Just last year the AKC launched their own version – AKC Scent Work.
There are several organizations who offer a version of Scent Work but the main ones are AKC Scent Work and NACSW, both offer trials around the country and have slightly different rules.
The dogs are trained to find ‘target’ odors and then communicate to their handler that they have found them. The searches are based on everyday detection style work.
Four essential oil odors are used in the odor division; Birch, Anise, Clove, and Cypress.
Searches can include: interiors, exteriors, containers, buried and vehicles.
AKC Scent Work also has a Handler Discrimination Division, which although utilizes the dogs’ sense of smell, the dogs are trained to find their handlers odor, not an essential oil
Toller’s excel in this sport as they love the problem-solving skills that Scent Work offers
