Photos/ Jill Gibbs, used with permission.
About AKC Scent Work
AKC Scent Work offers an opportunity for your dog to be in the driver’s seat. Using his incredible sense of smell, your dog guides you to success as a team. And it definitely involves teamwork because your dog must tell you when he’s found the scent, and you must recognize his signal and call it to the judge.
AKC Scent Work at BACM
- Please check back for information about our next Scent Work Event
History of the sport
Scent Work is a new sport within the AKC. The first AKC Scent Work Trials took place in Wilmington, Ohio, on September 14–17, 2017. You can read more about the first AKC Scent Work Trials on the AKC website.
Get started in Scent Work
Two divisions, four levels of difficulty
Odor Search Division: your dog searches for the odor of one or more specific essential oils.
Handler Discrimination Division: your dog searches for your scent.
Difficulty levels: Novice, Advanced, Excellent, and Master
Preparation for Scent Work competition
You and your dog don’t have to take training classes to become ready to compete. You can practice at home or in the community and you don’t need special equipment. Your dog must use her nose to find the hidden odors and alert you when she finds it. The signal from your dog can be just about anything: paw, bark, sit, lie down, point, or use whatever signal you recognize. Teams either find the scent (qualify) or miss it (non-qualify). If you prefer a class environment, you may be able to enroll in locally-available classes.
Who can participate
Both purebred or mixed breed dogs may compete in Scent Work, provided that they are six months or older and registered. If registered with the American Kennel Club or that have AKC Limited Registration, Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privileges (PAL/ILP), an AKC Canine Partners listing number or approved Foundation Stock Service (FSS) breeds, dogs are eligible to participate. Dogs with a Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privileges (PAL/ILP) or an AKC Canine Partners listing number must be spayed or neutered in order to compete.
Size does not matter. Even dogs with physical challenges (including amputees) are eligible to participate, provided that, in the opinion of the judge, they display no signs of physical discomfort and can safely complete the search. You may enter deaf dogs and blind dogs. Dogs that are both deaf and blind are able to participate so long as the handler is in control of the dog at all times, the dog can complete the requirements of the class, and the dog does not appear to be under undue stress in the opinion of the judge. Dogs with bandages, sutures, or visible wounds are not eligible. For obvious reasons, females may not compete when they are in season.
Juniors, as well as adult handlers, may participate in his sport. Junior Showmanship offers youth 9 to 18 a chance to develop their handling skills and learn about the world of dog sports. Junior Handlers should present their Junior Handler Certification.
Spectator area
BACM welcomes spectators. Any person not handling a dog in the current class, or any person who has already completed their run in the class may choose to watch the search from the spectator area. Handlers may not watch other exhibitors from their class prior to their run except in the case of Handler Discrimination classes. No one outside the search area may assist the handler or disclose the location of the hide.
Opportunities for volunteers
Indeed, there is nearly always a way for volunteers to help. We may need Stewards (Gate, Table, Ring, or Time). Moreover, dozens of little things must happen to make a successful Scent Work event, tasks ideal for volunteers. If you would like to pitch in, even if you are quite new to the scene, please let the Trial Committee Chair know.
Resources
Previous Events
June 2023 premium list (for reference only)