Scent Work

AKC Scent Work is an exciting and mentally stimulating activity that taps into your dog’s natural ability to detect and identify scents. Modeled after the work of professional detection dogs, this sport involves teaching your dog to locate specific odors – such as birch, anise, or clove – hidden in various environments, from containers and furniture to outdoor areas. The goal is for the dog to find the odor source and signal its handler through a trained alert

Scent works is open to all  dogs, regardless of breed, size, or age. From energetic puppies to senior dogs, this sport provides mental and physical stimulation, which is excellent for their overall well-being. It’s also a fantastic way for handlers to connect with their dogs, as teamwork and trust are key to success.

Come and see what it’s all about—watch your dog’s natural abilities shine as you discover a new, enriching activity together.

Ruger, the 13 year old All American Dog, participating in Exteriors at the 2024 September Scent Work Trial showing that old dogs CAN learn new tricks!

Upcoming Scent Work Events

February 2026
Feb 21
Feb 21, 2026
IBEW Fairbanks,
2000 Airport Way
Fairbanks, AK 99701 United States

Opens: January 13th, 2026 @ 8am Closes: January 30th, 2026 @ 6pm Location: IBEW Judge: Debra Gillis View Scent Work Premiums Enter Trial

Feb 22
Feb 22, 2026
IBEW Fairbanks,
2000 Airport Way
Fairbanks, AK 99701 United States

AKC Scent Work Seminar with Deb Gillis & Jane Knight Buried Element Workshop Making sense of buried. Why is buried so challenging for us and our dogs? Learn how odor […]

April 2026
Apr 24
Apr 24, 2026

Opens: March 16th, 2026 Closes: April 3rd, 2026 Location: Judge: Karen Allen View Scent Work Premiums Enter Trial

Trial Entry

TVKC Scent Work only accepts paper mail in entries. Please see Trial Premiums for more details.

Trial Premiums

Seminars

AKC Scent Work Seminar with Deb Gillis & Jane Knight 

Buried Element Workshop

Making sense of buried. Why is buried so challenging for us and our dogs? Learn how odor behaves when it is buried in sand vs. water and how environmental influences affect it. This seminar is for any team, Novice through Master. Minimum requirement is that the dog has started in scent work and is imprinted on the AKC odors.

When: February 22nd 8am – 5pm
Where: IBEW 2000 Airport Way
Cost: Working spots $75 (limit 10)*
Audit: $30 – may pay at the door

Contact Carrie for details or to sign-up for a working spot
cvandehei@gmail.com 

*must be a TVKC member for insurance purposes

FAQ

  • Trial entry is done by post mail only. Please see the events calendar to find the mailing address you need to send your entries to.
  • Fees can be paid by check or using the online Trial Payment option which utilizes PayPal.

Sniff-n-go payments options:

  • Cash the day of the event during check-in
  • Check the day of the event during check-in
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