TRAIN YOUR DOG AS A PRO
Detection sport
Train your dog to search for pieces of Kong in environments of increasing difficulty, developing scent detection skills in progressively challenging scenarios..
Introduction
Scent detection sport for dogs is a popular canine activity in the United States and Northern Europe. Inspired by the work of professional detection dogs (trained to find substances like drugs, explosives, and more), this sport strengthens a dog’s natural scenting abilities while fostering teamwork between dog and handler.
More than just a fun and engaging game, scent detection also offers significant educational and rehabilitative benefits. Like other nose work activities, it can help dogs manage behavioral challenges such as aggression, fear, hyperarousal, and difficulty focusing. By engaging a dog’s strongest sense—their nose—scent detection provides both mental stimulation and emotional balance.
Competition levels
- Training Class: Dogs must be at least 6 months old. This category includes all beginner dog-handler teams who are just starting out in scent detection and have not yet passed any official level.
- Class 1: Dogs must be at least 9 months old. This category is for teams who have successfully completed the Training (Basic) level but have not yet earned the score required to advance to Class 2.
- Class 2: Dogs must be at least 12 months old and must have successfully passed all previous levels.
- Class 3: This class is open to dogs aged 18 months and older who have successfully completed Class 2.
- Elite Class: This category is reserved for Class 3 dogs whose handlers choose to compete in advanced challenges, including remote scent detection and functional obedience exercises.
