SCENTWORK · BRISTOL
You’ve tried longer walks. More exercise. Different toys. But you still haven’t found the thing.
Scentwork might be exactly what you and your dog have been looking for.
WHY SCENTWORK?
Even long walks don’t always
meet a dog’s needs.
You have probably already tried everything.
Longer walks. More exercise. Puzzle feeders. Enrichment toys.
And yet somehow your dog still isn’t settled.
You find yourself wondering — am I doing something wrong? Is there something I am missing?
There may be. And it is simpler than you think.
Your dog may be…
- Struggling to settle, even after plenty of exercise.
- Seemingly constantly “on the go”, always looking for something to do.
- Easily overstimulated or reactive in busy environments.
- Barking excessively or finding it hard to switch off.
- In need of a positive outlet for natural instincts and problem-solving.
And you may be feeling…
- Exhausted from a dog that never seems satisfied.
- Worried that you are not doing enough for them.
- Frustrated that nothing you have tried seems to work.
- Unsure whether your dog would even be able to do something like this.
That last thought is one I hear a lot — and I want to reassure you.
Every dog can do scentwork.
It is not about obedience, athleticism, or previous training experience.
It is built on something every dog already has: an extraordinary nose and a natural drive to use it.
My job is simply to show you and them how.
Scentwork gives your dog a job. And you the knowledge you are giving them the best outlet of all.
Am I biased?
Perhaps.
But after working with hundreds of dogs (including my own) I have seen scentwork change things that nothing else could.
Dogs who were reactive, anxious, or constantly unsettled. Dogs who were scared of everything.
Dogs whose owners had tried everything and were running out of ideas.
Scentwork did not just calm them down. It gave them confidence. A sense of purpose. A reason to engage with the world differently.
And for the owners?
That moment of watching their dog light up, focus, and thrive (knowing they found the thing) is something I never get tired of seeing.
who it’s for
Every dog. Yes, including yours.
Every session is built around the challenges that are actually affecting your daily life — not a generic curriculum. Here’s what we commonly work on with adult dogs.
Puppies
Help your puppy explore the world in a positive, confidence-boosting way. Scentwork builds focus, encourages problem-solving, and sets the stage for calm, well-rounded behaviour as they grow.
Adolescent & Adult Dogs
Turn endless energy into purposeful fun. Scentwork gives them the mental workout they crave — and helps them relax and settle at home in a way that physical exercise alone often can’t.
Reactive or Anxious Dogs
Scentwork is one of the most effective tools for building confidence and reducing arousal in dogs who find the world overwhelming. Sessions are calm, structured, and entirely at your dog’s pace.
Older Dogs
Keep their mind sharp without straining their body. Scentwork is gentle, low-impact, and deeply fulfilling — perfect for dogs retiring from agility or managing age-related changes.
Dogs Recovering from Injury
Ideal for dogs on restricted exercise and/or crate rest — scentwork provides meaningful mental stimulation without physical strain, helping them stay engaged and content during recovery.
Anyone Who Wants to Bond
Working together on scentwork builds a deeper partnership — better communication, more trust, and a shared activity you’ll both genuinely look forward to.
“Signing my dog up for these classes was the best thing I’ve ever done for them.”
abi & riley
1-TO-1 SCENTWORK TRAINING
Your dog. Your pace.
Your programme.
This is where it gets personal.
Because unlike a class or a workshop, this is just you, your dog, and me. No distractions. No comparisons. No feeling like your dog is the “difficult one”.
We start with a 75-minute session where I get to know your dog — what motivates them, what excites them, what they find hard. From there, three follow-up sessions build progressively, always at your dog’s pace, always tailored to where they actually are.
Most owners tell me they notice a difference faster than they expected. Not just in their dog — in themselves. The confidence of finally having found something that works. Something their dog genuinely loves.
BEGINNERS AND EXPERIENCED STUDENTS WELCOME · BRISTOL & SURROUNDING AREAS
Scentwork Foundations Programme
- 1 x 75-minute introductory session
- 3 x 45-minute follow-up sessions, fortnightly over 8 weeks
- Home practice guidance throughout
- Suitable for reactive, anxious, and easily overstimulated dogs. But really, for any and every dog
£299
By the end of this programme, you will both have found something you did not know you were missing. And you will know, without any doubt, that you did right by them.
Not sure if scentwork is right for your dog? Drop me a message and we’ll talk it through.
WORKSHOPS
Join a scentwork workshop.
Come and give it a try.
There is something quite special about a scentwork workshop. A small group of dogs, each working individually, each completely absorbed in their own search. No pressure. No comparison.
Just a dog doing what they were born to do — and owners connecting with others who get it.
Whether you have never tried scentwork before or simply want a fun, focused day out with your dog, workshops are a brilliant way to experience it in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Dogs are worked individually in the hall — they must be comfortable waiting in the car before and after their turn. Reactive dogs and dogs who need space from others are welcome — please email me at info@mykindadog.com before booking so we can make sure it’s the right fit.
WHAT WE COVER
Here is what we will discover together.
Motivation
What does your dog really love? We investigate their favourite reinforcers and use them to build genuine enthusiasm for scentwork from day one.
Indication
Teaching your dog to communicate that they’ve found the target odour — the same skill police dogs use, minus the illegal substances.
Search
Building the ability to search an area and locate the source of a scent — starting with what your dog loves most and progressively increasing complexity.
Scent Pairing
Teaching your dog that a specific odour has relevance — the foundation of all advanced scentwork and competition-level detection.
Have a Go Sniffer - Initial Session
Perfect for getting started or addressing a specific need, this session is ideal if you want to introduce your dog to scentwork or focus on a particular behaviour.
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1 hour scentwork training session
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Introduction to the basics or a tailored focus depending on your dog’s needs
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Training advice and guidance for continuing at home
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Single follow ups: £65 for 45 minutes sessions
Follow Up Scentwork Package
Ideal for dogs who need ongoing mental enrichment and for those looking to build a deeper understanding of scent detection. This package provides the consistency needed for lasting results and behavioural changes.
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4 x 45 minutes scentwork training sessions
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Progressive training, from basic to advanced scent detection skills
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Tailored exercises to meet your dog’s specific needs and challenges
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Ongoing support and guidance to help you practise at home
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A deeper bond with your dog, as you both enjoy the mental stimulation and fun of scentwork together
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
In their own words.
READY TO START?
You have been looking for "the thing". This might be it.
Whether you want to jump straight into the 8-week programme or dip your toe in with a workshop first — I am here, and I am happy to help you figure out the right next step. No pressure.
No commitment. Just a conversation.
Let's Stay in Touch
I’d love to keep in touch and keep you updated on all things My Kinda Dog. Just leave your details for news, updates and all things dog.
Areas
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St George
Kingswood
Eastville
Brislington
Hanham
Easton
Knowle
Fishponds
Clifton
Redland
Westbury
Surrounding areas
Contact
- info@mykindadog.com
- 07888254301
Area not listed? Don’t worry, we can train together online! It’s just as effective as in-person training and for some training issues, it’s even better!