Scent Work

The sport of Scent Work is based on the work of professional detection dogs (such as drug dogs), employed by humans to detect a wide variety of scents and substances. In AKC Scent Work, dogs search for cotton swabs saturated with the essential oils of Birch, Anise, Clove, and Cypress. The cotton swabs are hidden out of sight in a pre-determined search area, and the dog has to find them. Teamwork is necessary: when the dog finds the scent, he has to communicate the find to the handler, who calls it out to the judge.

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In so many dog sports the handler is in control but this isn’t true in Scent Work. Neither the dog nor handler knows where the target odor is hidden. The handler has to rely on the dog, and follow the dog’s nose to success. In Scent Work, it is the canine who is the star of the show.

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There are two main organizations which provide events for competition: 

• The American Kennel Club (AKC), (https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-scent-work/)

• The National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW), (https://www.nacsw.net/)

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Many Norfolk’s love the game and competition is open to any dog over the age of 6 months. Please contact your Norfolk's breeder, if you have a question about your Norfolk’s ability for participation in this sport.

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Reference: https://www.dingledaysphotography.com/blog/akc-scent-work-vs-nacsw-nose-work