Scent Detection Dog Training Group

Scent detection training is one of the most rewarding things you can do with a dog - it’s engaging, confidence-building, and brilliant for mental stimulation. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby to enjoy with your dog or you’re specifically searching for scent detection training in Oxfordshire, our programme gives you clear progression, structured learning, and plenty of practical search time.

Training is suitable for pet dogs as well as those who thrive on having a "job", and sessions are designed to be both educational and enjoyable.

Why Scent Detection?

Dogs experience the world through scent. Scent detection taps into that natural ability and channels it into a focused activity where your dog learns to search, locate, and indicate a target odour. It’s ideal for:

dogs that need more mental stimulation than a normal walk provides
owners who want an activity they can build on week after week
dogs that enjoy games, toys, and problem-solving
anyone looking for something different to do with their dog

Who Can Join?

All breeds and ages welcome
Puppies can start from 16 weeks old
Suitable for pet dogs and owners looking for an ongoing hobby
Entry is via a short suitability assessment (details below)

Why train with K9 Training Academy?

Your training is guided by an experienced professional with a law enforcement background and active involvement in canine detection research. That means you benefit from proven methods, practical experience, and training that reflects modern approaches to canine detection.

Training can be tailored to detect a variety of substances including gun oil (for competitions), tobacco, and precious metals.

Our Training Approach

We focus on building a strong working partnership between handler and dog through reward-based training and collaborative problem-solving. Sessions use both classical and operant conditioning techniques, with training that develops:

motivation and search drive
confidence and independence
clear communication and handling skills
a reliable passive indication (final response)

Training begins with one-to-one training sessions in secure areas and progresses as the team develop, including indoor searches, outdoor searches (open areas), vehicle searches and "search and locate" scenarios.

Once teams have reached a required level, we will invite them to join our Advanced weekend group to tackle more complex 'search and locate' scenarios.

Initial Assessment

A short assessment of approximately 20-30 minutes will be run in our dedicated, fully enclosed, scent training pen. This tests the dog's drive to locate its toy and the potential to locate target scent for reward of its toy.

Session Availability & Cost

Assessments : Available any day / time, 20-30 minutes, cost £30 inc VAT

One-to-One Training Sessions : Available Monday to Friday, 10am–5pm, cost £50 per hour inc VAT