The College of Scent Dogs

We do the dog training your dog will love.

The College

The College of Scent Dogs Ltd. is the only City & Guilds Assured establishment that offers training in scent detection, tracking and mantrailing. We provide unparalleled training for all skill levels, with instructors with extensive operational expertise and the highest academic qualifications. We offer a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and expertise in scent detection that is hard to find elsewhere.

‘Sniffer-dog’ training is no longer the preserve of the specialist dog handler, and it is for everyone to enjoy and to give their dogs the most enjoyable experience, we can. Scentwork taps into the dogs’ natural behaviour and provides a rewarding occupation with an exceptional feel-good factor. It’s simply an excellent pastime for our dogs!

The College offer 0% payment schemes or the opportunity to pay via credit card, for all our courses.

VAT Registration number: 448047483

VAT Included in all Course and Product prices.

The Courses

Scentwork training for every dog, improve your sniffer dog tecahing

We are proud to say we are the only scent detection establishment that awards City & Guilds Credentials in the following subjects, click on the links below for more information.

  1. Scent Detection Dog Handler & Instructor

  2. Tracking Dog Handler & Instructor

  3. Mantrailing Dog Handler & Instructor

The People

Scent Detection trainers Dr Robert Hewings Karen Caton Hewings

At The College, the Scent Detection Courses are undoubtedly the most comprehensive and expertly delivered courses available. Dr. Rob and his wife Karen combine their vast experience in police search dog operations with impressive academic qualifications to provide unparalleled knowledge, skills, and experience for scent dog handlers.

Our accomplishments are a testament to our expertise! We are proud to be the only scent dog training establishment that offers City & Guilds Credentials. Our successful graduates have gone on to run their own sniffer-dog training businesses, become conservation dog handlers, and even work as operational dog handlers! We have expanded our reach beyond the UK and are now known as The College of Scent Dogs worldwide. Join us today and become a part of our success story!

Scent & Scentability Workshops

The Scent & Scentability Workshops organised by the College of Scent Dogs aim to tackle various scentwork challenges for everyone. These workshops also provide an excellent opportunity for professional development. There will be different programmes to choose from, offering many different opportunities.

We will be delving into intriguing topics that can assist you in your professional growth, aid you in problem-solving, and reignite your passion for all things related to scent detection. These insightful short programs offer an exceptional search environment for you and your dog and provide the chance to learn from the top experts in the industry. All levels of experience are welcome to participate in these workshops, from novices to seasoned experts.

Occasionally, our Murder Mystery days will now be complemented by these workshops, making it a truly fantastic week.

The Products

Scent dog training equipment, modular scent detection kit

“Designed to be sniffed at!”

When we first started our business, we struggled to find training products for sniffer dogs that were both affordable and of good quality. We couldn't find anything that was reasonably priced and well-made; it seemed like everything was either too expensive or poorly adapted for our needs. We also didn’t want to settle for plastic ‘nick-nacks’ that lacked the professional look we needed to run a successful canine training business.

We had no choice but to create our own products and we did just that! Our products are inspired by the scent training equipment we used while in the police force. We came up with affordable, portable, and professional scent detection equipment. Our modular equipment is now being utilised by the police, educational institutions, non-profit organisations, and dog trainers worldwide.

All our prices shown are inclusive of VAT.

The Murders! & Mysteries ….

The college of Scent Dogs City and Guilds dog training for nosework

The College of Scent Dogs are proud to produce Canine Scent Detection Murder Mysteries… Frequently run alongside our Scent & Scentability workshops these promise to be an amazing experience.

Let us take you and your dog back to the age of steam, as in the 1800’s life was different, and ‘Steampunk’ was the future. ‘Who did-it’ and why? Join us to answer these questions, give your dog opportunity to become a super-sleuth finding clues, and assisting in the investigation.

Fancy dress encouraged , so get your ‘Steampunk’ on and join our investigation team to help solve the crime… It’s the best fun you can have with your scent detection dog.

Thank you for such kind words

  • To say this was the best Scent Detection course I’ve ever been on just wouldn’t be enough.. it was the best COURSE I’ve been on!

    Shannon

  • Karen and Rob were fantastic there style of teaching really does bring the best out of you and your dog. I highly recomend doing the courses i have learnt so much in such a short space of time.

    Amy

  • Just returned from the C&G Detection Dog Handler course. I’m exhausted but totally made up, Dr Rob, Karen & Sandie are hugely knowledgeable in both the theory and practice of detection with a wealth of experience between them.

    Susanne

  • Highly recommended. As someone who is completely new to scentwork, I learnt so much on the Handler Course. All of the instructors have a wealth of knowledge and adapted the lesson to suit the dog's learning. You can tell that all of the instructors love what they do and their passion is contagious.

    Kate

  • Had the most amazing week on the Instructor Course. Got so much out of it, knowledge, experience, confidence, ideas, motivation & so much more enthusiasm to teach scent work

    Sarah

  • Rob and Karen are a fantastic team sharing knowledge they have gained from a lifetime of operational experience! I loved the dog tracking course, loved the scent instructor course and more importantly, so did my dog! We can’t wait to do more!

    Heulwen

  • I learned more in 6 days from Rob and Karen than I have in my 20+ years as an operational dog handler. Their wealth of knowledge both theory and practical is incredible. Great learning environment, very relaxed, fun and encouraging all students to participate and impart their own experiences and knowledge.

    Sandie

  • We went home buzzing! We now have gotten a new addiction as the feeling when your dog finds the hide is so amazing! I am hoping Karen and Rob will do more handlers courses or just short courses to help us improve further. Rob has so much knowledge to share and I absolutely loved all my practical sessions with both Karen and Rob. I would have loved more practical time with Karen as the way she approached the search was downright amazing, so I am hoping we can come again and learn more from both Rob and Karen!!! Thank you for an inspirational week!!!

    Hetty & Roo

  • What a journey, it's been really hard but Rob, Karen and Sandie were brilliant. I now have my City & Guilds! More than this the confidence and ability to start my own scent classes.

    Michelle

  • The scent handlers course was fantastic!!!!! Thank you so much Rob for sharing your knowledge in such a fun & supportive course. Can’t recommend them enough

    Louise

  • The generosity with which Rob & Karen shared their knowledge and experience made this a week full of interest and learning, challenging and enjoyable for handlers and dogs alike. Their approachability and enthusiasm is inspiring and infectious, really great trainers. This course is full of innovative ideas for everyone who already includes Scentwork in their training and behavioural work, and perfect for those who would like to learn how Scentwork can enhance all aspects of your dog training.

    Heather

  • This week was amazing I am now off for a few days rest. I cannot wait to practice for my assessment. I've already been told that the assessment is more fun as you get to solve a 'murder' or stop a 'bomber' this is what scentwork is all about, great ideas all ready for my business boost.... So glad I found you guys

    Vicky

  • I dont even know where to start with a review to be honest as its hard to even sum up!..I've just finished my UKCSD scent detection handler course and UKCSD Instructor course with Rob & Karen and im also currently working towards becoming city and guilds qualified through them too. Both courses so far have exceeded my expectations! I've not only gained extensive knowledge and skills from them, but above all I've been inspired to be the best dog owner, handler and scent trainer I can be.

    Emma

  • Brilliant tracking course. Fab instructor with Rob delivering just the right amount of theory vs practical.

    Jo

  • Just home from the 5-Day TRACKING course and WOW! Rob is the best dog training instructor I have had the pleasure of meeting: his wealth of academic knowledge (I don’t know many others with a PhD?!) mixed with years of operational dog handling AND teaching experience means you get an A* learning experience.

    Louise

  • It’s hard to come back down to earth after such an amazing, fabulous, unforgettable (I could go on!) 6 days on the UK College of Scent Dogs Instructors Course. It was wonderful to make new friends, four legged and two, and I feel so fortunate to have been surrounded by so much knowledge, experience and above all, support. What a team! A huge thank you to Rob. I doubt there is anyone in the industry more qualified to teach this subject.

    Katie

  • These courses are fantastic, highly recommended! Robs passion and knowledge for his subject is contagious... With a unique venue, relaxed yet professional learning environment for both handlers and dogs you come away with so much more than expected!

    Emily

  • Absolutely fantastic! Rob is, approachable , enthusiastic and so knowledgeable about scentwork. Learned so much and am rethinking my own scentwork classes ! Keep up the great work!

    Denise

  • Back from an amazing week listening to Rob on the Detection Dog course. His enthusiasm is so infectious & he has a fantastic way of putting everything across in easily digestible pieces. I've come away with so many ideas for my lessons, I know it will make my business better. I'll only be limited by my imagination.

    Becky

  • Thank you! I registered on Saturday and started watching the videos on Sunday morning. I watched them ALL back to back. Loving every moment, and I will continue. It’s all so friendly. Now time to do the dog training my dog will love.

    Jo S.