teach scent-based classes from fun enrichment games to professional-level sport preparation.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

Teach foundation scent detection skills to pet dogs and handlers
Design and run group nosework classes or private lessons for beginners through advanced levels
Understand and explain the science of olfaction and odor movement
Teach tracking and trailing as confidence-building and sport disciplines
Structure progressive scent challenges for all learning stages
Troubleshoot common handler and dog errors
Apply positive-reinforcement-based methods that build accuracy and independence
Adapt scent work for puppies, reactive dogs, and senior dogs
Integrate scent work into your existing training business to expand your offerings

Course Modules

The Science

of Scent

Explore how the canine olfactory system works and how scent interacts with emotion, drive, and learning. Understand odour movement, scent cones, and environmental influences to enhance your scent training knowledge and develop more effective training strategies.

Foundations of

Nosework for All Dogs

Learn how to imprint target odours and build strong search motivation in dogs. Develop clear indications, improve handler timing, and understand when to use primary rewards or target scents like birch, anise, or clove. Master structuring and rewarding beginner searches.

Tracking & Trailing

Essentials

Understand the difference between scent paths and scent pools while learning to lay effective tracks and read canine body language. Follow a step-by-step approach to teach clients tracking and trailing, with guidance on equipment, line handling, and safety.

Advanced Scent

Detection

Explore complex hide placement and environmental influences while developing discrimination skills for multiple odours, residual scent, and blank areas. Learn to build duration, accuracy, and independence while troubleshooting over-arousal and false alerts.

Teaching Nosework

Classes

Learn to design engaging scent work programmes from six-week beginner courses to ongoing clubs. Master group management, safety, and pacing while adapting to varied skill levels. Educate clients on the “why” behind scent work and integrate it into behaviour plans.

The Business of

Scent Training

Discover how to position scent work within your training services and attract new clients through effective marketing. Learn to build engagement with scent-based events, promote workshops, and explore opportunities in both sport and professional scent work.

Bonus

Content

Ready-to-use class outlines and lesson plans
Printable client handouts for each level
Instructor checklists for class preparation and safety
Certificate of completion

What to Know More, Watch the Video below...

Why Scent Work Belongs in Every Trainer’s Toolkit

Scent-based activities are more than sport they’re essential mental exercise and emotional regulation tools. Every dog, from the calm companion to the high-drive working breed, benefits from sniffing.

Scent work helps dogs:

Build confidence and focus
Channel energy productively
Reduce stress and reactivity
Strengthen trust and teamwork with their handler

And for trainers, teaching nosework opens new avenues: group classes, workshops, private lessons, and specialized programs for reactive or anxious dogs.

Why Choose The Dog Trainer School

Science-Based & Positive: Grounded in evidence, not folklore
Designed for Trainers: Ready-to-teach lesson plans and client resources
Comprehensive: Covers nosework, tracking, trailing, and scent detection disciplines
Flexible: Learn at your own pace, apply immediately to your business
Recognized: Earn a certificate from The Dog Trainer School, known for professional, science-backed education

Year Of Reactivity Guest Instructor

Adrienne Wisok

Adrienne Wisok, MS CVT KPA-CTP, is a highly experienced dog trainer and veterinary professional with over 20 years in the field.

She specializes in scent work, search and rescue, and working with reactive dogs, blending her scientific background with practical expertise.

Adrienne is co-founder of K9 Translations, where she teaches innovative courses in reactivity, scent detection and dog behaviour, with a passion for helping trainers support dogs with behavioural challenges.

What if we told you learning, lesson planning, and CPD didn’t have to be time consuming?

Ready to Teach the Nosework Revolution?

Join the Professional Nosework Instructor Course today and bring the incredible world of scent to your clients.

January is now FULL, join our waiting list for March!

Empower your clients. Elevate your training.

Teach what dogs were born to do - follow their nose.

FAQ’s TDTS Approved Scent Coach Programme

How do I access the Course?

All modules are available self-paced in our online programme. Once you have completed a Module, the next module will become unlocked.

Who can join the program?

The Year of Scent is available exclusively to TDTS Members. This programme is supported by themed expert speakers and comprehensive handouts, all focused on the field of scent. Designed to suit a range of experience levels, it offers professional dog trainers the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and practical skills in scent work while exploring specialist topics throughout the year.

What is the TDTS Year of Scent Programme?

The TDTS Year of Scent is an exclusive members-only programme designed to help professional dog trainers develop confident, ethical and effective scent work skills. Across the year you’ll explore foundation scent detection, nosework for pet dogs and sports, tracking and trailing, the science of olfaction and odour movement, troubleshooting handler and dog errors, and building accuracy and independence using positive-reinforcement methods. The programme is supported by themed expert speakers and in-depth handouts, all dedicated to the field of scent.

How is the programme structured?

The programme is delivered through 7 progressive modules, each designed to build on your knowledge and turn theory into practice. Every module includes clear lessons, practical tasks and real-world challenges to help you implement what you’ve learned with your own clients and classes. Throughout the year you’ll also have access to expert guest sessions, downloadable resources and ongoing TDTS community support, ensuring you can confidently integrate scent work into your training services.

Do I need to complete all Modules to become an Approved Scent Coach?

You will need to complete all Modules and receive an average pass rate of 80% to become an approved

How long will it take to complete the programme?

The Year of Scent is designed to be completed in around 6 months. Modules are released across this period, and once published they remain available so you can work through them in a fully self-paced way to suit your schedule. There will be a live session each month for 6 months to support your learning; all live sessions are recorded and available to watch back if you are unable to attend.

Will I have access to ongoing support?

Yes, throughout the programme, you will have access to expert support via quarterly trainer clinics and a dedicated private Facebook group. This community provides a space to share challenges, seek advice, and continue learning. You will also have support available from the course tutors.

How do I become an Approved Scent Coach?

To become an Approved Scent Coach, you need to complete all the modules, pass all the assessments, and meet the programme's standards. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate, and your name will be listed on the TDTS website as an Approved Scent Coach.