All About Scent Work Podcast
Get ready to discuss all things Scent Work! Topics will be helpful for both companion dog owners and serious dog sport competitors. #allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Episodes
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Meaning of Trial Results May Vary
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Competing in Scent Work involves receiving qualifying or non-qualifying scores, earning titles or even placements...but what does all of this really mean?!
Does every Q earned mean our training is utterly perfect, unicorns and rainbows, whereas every NQ should be met with blowing up our training and starting over from scratch? If we do not earn a placement at a trial, do we have a ton of work ahead of us whereas earning a placement means all is well? If we do earn a title, does that mean that our dogs, ourselves as handlers and our team as a whole have all the requisite skills needed for this level and beyond?
In this podcast episode, we discuss the nuances involved with competition, how we may need to more closely evaluate our trial results and the potential pitfalls of incorrectly interpreting these results.
Speaker: Dianna L. Santos
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Celebrate Learning Opportunities
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Friday Apr 12, 2024
We are living through an exciting time where there is a plethora of learning opportunities within the Scent Work training community! This includes access to countless experienced instructors and trainers who offer unique viewpoints and training approaches, creative training exercises and much more.
The way we take in and utilize all this information matters.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of being a critical consumer, asking questions, being mindful, looking for what will be helpful for us, our dog and our team as well as identifying what may not be so helpful or what we may simply dislike or disagree with. Additionally, we discuss how crucial it is to be respectful toward everyone, even those we may disagree with. Otherwise, these learning opportunities will simply dry up and disappear.Hopefully this is the start of an important conversation within the community, striving to promote more growth and learning in a respectful manner. If we focus on celebrating our dogs and the incredible sniffing game we are privileged to play with them, everything else will fall into place.
Speaker: Dianna L. Santos
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Let's Talk: Creative Sniffy Events
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Friday Apr 05, 2024
As we play Scent Work, we work to develop skills for the dog, handler and team in our classes and training sessions. Especially for teams who are interested in competing, testing those skills with blind hides, time limits and other potential stressors is key. Traditionally, mock trials and Sniff N' Gos were the type of events that met this need. However, we can all agree the more creative the event, the more likely we are to participate!
In this episode, we speak with Lori Timberlake of Do Over Dog Training about the types of creative events she has offered for her clients and the many benefits of these types of events. Handlers, instructors and event hosts alike will find inspiration from listening to this episode.
Are you looking to offer some creative search events in your program? Contact Lori here to potentially schedule a phone or Zoom consultation. She wants to help you offer creative sniffing opportunities for your clients!
Lori is an amazing Nose Work instructor, trial official, trial host and competitor. Scent Work University has been incredibly fortunate to host Lori for a variety of online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks. Check out a few of her offerings here:
TRAINING AND TRIALING IN NOSE WORK
All-Level Trial Prep Webinar
All-Level NACSW Trial Prep Course
Covering the Search Area Webinar
Elevated Hides for the Vertically Challenged Webinar
NACSW: Odor Recognition Prep (ORT) Course
NACSW: NW1 Trial Prep Course
NACSW: NW2 Trial Prep Course
NACSW: NW3 Trial Prep Course
Skill Building for Elevated Hides Course
Start Lines: From Beginning to End Webinar
BEING A TRIAL HOST
Hosting Scent Work Trials eBook
How to Run Mock ORT & Trials Webinar
BEING A NOSE WORK INSTRUCTOR
Setting Up Your Training Space for All Dogs Seminar Module
We are also incredibly fortunate to host Lori for a series of online courses through our sister site, Pet Dog U:
Confidence Building Course
Intro to Canine Parkour Course
Intermediate Canine Parkour I Course
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Lori Timberlake
TRANSCRIPT
Read the full transcript here.
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Let's Talk Reactive Dogs and Scent Work
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Friday Mar 29, 2024
One of the many wonderful aspects of Scent Work is how it is a benefical activity for so many categories of dogs, including reactive dogs.
In this episode, we have the privilege to speak with Christina Young of Positive Dog, a certified dog behavior consultant with IAABC and PPG, about playing the Scent Work game with reactive dogs.
Learn more about Christina:
Positive Dog Website
Leash Reactivity: Make Walks Fun Again Webinar
Primary, Paired and Odor Hides: Choosing the Hide for the Training Challenge Webinar offered through Scent Work University
REACTIVE DOG RESOURCES THROUGH SCENT WORK UNIVERSITY
Canine Body Behavior and Scent Work for Handlers Webinar
Control Unleashed and Scent Work Webinar
Scent Work for Reactive Dogs Webinar
Trial Prep for Reactive Dogs Webinar
When Dog Odor Trumps Target Odors: Dogs are Scary Webinar
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Christina Young
Friday Mar 22, 2024
Retiring a Dog from Nose Work
Friday Mar 22, 2024
Friday Mar 22, 2024
Whether it be due to old age, injuries, illness or simply not wanting to play the game anymore, we may find ourselves faced with the prospect of retiring our dogs from Nose Work.
In this episode, we speak with Lori Timberlake of Do Over Dog Training about her personal journey with her senior girl Daisy who, while still full of spice and vinegar, made it clear she much preferred romps in the woods over playing Nose Work.
We are so incredibly thankful to Lori for sharing her story, the emotions she has gone through, the options she weighed and more. Doing so may help others who are in a similar situation better navigate their journey to make the best decision for them and their dogs.
Lori is an amazing Nose Work instructor, trial official, trial host and competitor. Scent Work University has been incredibly fortunate to host Lori for a variety of online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks. Check out a few of her offerings here:
TRAINING AND TRIALING IN NOSE WORK
All-Level Trial Prep Webinar
All-Level NACSW Trial Prep Course
Covering the Search Area Webinar
Elevated Hides for the Vertically Challenged Webinar
NACSW: Odor Recognition Prep (ORT) Course
NACSW: NW1 Trial Prep Course
NACSW: NW2 Trial Prep Course
NACSW: NW3 Trial Prep Course
Skill Building for Elevated Hides Course
Start Lines: From Beginning to End Webinar
BEING A TRIAL HOST
Hosting Scent Work Trials eBook
How to Run Mock ORT & Trials Webinar
BEING A NOSE WORK INSTRUCTOR
Setting Up Your Training Space for All Dogs Seminar Module
Are you looking for another activity to do with your pup? Definitely check out Canine Parkour! Lori has an excellent program you and your dog will love through Pet Dog U.
Intro to Canine Parkour Course
Intermediate Canine Parkour I Course
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Lori Timberlake
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Tale of Squeezing in a Training Session
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
We are all incredibly busy, fluttering around doing a million things at once. How often have you found yourself trying to squeeze in a Scent Work training session? "I've got a few minutes...let's do a quick search!"
In this episode, Dianna explains how one such "I can do this quick!" training session went completely off the rails, how breathing and staying mindful would have been a far better solution yet the learning she was able to walk away with.
Want to learn more about the new Let's Get Inspired: Creative Search Areas offering? You can here!
Other links:
What a Pair odor vessel accessory
Cirrus Wind Indicator
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Take Time to Understand Odor
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Regardless of why we are playing Scent Work or what our goals are, we should take time to better understand odor, odor theory and hide placement.
In this episode, we discuss the benefits of better understanding these concepts and how doing so can ensure our dogs to have more successful repetitions in their Scent Work training sessions.
Looking to learn more about odor theory and hide placement? Check out these resources:
Hide Placement and Odor Movement Seminar with Laurel Scarioni
Sniff Busters Webinar with Laurel Scarioni
Odor Concentrations Webinar with Judith Guthrie
Convergence Webinar with Judith Guthrie
The Mystery of Strings and Triangles Webinar with Judith Guthrie
Hound and The Found: How Scent and Airflow Works
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPT
You may read the full transcript here.
Friday Mar 01, 2024
Embracing the Grey
Friday Mar 01, 2024
Friday Mar 01, 2024
Dealing with absolutes is riddled with issues. Yet it is far too common for statements containing "always" and "never" to be thrown around when discussing Scent Work. Black and white type thinking can be problematic to stay the very least.
In this episode, we delve into the importance of embracing the grey to take into account all the variables including the dog, handler, team, search area, environmental factors and more.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Group Classes and Customization
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Handlers should absolutely advocate for their dogs. They know their dogs best and will be the ones who will decide the short-term and long-term goals for themselves, their dog and their team as a unit. Handlers working with an instructor should view this professional as an integral part of the team. These professionals can ensure all these goals are met, avoid common pitfalls or course correct if necessary. However, doing so can be complicated in a group class setting depending on the circumstances, particularly when we are talking about Scent Work.
In this episode, we discuss why this may be, the logistical realities of group classes and how supplementing attending class with private sessions or virtual training may offer better results. At the end of the day, communication is key and recognizing that instructors and professional trainers are devoted to helping their human and clients succeed.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
Saturday Feb 17, 2024
Issues with Success
Saturday Feb 17, 2024
Saturday Feb 17, 2024
As we are training and trialing in Scent Work, we will start accumulating successes. However, we should evaluate these successes objectively and honestly, otherwise we can start experiencing some issues.
In this episode, we discuss why this type of honest assessment is crucially important to ensure the future progression of ourselves and our dogs as we continue to play the sniffing game.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
Saturday Feb 10, 2024
Instructors: The Pain of Growth
Saturday Feb 10, 2024
Saturday Feb 10, 2024
Being a Scent Work instructor is an honor and a privilege. You devote countless hours learning and honing your craft, perfecting it with your own dogs and then transferring that knowledge to your clients. Those clients then go on to play the wonderful sniffing game, having successes and a blast doing so.
However, to be an effective teacher requires one also be a student, someone open to learning new information, approaches and perspectives. The issue? There may come a point in time when this seemingly runs in conflict with your current approaches, program or curriculum!
In this episode, we discuss how painful it can be for Scent Work instructors to grow and adjust their training approaches, lessons and curriculum. The possible professional ramifications. The emotional toll. How it may cause you to second guess your worth as an instructor and trainer! While growth can indeed be painful, even eliciting powerful emotional responses, growing as a Scent Work instructor is a GOOD thing and DOES NOT mean one was bad, unknowledgeable or worthless before said growth.
One such newer resource that can help you further grow as an instructor is the book authored by Sue Sternberg and Dana Zinn: The Dog-Driven Search: Handling Our Nose Work Dogs to Promote Independence, Joy, and Enthusiasm
This is the first installment for our new Scent Work instructor-focused podcast series. We look forward to sharing interviews with fellow colleagues about their training journeys, their experience as an instructor and much more.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
Saturday Feb 03, 2024
There's More to Sniffing Success
Saturday Feb 03, 2024
Saturday Feb 03, 2024
When it comes to Scent Work, we work to to ensure our dog has solid odor recognition, that they find their hides valuable and are able to competently solve odor puzzles and source their hides both efficiently and effectively. However, to truly be successful, our dogs must also master a myriad of other skills which have nothing at all to do with searching.
In this episode, we delve into this topic, providing a few examples of the types of skills oftentimes brushed aside as unimportant when in truth they may be pivotal for the dog's or team's overall success.
A few of the resources you may want to look into to broaden your dog's skillset include:
Car Crate Crazy Webinar with Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow
Harnessing Joy Webinar with Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow
The Floor is Lava Webinar with Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow
Worth Waiting For: Leveraging Staging Areas to Maximize Performance Webinar with Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow
Elevation Elation: Build and Use Body Awareness Webinar with Vicky Lovejoy
Shrinking Space = Success Webinar with Vicky Lovejoy
Fitness for the Life of Your Dog Webinar with Donna Morgan Murray
Keeping Your Senior Dog Fit to Work and Play Webinar with Donna Morgan Murray
Fitness Exercises for Your Puppy Webinar with Donna Morgan Murray
Intro to Canine Parkour Course with Lori Timberlake
Intermediate Canine Parkour I Course with Lori Timberlake
Conquering Competiton Stress Webinar with Michael McManus
Why Stress is Good Webinar with Michael McManus and Natalie McManus
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
Friday Oct 13, 2023
Cyber Scent Work: Games, Evaluators, Oh My!
Friday Oct 13, 2023
Friday Oct 13, 2023
In this episode, we discuss Cyber Scent Work and some of the changes, updates and new offerings including the launch of the Cyber Sniffing Games Program, the revamped Traditional Cyber Scent Work Program as well as introducing in-person assessments with the new Evaluator Program. YAY!
To learn more, be certain to check out:
Cyber Scent Work website
Cyber Sniffing Games Program
Traditional Cyber Scent Work Program
Evaluator Program
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, contact Dianna directly at dianna@cyberscentwork.com.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
Friday Sep 22, 2023
Let’s Talk Odor with Amy Herot and Jill Marie O’Brien
Friday Sep 22, 2023
Friday Sep 22, 2023
For our 100th episode, we have the distinct privilege of speaking with the Co-Founders of NACSW, Amy Herot and Jill Marie O'Brien about all things odor, K9 Nose Work, training, trialing and more.
Saturday Aug 19, 2023
Run on All Cylinders...Or Maybe Not
Saturday Aug 19, 2023
Saturday Aug 19, 2023
Are you going a million miles a minute when it comes to Scent Work? Doing all the training, learning, trialing possible, essentially all the things all the time? Or, do you feel as though MUST do all the things all the time to be a "good" Scent Work handler, instructor, trainer or trial official?
In this episode, we discuss the potential issues of doing too much for too long, lacking balance in your life and how it is NOT necessary to meet some arbitrary metric when it comes to playing Scent Work.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
Saturday Aug 19, 2023
Instructors: Clients Cannot Live Inside Bubbles
Saturday Aug 19, 2023
Saturday Aug 19, 2023
As Scent Work Instructors, given our learning, background and expertise, we oftentimes have a fairly solid grasp for how a sniffy journey may go, common pitfalls teams may fall into and ways to avoid those pitfalls. Our desire is to help guide our clients to have the smoothest and most successful journey possible. However, some learning can only be obtained by doing.
In this episode, Dianna discusses how challenging it can be for instructors to thread this needle. While we want to guide our clients along their journey, we must simultaenously recognize it may be necessary for our client to experience something firsthand to truly absorb the information or obtain the requisite skills. Essentially, while instructors may have the best of intentions, placing clients into bubbles is oftentimes not the best option and could actually hinder their progression and growth.
Speaker: Dianna L. Santos
Sunday Aug 13, 2023
It Depends: Missed a Hide in Training
Sunday Aug 13, 2023
Sunday Aug 13, 2023
"It depends", one of the most common responses Scent Work instructors will give regarding what to do when a dog misses a hide in training. While this may be met with frustration and consternation from our clients, there is good reason for it. Solutions are NOT one-size-fits all. There are a multitude of factors which may result in drastically different approaches being implemented for the best outcome.
In this episode, we discuss a few scenarios where a dog missed a hide in training in an attempt to illustrate why "It depends" actually makes sense and how handlers can reframe how they think, and emotionally react to, their dog missing a hide.
Saturday Aug 05, 2023
Sniffing Puppies are Still Puppies
Saturday Aug 05, 2023
Saturday Aug 05, 2023
Watching baby puppies tackle a Scent Work search is endearing to say the very least. We can easily get swept away by how amazing these tiny little babies are at solving their searches. Before we know it, we are offering more and more challenging searches for them to tackle. However, we must remember that they are indeed babies, not simply small adult dogs.
In this episode, we discuss how it is fantastic to play Scent Work with our puppies. However, doing so requires that we set appropriate challenges for them. Thus, we must take our time and avoid the allure the rush. We also discus how crucial it is to take into account their age and stage of development.
The key message with this episode is to relish the time with our puppies and ensure whatever we are doing with them is FUN!
Are you looking to get your puppy started in Scent Work? Check out our Puppy Sniffing Program today!
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
Friday Jul 07, 2023
Instructor Talk: Train Dirty
Friday Jul 07, 2023
Friday Jul 07, 2023
In this episode, we speak with Lori Timberlake of Do Over Dog Training regarding one of her favorite topics: training dirty in Scent Work. This discussion highlights the power of this training approach, how and when teams should incorporate these concepts and clearing up any misconceptions regarding how this may differ from the proper handling of our odor training aids.
This is an excellent discussion which will benefit all dog and handlers teams, especially those who are competing and are perhaps concerned of how they will deal with both the planned and unplanned distractors they may encounter at a trial.
You can also work directly with Lori, incorporating the training dirty concept into your routine by enrolling in her All-Level NACSW™ Trial Prep Course. Additionally, you may schedule a private Zoom consultation with Lori or submit either a training or trialing video for her to review. Clients have raved about the personalized feedback they receive from Lori.
Friday Apr 21, 2023
All-Level Trial Prep...SAY WHAT?!
Friday Apr 21, 2023
Friday Apr 21, 2023
A common approach teams take when they are prepping for a Scent Work trial is to focus on the requirements for a given level. However, that oftentimes means teams are solely obsessing about tackling super difficult searches in the upper levels whereas newer teams are holding off on introducing key concepts until much later in their training journey. This can be problematic. Enter all-level trial prep as an alternative approach!
In this episode, we speak with Lori Timberlake of Do Over Dog Training about the more holistic approach she takes in her in-person training classes and how she is translating this into a new webinar and online course she is offering through Scent Work University.
The beauty of this approach is that it can help EVERYONE! Obviously, teams of all levels of expertise can benefit, but even those teams who are NOT interested in competing can find value in this webinar and course, learning how to design more thoughtful practice sessions. Furthermore, instructors may glean some ideas and inspiration which can then bolster their own programs. Thus, this webinar and course are both fantastic learning opportunities for everyone!
Learn more about the All-Level Trial Prep Webinar and the All Level NACSW™ Trial Prep Course, you and your dog will be happy you did! Additionally, look into scheduling either a Zoom consultation or submitting a training to trialing video to Lori to review and provide her feedback on.
Saturday Apr 15, 2023
AKC Buried...AHHHH!
Saturday Apr 15, 2023
Saturday Apr 15, 2023
The AKC Scent Work Buried Class can be a BEAR for dogs and handlers alike!
In this episode, AKC Scent Work Judge, professional instructor and accomplished competitor, Natalie McManus, will outline some of the reasons for this and ways handlers can better approach the Buried class. Doing so will help this class make more sense to the dogs and thus allow teams to more successful.
Want to learn more from Natalie specifically on how to succeed in the AKC Buried Class? Check out her AKC: Working Water Hides Course!
Have a more specific need to something you or your dog are struggling with? Natalie offers her Handler's Choice Course, where you may partner with her to address what YOUR team needs. Additionally, her Scent Study Buddy Program will offer monthly themes for your team to tackle, such a field trip searches, focusing on containers and more. You may also submit training or trialing videos for Natalie to review and provide her feedback on or schedule a virtual Zoom consultation with her.
Friday Mar 24, 2023
Do All the Sniffy Things
Friday Mar 24, 2023
Friday Mar 24, 2023
We are incredibly fortunate in that there is a slew of dog sport activities that all focus on our dogs tapping into their wonderful sense of smell.
In this episode, Dianna discusses how we should be leveraging all of these sniffy possibilities, since doing so can actually improve our dog's Scent Work game as well.
Saturday Mar 18, 2023
Find Mine: Handler Discrimination
Saturday Mar 18, 2023
Saturday Mar 18, 2023
When it comes to handler discrimination, it common for handlers to become frustrated and for dogs to be confused of what game they are supposed to be playing. Why does this happen? We discuss some of the common reasons in this podcast episode.
Interested in getting started in Handler Discrimination? Check out the online Handler Discrimination course we offer through Scent Work University.
Saturday Mar 04, 2023
Instructor Talk: Leveraging Primary
Saturday Mar 04, 2023
Saturday Mar 04, 2023
It is common for Scent Work handlers to want to get off training primary as quickly as possible. "We want to hunt for the real stuff!" However, there are ways to fully leverage hunting for primary to help solidify crucial skills that will serve you and your dog well into your sniffing careers.
In this podcast episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Judith Guthrie about how she uses primary and the general process one may use to transition from primary, or pairing, to hunting for a novel target odor alone, considerations to keep in mind and more.
Judith brings a breadth of knowledge to this topic, especially considering the fact she wears so hats in the Scent Work realm, both as a professional detection dog trainer and handler, an approved Scent Work trial official, professional instructor and mentor as well as an accomplished competitor in her own right!
With that in mind, we are thrilled to have Judith share her expertise with our clients. Be certain to check out her upcoming offerings:
More Than Odor: Environmental Considerations Webinar
USCSS: It's Game Time! Trial Prep Course
You may also be interested in the Hunting for Primary: Tips and Tricks Webinar with Dianna L. Santos.
Friday Feb 10, 2023
Spotlight: Barbara Deg and Scentsitive Soul Program
Friday Feb 10, 2023
Friday Feb 10, 2023
In this podcast episode, Dianna has the privilege of speaking with Barbara Deg of Front N'Scenter Animal Behavior & Consulting regarding her new Scentsitive Soul Program designed to help dogs with big feelings by leveraging the power of Scent Work.
Learn more about Barbara and her program:
Online platform for Scentsitive Soul Program and related services
Front N'Scenter Animal Behavior & Consulting website
Facebook Page: Front N'Scenter Animal Behavior & Consulting