AKC Scentwork is a sport that is based on the task of working dogs to locate a scent and communicate with the owner that the scent has been found. In AKC, we use four odors: birch, anise, clove and cypress. Dogs complete these searches in a variety of venues known as elements: container, buried, interior and exterior. Each element has four classes ranked by degree of difficulty in the search element.
CABTC follows Tony Gravely’s methodology to scent work which is pairing odor with food. We recognize that there are other methodologies but we have decided on pairing as our training philosophy. We expect our students to follow this method without exception. We provide a progressive schedule which consists of 2 Primary Skill classes, 2 Beginning Scent Work classes followed by Advanced classes. The team consists of one dog/handler.
Dogs must have crate manners, leash manners and at least a year old. The only class that does not need instructor approval to register is Scent Primary Skills 1. All other classes are progressive and are for current CABTC students. At this time there are no evening classes.
Beginner
- Tues. 11:00am-12:00pm
This class is for dogs that have not been started on odor. The class focuses on building on the dog’s natural ability to hunt. The exercises will focus on developing foundation skills for Scent Work and increasing the dog’s motivation, drive, confidence and problem-solving skills as well as developing a tolerance to frustration. Odor will not be introduced in this class. We will use food throughout the session. If the dogs have been started on odor or has trial this is not the appropriate class for your dog.
- Tues. 11:00am-12:00pm
This class builds on the skills learned in Primary 1. Food will be used throughout the session.
Intermediate
The teams will be introduced to odor utilizing the skills developed in the Primary Skills classes. The team will learn leash skills, pairing with odor, odor behavior and a basic understanding of AKC scent trials
- Tues. 11:00am-12:00pm
- Tues. 12:30pm-1:30pm
This class builds on the skills learned in Beginning Scent Work 1. Pairing will be an expectation of students. The teams will focus on container searches, buried searches as well as interior and exterior searches.
The class will focus on foundation skills for Scent Work and increasing the dog’s motivation, drive, confidence and problem-solving skills as well as developing a tolerance to frustration.
Advanced
- Tues. 11:00am-12:00pm
- Tues. 12:30pm-1:30pm
Teams will focus on handling skills, conduct complex searches and all odors will be used. We will work off site and dogs must be comfortable with working in public places, able to work around other dogs and have appropriate leash manners. Pairing is expected throughout the session without exception.
This class is for handler teams that are competing at the Excellent and Master levels. We will work off site and in public places. Must have crate manners, leash manners, and no aggressive tendencies towards other dogs or people.
Join us as we take our scent skills to the park to utilize park settings such as playgrounds, sand pits, pavilions, and natural outdoor settings. Classes will be held in Moreland Hills, Chagrin Falls, Orange and Solon. In the event of bad weather, the class will be in a pavilion or indoor setting to be determined. Pairing will be encouraged.
Calendar
Get involved! Check out our scent work schedule.