About Scentwork & Mandy
Why Scentwork Training ?
Scentwork training is a fantastic activity that offers numerous benefits for dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments. Dog’s are excellent sniffers, their sense of smell being their most prolific sense. Structured scentwork training combines this superpower with a variety of problem solving experiences.
In our modern day dogs, the opportunities for our companion dogs to hunt is limited by as much as fifty percent compared to undomesticated dogs. Instinctually our pet dogs need to use their nose, providing both mental and physical stimulation. By engaging their minds in problem-solving and searching for hidden scents, scentwork helps alleviate boredom and anxiety, promoting a calmer and more fulfilled dog. Whether your dog is young or old, energetic or mellow, the scent training activity can be tailored to their individual needs and abilities, making it a truly inclusive, rewarding and fun experience for all.
Confidence Builder
Successfully finding a hidden scent is a major win for your dog! Scentwork provides a sense of accomplishment, boosting their confidence and overall well-being. This newfound confidence can translate into other areas of their life, promoting more well-adjusted dogs.
Happy and Calm
Sniffing is a natural stress reliever for dogs. Engaging in scentwork allows them to de-stress and unwind, promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation. This can be particularly helpful for nervous or easily excitable dogs.
Bonding Booster
Behavioural Lifesaver
For dogs struggling with anxiety, lead reactivity, or destructive chewing, scentwork can be a game-changer. The focus and concentration required provides an outlet for their energy and a positive reward-based task to complete. This mental engagement can significantly reduce unwanted behaviours.
Adaptable Life Long Learning Activity
Scentwork offers endless possibilities for training and exploration. It can be done almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors. You can easily incorporate it into your daily routine, whether it’s hiding a scent in the house or setting up a search in outside areas of your home.
You can adjust the difficulty level, introduce new scents, or take classes to learn new techniques. This keeps things interesting for both you and your dog, providing a stimulating activity throughout their lives.
Mandy Rigby, Founder and Lead Trainer at Canine Scentwork Academy
Mandy Rigby is a qualified behaviourist, experienced dog trainer, and the founder of the Scent Work Academy in Solihull, West Midlands. This highly-rated business is dedicated to promoting detection-style nose work for all dogs.
Passionate about the numerous benefits of scent work training, Mandy has created an online home training course to make this activity accessible to all dog guardians. The course provides comprehensive support throughout the learner’s journey. Additionally, the Scent Work Academy has an active demonstration team to raise awareness of scentwork’s positive impact on companion dogs.
Mandy works her own Flatcoated Retriever, Reenie, and is now introducing her new Stabyhoun puppy, Rusty, to the exciting world of scentwork. She has previously hosted Scentwork UK trials and served as a Judge.
Mandy offers group sessions and workshops for beginners to advanced levels. She also organizes Sniff-Away events to provide additional environmental search experiences in various locations. Scent Work Academy runs its own in-house SWA Achievement Grading levels and also Scent Detection Competitions (SDC) in which all can enter.
Mandy welcomes everyone to the Scent Work Academy, a thriving and friendly community of dog owners who are dedicated to providing their dogs with more opportunities to utilize their incredible sense of smell.
Mandy and Jemma were lovely and provided a most welcoming and supportive environment for us to learn and have fun.
I am really looking forward to doing more and i know Rwbi is!
Both were super approachable, experienced, and engaging.
Definitely recommend to those looking for a new bonding exercise/ experience with your dog.
Thank you Mandy, looking forward to our next session.