AKC SCENT WORK,
EXPLAINED

What the sport is

The American Kennel Club started its Scent Work program in 2017. In a trial, a dog and handler enter a search area. The dog hunts for one or more hides. When the dog shows they have found the source, the handler says so out loud. A judge decides whether the call was right.

The sport is based on the work of detection dogs, but it is designed for pet owners. The odors are essential oils, the stakes are low, and a dog can start young and keep going into old age. It also fits dogs who cannot do other sports, since there is no jumping and no need for speed.

One note before we go on. Rules change, and so do details such as entry requirements, time limits, and number of hides. Treat this page as a general guide, and read the current AKC Scent Work regulations before you plan a trial.

A trial can feel slow, and that is part of its charm. You are not racing the clock the way you would in some sports. You are partnering with a dog who knows how to hunt.

The four search elements

AKC Scent Work uses four kinds of searches, called elements.

• Container: the odor is hidden in or on one of several boxes or bags set out in an area.
• Interior: the dog searches a room or space indoors.
• Exterior: the dog searches outside, with wind, ground, and distractions.
• Buried: the odor is placed in a container and covered under sand or similar material, and the dog finds the spot above it.

Each element tests a slightly different skill. We have pages on container searches, interior searches, and exterior searches if you want to dig deeper. Vehicle searches are part of some other programs, such as NACSW. Check the AKC rulebook to see how they fit today.

Levels and odors

AKC organizes the sport into levels. The usual names are Novice, Advanced, Excellent, and Master, with Detective as a top-level class that mixes elements and odors. Each level asks more of the dog and handler, such as more hides, larger spaces, tougher conditions, and less information from the judge.

Odors are introduced in steps. The lowest level uses birch. Higher levels add anise and then clove, and top levels combine them. Some sources also list cypress. Because the details change, check the current rulebook. Our page on the target odors of scent work explains what each oil is and how dogs learn them.

Titles are earned by qualifying at trials, often per element and level. The exact number of qualifying scores needed is in the rulebook.

How an AKC trial runs

On trial day, you check in, get your run order, and wait for your turn. Your dog waits in a crate or car until it is time. When called, you enter the search area with your dog on a leash. The judge may tell you how many hides there are, or may not, depending on the level.

Your dog searches. When you believe the dog has found the odor, you call "alert." The judge says yes or no. If you are wrong, you fail the search. If you do not call, the time may run out. You do not have to do anything fancy. Many people are surprised by how quiet it is. Trials reward a handler who gets out of the way. For tips, see your first scent work trial.

How dogs show the find

AKC does not require a specific signal. Some dogs sit, some freeze, some stare at the spot. Others just lock on with their nose. You need a clear, readable signal. Some handlers teach a trained alert like a sit. Others read a natural change of behavior. See teaching a trained alert and reading your dog on odor.

Who can enter

AKC Scent Work is open to purebred and mixed-breed dogs. Mixed breeds need to be listed with AKC first, through a program for mixed-breed dogs. There is a minimum age for competing, and dogs generally need to be healthy and able to work around other dogs, though they often wait apart. Female dogs in season, aggressive dogs, and sick dogs are typically not allowed. Check the current rulebook for exact rules.

You do not need to be an athlete. We have seen handlers of many ages and abilities do well. What you need is patience and the willingness to trust the dog.

How to start

Most dogs start with food searches, then move to birch. That is the order we use at Scentsible K9. Our path goes from Intro to Scent Work, to Intro to Odor, to Advanced Odor Detection, which leads into AKC Scent Work trials at the Novice level. Group class availability changes, so check each page for current status. Private lessons are also open for custom plans.

Before you enter anything, make sure your dog is solid in the basics. They should enjoy searching, stay focused with you around, and be comfortable in new places. If your dog is anxious, a trial may be a later goal. There is no hurry. A dog who loves the search is worth more than a dog who has a title and a worried face.

To compare AKC with another popular program, see AKC Scent Work vs. NACSW Nose Work.