Frequently Asked Questions.
If you can’t find the answer below drop us a line
FAQ’s General Bits & Bobs…
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Think about it! Can you really master the science of scent, perfect your techniques, AND learn to teach others effectively in just a few days?
Shorter courses might give you a taste of scent detection, but they can't provide:
Deep understanding of scent theory and its practical application
Time to develop and refine your handling skills
Experience with different dogs and various scenarios
Mastery of problem-solving techniques
Professional teaching methodology
Conceptual training strategies
Real confidence in your abilities
True instructor expertise comes from:
Practising techniques until they become second nature
Understanding WHY methods work, not just HOW
Experiencing and solving real training challenges
Developing your own teaching style
Building genuine confidence through skill and understanding, we don’t run a ‘copy me course’ and hope you can simply reproduce a basic input of knowledge; we train excellent trainers.
That's why our City & Guilds assured programme spans three weeks. We build confidence and create professional instructors, which requires proper time, depth, and development. We're not interested in quick fixes; we're committed to creating confident and competent professionals who can deliver results.
Remember: Your future clients will invest their time and money in you. Ensure you're investing enough in yourself to serve them effectively.
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Hot News! Ben Poole is engaged in this very subject for his MSc, Ben is an amazing instructor, and this is his Professional Development Degree Course, specialising in these teaching preferences…
At The College of Scent Dogs, we celebrate diverse thinking and learning preferences. Your unique perspective could be your greatest strength in understanding and teaching scent detection work.
Our approach includes:
• Choice-based learning that lets you process information your way
• Written, visual, and practical teaching methods
• Flexible and safe learning environments
• Clear, structured progression
• 1-2-1 support when needed
• Course materials in various formats
• Extra time for processing if required
• Quiet spaces available during training daysDr Rob and the team have extensive experience supporting neurodiverse learners, and we'll work with you to identify the learning strategies that work best for you. Many of our most successful graduates think differently, which is often what makes them exceptional instructors.
Tell us what you need, and we'll ensure you have the support to thrive. Your success is our priority.
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Your investment delivers exceptional value: 15 days of expert-led, in-person training thoughtfully spaced throughout the year, continuous online support for the entire programme duration, comprehensive course materials, prestigious City & Guilds certification, and direct access to our specialist knowledge base.
No hidden fees. No monthly subscriptions. Just complete, transparent pricing.
Once you achieve your City & Guilds Digital Credentials, you'll stand out from the crowd. Display your nationally recognised credentials with pride across all your digital platforms – website, social media, marketing materials – and showcase what truly sets you apart: a City & Guilds Assured certification in Scent Detection, Tracking, or Mantrailing instruction.
This isn't just another homemade certificate. It's a respected, industry-recognised credential that demonstrates your professional expertise and commitment to excellence.
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We truly want to ensure you have the best experience possible, but we can’t make guarantees. Our courses are designed to provide you with valuable knowledge, not based on promises like ‘Double your income’ or anything that might feel misleading.
Let's be straight with you - while our City & Guilds certification can open exciting doors, success depends on how you use these new skills and credentials.
Our graduates often tell us how this has:
• Enhanced their professional credibility
• Enabled them to offer premium services
• Attracted new clients
• Set them apart in a crowded market
• Given them the confidence to grow their businessHowever, we believe in honest conversations. This certification isn't a magic wand for instant business success. We see it as a massive knowledge boost and a powerful tool in your professional toolkit. Your ultimate success will depend on your dedication, business skills, and how you implement what you've learned.
Think of it this way: we provide the expertise, credentials, and support, and you provide the drive and determination to make it work.
We won't promise guaranteed earnings or instant success. That wouldn't be ethical. What we will promise is quality education, professional recognition, and ongoing support as you build your future in scent detection training.
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We're passionate about what we do, and here's why The College of Scent Dogs is the premier choice for scent detection training:
Unmatched Credentials & Recognition:
The UK's ONLY City & Guilds Assured scent detection establishment
Globally recognised certification that elevates your professional standing
Nationally respected qualifications that enhance your CV and credibility
World-Class Expertise:
Led by Dr Robert Hewings, who holds a Doctorate of Professional Practice in Scent Detection
Award-winning author of Scent Training for Every Dog and Tracking for Every Dog, with Mantrailing for Every Dog coming soon
Over 60 years of combined police operational experience across our team
A unique blend of operational excellence and pet dog training expertise
Evidence-Based Excellence:
Force-free, science-backed training methodology
Knowledge-sharing that empowers you to become an exceptional trainer
Comprehensive support that goes far beyond basic certification
Your Long-Term Success:
Once you've completed your training and earned your City & Guilds certification, the knowledge is yours to keep – forever. No monthly fees to access what you've already invested in. No ongoing subscriptions to maintain your credentials.Our hope? That you'll share your expertise, inspire others, and discover the same joy in training scent detection dogs that drives us every single day. We're here to support your journey, celebrate your success, and welcome you into a community of excellence.
FAQ’s The Scent Detection Programme…
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What makes us unique? Thats easy! We're the only training establishment where operational excellence meets academic expertise and real-world pet dog experience. No other organisation comes close to matching this powerful combination.
Our unique advantage.
• Dr Rob's doctorate in scent detection
• Karen's elite police explosive search expertise
• 60+ years of joint operational experience
• Over 40 years of joint pet dog training
• City & Guilds assured status
• Proven pet dog training successBut here's the real game changer! We don't just train dogs; we create exceptional instructors. Our programme develops both ends of the lead:
• Advanced dog training techniques
• Professional teaching skills
• Business development strategies
• Adult learning principles
• Effective communication methods
• Problem-solving expertiseThink about it: Where else can you learn from a team that has:
• Written the textbook (literally!)
• Trained police search dogs
• Provides a whole bag full of Degrees
• Built successful pet dog businesses
• Created championship-winning teamsThis isn't just another dog training course, it's a complete professional transformation programme backed by the most prestigious certification in the industry.
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Scent detection training offers incredible benefits for dogs of all ages, breeds, and abilities – it's one of the most enriching activities you can do together! Imagine sharing these benefits with other people and their dogs!
Mental Stimulation & Enrichment:
Scent work engages your dog's most powerful sense and provides deep mental stimulation. Just 15 minutes of scent training can tire a dog as much as an hour's physical exercise, making it perfect for high-energy dogs or those with physical limitations.Builds Confidence:
Scent detection is a positive, reward-based activity that allows every dog to succeed at their own pace. It's particularly beneficial for nervous, reactive, or rescue dogs, helping them build confidence and focus in a safe, controlled environment.Strengthens Your Bond:
Working together as a team creates a unique partnership between you and your dog. You'll learn to read your dog's body language and communication signals in entirely new ways.Natural & Fulfilling:
Dogs are born to use their noses! Scent detection taps into their natural instincts and provides purposeful work that's deeply satisfying for them.Suitable for All:
Whether your dog is young or senior, energetic or calm, able-bodied or managing mobility issues – scent detection can be adapted to suit every individual dog.It's fun, rewarding, and genuinely life-changing for both you and your dog!
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We welcome reactive dogs, just let’s take care, folks!
We understand the superpowers of scent work and have successfully accommodated many reactive dogs in our training programmes.
Here's how we support you:
• It’s one dog out at a time for us, helping you and your bestie succeed
• We are super flexible, helping the dog in front of us, as not all dogs have read the book
• Expert guidance for both you and your dog
• Sometimes we don’t stick to the script; it’s all about concepts and not strict methods. So, we are here to helpHowever, please note:
As we use a live training venue, we have regular staff movement and visitor activity. If your dog is severely reactive to people or finds new environments extremely challenging, we should discuss whether this setting would be suitable for them. Above all, give us a call….We recommend having a chat with us about your dog's specific needs before enrolling. This helps us prepare the right support structure and get things right for you and your dog. Please email us to get the ball rolling
Many reactive dogs have flourished in our programme, gaining confidence while their handlers develop professional skills. We have witnessed the progression; it’s incredible. Pop along and enjoy our course.
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Excellent training ratios, because small groups are better!
Experience the power of focused, personalised instruction with our 1:6 instructor-to-student ratio. We've purposefully designed our programmes this way because excellence demands attention, and everyone loves a cosy group. So cwtch up and join in!
Why This Matters:
• Intensive personal guidance, giving you time to ask questions and chat
• Direct access to expert knowledge from a friendly team
• Immediate feedback on your technique, what was good, and how we can improve?
• Time for your questions
• Space to develop your skillsHowever, what truly sets us apart is that you'll work with our entire expert team, as we rotate groups to ensure the best knowledge sharing. Which will give you and your dog…
• Multiple perspectives on techniques
• Diverse teaching approaches
• Broader knowledge base
• Real-world applications
• Finding the style that works for youThink of it as having multiple mentors, each contributing to your professional development. Because in scent detection, there's rarely just one way to achieve excellence.
Small groups. Multiple experts. Maximum learning. Great times, social learning is the key!
FAQ’s The Mantrailing Programme…
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We train recreational Mantrailing for pet dog instructors and owners because it’s just the best fun!
While our City & Guilds credentials are highly respected in the pet dog training industry, they're designed for recreational mantrailing rather than operational search and rescue work.
Search & Rescue (SAR) is a specialised field requiring extensive additional training, certifications, and typically years of dedicated commitment. SAR teams have their own rigorous training programmes and specific operational protocols that go far beyond our recreational trailing (Although it’s based on operational searches, its not just a jog around the corner)
Our programme focuses on:
• Recreational and sport mantrailing
• Pet dog training excellence
• Competition preparation
• Building client programmes, and having a fantastic time with your students and their dogsWhile we're proud to have trained operational SAR handlers who chose to expand their knowledge through our courses (particularly in areas like hydrotrailing), our certification alone doesn't qualify you for SAR work.
If you're interested in Search & Rescue, we recommend contacting your local SAR organisations directly. They can guide you through their specific requirements and training pathways. If you do, let us know, we will be so proud of you, and Dr Rob will be ‘Well-Jell’, he’s always wanted to be a SAR Dog Handler.
Remember: Sport trailing is incredibly rewarding and can be a fantastic business opportunity. However, when it comes to saving lives, that's best left to dedicated SAR professionals. Next time you see a charity collection tin from a SAR team, pop in a few quid, as they are incredibly dedicated volunteers.
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We want to do our best to make Mantrialing accessible to as many people as possible. It’s a big thanks for asking this important question.
We believe scent work should be accessible to everyone, and we take great care to support the physical needs of every participant.
Our trails gradually increase in length and complexity. By week two, you'll be working with trails between 1 and 2 miles long across various surfaces. However, please don't worry, as this isn't about speed or endurance. You'll work at a comfortable pace, and we build in plenty of rest opportunities throughout the day (We do a great line in tea and posh biscuits). There's absolutely no running required; many successful handlers work their dogs at a steady walking pace, as it keeps our instructors happy as well.
Our experienced team is always ready to adapt and support your needs. While we'll do everything possible to accommodate you in mantrailing, we often recommend our scent detection programme for those with mobility concerns. Scent detection offers equally rewarding and profitable opportunities with fewer physical demands.
The most important thing is finding the right path for you. Let's discuss your specific needs and find the best option together. Drop us a line, as we are here to help.
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Revolutionary. Innovative. Exclusively ours.
Hydrotrailing is a groundbreaking training methodology developed and refined by Dr Robert Hewings as part of his Doctoral Research in scent detection and during the creation of his upcoming book, Mantrailing for Every Dog. This cutting-edge technique is a registered trademark of The College of Scent Dogs – you won't find it anywhere else.
A True Game-Changer:
The mantrailing community has embraced Hydrotrailing with exceptional enthusiasm, consistently describing it as a 'game-changer' that's transforming how we approach scent work training. This isn't just another training method, it's a revolutionary advancement that's reshaping the landscape of mantrailing.Totally Unique to Us:
Hydrotrailing represents years of dedicated research, real-world testing, and professional expertise. It's available exclusively through The College of Scent Dogs, making our programmes truly one-of-a-kind.While we can't reveal all the details here (some secrets are worth discovering in person!), we invite you to join us and experience firsthand this remarkable training advancement. Discover why the mantrailing community is calling it revolutionary, and see how it can transform your approach to scent work.
Ready to be part of something extraordinary?
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Absolutely – and we highly encourage it!
While you'll initially qualify in one discipline, the real magic happens when you expand your expertise across multiple areas. Here's why training in multiple disciplines creates truly exceptional scent work partnerships:
The Ultimate Advantage:
Dogs trained in multiple disciplines learn to assess situations and apply the best approach based on their comprehensive training and natural instinct. They become adaptable, versatile problem-solvers rather than one-dimensional workers.The Question We're Always Asked:
"What makes a better search dog – a Tracking dog or a Mantrailing dog?"Our Answer? Both!
Train in both disciplines. Better yet, add Scent Detection to the mix and achieve the ‘Holt Trinity of Scent Detection’ all three prestigious City & Guilds Pentagons!
Why Stop at One?
Each discipline enhances the others, creating layers of understanding and capability that single-discipline training simply cannot match. Your dog becomes a complete scent detection specialist, and you gain unparalleled expertise that truly sets you apart.Triple Qualified. Triple the Expertise. Triple the Opportunities.
Imagine displaying all three City & Guilds Digital Credentials – a testament to your dedication, your dog's abilities, and your commitment to excellence. Now that's something truly special.
Ready to unlock the full potential of scent work?
FAQ’s The Tracking Programme…
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Yes, we do as we offer our candidates the option to choose, pet-dog training, lost dog tracking, or conservation work.
Our approach is two-fold:
First, we teach you and your dog the fundamental science and skills of tracking, understanding scent theory, ageing tracks, different surfaces, and environmental factors. These core tracking concepts are essential to start the following process. Let’s master the basics first…Then, we dive into the specialised aspects of lost dog tracking:
• Understanding lost dog behaviour patterns
• Reading and interpreting different types of dog tracks
• Environmental factors specific to lost dogs
• Search strategies and techniques
• Time-critical decision making
• Working with distraught ownersThis new module will equip you with valuable skills that can make a real difference in your community. However, remember that each lost dog case is unique and requires careful consideration of multiple factors.
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A Team Track is an innovative training approach that transforms individual tracking into an engaging group experience. Think of it as a tracking relay, where each dog team contributes to completing a longer, more complex track.
Here's How It Works:
The instructor lays an extended track with multiple sections ( Our last course finished on a three-mile two two-hour old track!!!). Each handler and their dog work a portion based on their experience level - beginners might tackle shorter, straightforward sections, while more experienced teams handle more challenging parts.The Magic of Team Tracking:
• Dogs work together yet independently, and reactive dogs as well!
• Handlers support and learn from each other
• Multiple article finds create success moments
• Perfect for building confidence
• Ideal for scenario-based training
• Creates engaging club sessionsThe Benefits:
• Builds team spirit in training groups
• Allows mixed ability participation
• Maximises training time
• Creates a supportive learning environment
• Perfect for dog training clubs
• Keeps all handlers engaged throughoutWhether you're running a training club or working with multiple clients, Team Tracks turn individual skills into collaborative success. It's not just training - it's community and team building through scent work!
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Great tracking instruction isn't about endless space - it's about creating quality learning experiences. Many successful tracking programs operate in limited areas by focusing on skill development rather than distance.
Pro Tip: Our course will teach you how to:
• Design creative track layouts
• Maximise available space
• Create challenging exercises
• Build progressive training plans
• Keep clients engaged in smaller areasSometimes, less space actually means more focused, technical training, it’s perfect for developing solid foundation skills!
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While you don't need to be an athlete, you should be comfortable walking for several hours and standing for extended periods.
We highly recommend comphy and waterproof boots, with lateral and linear support. A bit of bad news, it always rains on the tracking course, but we will tailor our inside lectures and presentations to try our best to keep you dry.
