Frequently Asked Questions.

If you can’t find the answer below drop us a line

Contact us.

FAQ’s General Bits & Bobs…

  • 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 days

    Dr 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.

  • 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 Digital Credentials, 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 these on your website, social media, marketing materials and showcase what truly sets you apart.

  • 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 business

    However, 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'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.

  • Yes. Most of our City & Guilds programmes can be paid by interest-free monthly Direct Debit through GoCardless, over any period from three to twelve months. You choose a deposit and a collection date that suit you.

    There is no interest, no arrangement fee and no admin charge. The total you pay is exactly the advertised course fee and not a penny more.

    We keep every plan within twelve payments over twelve months. That is the limit set out in UK consumer credit law for genuinely interest-free instalment plans, and staying inside it means your plan remains a simple agreement between you and the College rather than a regulated credit product.

    Because you can reserve a place months before a programme begins, booking early gives you the longest spread and the smallest monthly payment. A larger deposit reduces it further. If the figures are tight, talk to us before you rule the course out — we would always rather have the conversation.

Close-up of a happy dog, likely a German Shepherd mix, with its tongue out, sitting on green grass in a park. In the background, there are people in bright shirts and trees under a blue sky.

FAQ’s The Scent Detection Programme…

  • 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 success

    But 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 expertise

    Think about it: Where else can you learn from a team that has:
    • Written the textbook (literally)
    • Trained police search dogs
    • Provided a whole bag full of Degrees
    • Built successful pet dog businesses
    • Created championship-winning teams

    This isn't just another dog training course; it's a complete professional transformation programme backed by the most prestigious certification in the industry.

  • 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!

  • 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 help

    However, 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.

  • 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 skills

    However, what truly sets us apart is that you'll work with our entire team of experts, 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 you

    Think 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.

City & Guilds Digital Credentials in Scent Detection Dog Handler and Instructor, awarded by The College of Scent Dogs

FAQ’s The Track/Trail & Find Programme…

  • Pet-Dog Search & Rescue is an exciting and engaging form of training designed for pet dogs and their owners. It brings the challenge and enjoyment of search work into a recreational setting, creating realistic scenarios that are both mentally stimulating for dogs and great fun for their handlers.

    Our City & Guilds credentials are highly respected within the pet dog training industry and provide a strong foundation in professional dog training. It is important to clarify, however, that this is for recreational mantrailing and pet-dog activities, rather than operational search-and-rescue work carried out by specialist working teams.

    Our focus is simple: fun, engaging and rewarding search activities that allow pet dogs to use their natural abilities while owners enjoy learning and working alongside them.

    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 dogs

    While 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.

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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?

  • Absolutely – and we highly encourage it. That’s why we offer Track/Trail and Find

    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!

    Plus, we offer a special, unique bonus we have added: ‘Air Scent Seeking ’, brought from Dr Rob’s experience as a Police Dog Handler and Trainer

    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 complete in all three in a SINGLE COURSE.

    Triple Qualified. Triple the Expertise. Triple the Opportunities. City & Guilds Assured