SkellyWags Dog Training Kent

Helping dogs build confidence, use their natural abilities and have great fun along the way

Based at Waggy Tails Field in Old Romney, Kent, SkellyWAGS School of Scent offers positive, enjoyable scentwork classes, workshops and individual training for dogs of all ages, breeds and experience levels.

Our purpose built Scent Shed, secure training field, meadow pathways and outdoor search areas give dogs the chance to explore a wonderful variety of environments. From beginners discovering scentwork for the first time to experienced dogs tackling more challenging searches, every session is adapted around the dog in front of us.

There’s no pressure to be the quickest, no need to compete and certainly no requirement for your dog to be the next Sherlock Bones. The aim is to help dogs enjoy using their noses, develop confidence and learn to work independently while their humans become better at watching, understanding and trusting them.

View our latest scentwork classes and workshops

What is scentwork for dogs?

Scentwork is an activity that encourages dogs to use their incredible sense of smell to search for and locate something.

Beginners will often start with food searches because the dog already understands that finding food is generally a worthwhile use of their afternoon. As their experience develops, dogs can learn to search for different target scents and work through increasingly interesting environments and search problems.

Depending on the session, our dogs might search containers, rooms, outdoor areas, vehicles, natural environments, straw bales or objects. We can use food, catnip, Kong, clove and human scent, with the searches adapted to suit each individual dog and their level of experience.

However, scentwork isn’t just about finding the hidden item. It helps us learn how our dogs search, how they communicate and what happens when we give them the freedom to solve a problem without constantly trying to help.

Sometimes the hardest part of scentwork is teaching the human to be quiet and trust the dog. I speak from experience.

Why is sniffing so important for dogs?

Dogs experience a huge part of the world through scent. While we might notice what a place looks like, our dogs are gathering information about who has been there, what happened and whether anything interesting might still be hiding nearby.

Sniffing is a natural behaviour and an important part of a dog’s life. Giving dogs regular opportunities to use their noses can provide mental stimulation, encourage problem-solving and allow them to make meaningful choices.

Scentwork takes that natural ability and turns it into a shared activity. The dog gets to do something they’re wonderfully equipped to do, while we learn to notice the small changes in their movement, breathing and body language that tell us they’re working through a scent problem.

You don’t need the most energetic, confident or highly trained dog in Kent. If your dog has a nose—and we’re fairly confident they arrived with one—they can enjoy scentwork.

What are the benefits of scentwork?

Every dog is an individual, so they won’t all experience scentwork in exactly the same way. However, carefully planned scentwork can offer a wide range of benefits.

Confidence and independence

Scentwork gives dogs opportunities to make choices and solve problems. Finding the source of a scent creates a genuine feeling of success, particularly when we allow the dog to work independently rather than directing their every move.

For dogs who are cautious or unsure, searches can be arranged carefully so they can explore at their own pace. Confidence isn’t built by pushing a dog into something difficult. It grows through repeated experiences of feeling safe, having choices and succeeding.

Mental enrichment

Searching asks dogs to process information, make decisions and stay engaged with a task. This can be mentally satisfying and provide a useful form of enrichment alongside walks, play, rest and other activities.

Scentwork can be especially helpful on days when long walks aren’t practical, although it doesn’t have to replace walking. It’s another enjoyable way of meeting some of your dog’s needs.

A stronger partnership

During scentwork, the dog has information that we don’t have. We know where the search area is, but the dog’s nose knows where the scent is.

This changes the usual relationship. Instead of asking the dog to follow our instructions, we learn to follow their information. We begin to notice their search style, recognise when they have found scent and understand when they need more time or space.

It’s a lovely way to build communication, connection and trust.

An activity that can grow with your dog

Scentwork can be made simple for complete beginners or developed into more complex searches for experienced teams. Search areas, heights, hides, air movement, distractions and scent types can all be adjusted.

That means scentwork can continue to offer new experiences without needing to add pressure or turn every search into a competition.

Fun

This one matters.

Not every dog activity needs to correct a problem or produce an impressive result. Sometimes we can do something simply because our dog enjoys it and we enjoy doing it together.

At SkellyWAGS, fun isn’t an optional extra added at the end if we have time. It’s one of the foundations on which good learning is built.

Which dogs can take part in scentwork?

Scentwork can be adapted for almost any dog, including:

• Puppies beginning to explore the world
• Adolescent dogs who need an enjoyable focus
• Adult dogs looking for a new activity
• Senior dogs who still enjoy using their minds and noses
• Nervous or cautious dogs
• Dogs who become overwhelmed in busy environments
• Reactive dogs who need carefully managed space
• Excitable dogs who benefit from thoughtful activities
• Dogs with physical limitations
• Experienced scentwork teams looking for new challenges
• Family dogs whose humans would simply like something enjoyable to do with them

Dogs don’t need previous training experience or a perfect set of Life Skills. They also don’t need to be comfortable working close to unfamiliar dogs.

If your dog finds groups, people or other dogs difficult, please contact us before booking. We can discuss the environment and decide whether a class, smaller session or 1-1 scentwork appointment would suit them best.

Scentwork for nervous and reactive dogs

Scentwork can be a valuable activity for some nervous, sensitive or reactive dogs because it can be arranged in a controlled environment with suitable space and fewer social expectations.

A reactive dog doesn’t automatically need to greet other dogs or work alongside them. Searches can be organised so each dog has the room and support they need.

However, scentwork isn’t a magical cure for fear, anxiety or reactivity. Its value comes from giving the dog safe opportunities to use natural behaviour, make choices and experience success. The setup must always suit the individual dog.

We’ll never push a dog into an environment simply because that was what the lesson plan said. We train the dog in front of us and adjust the session when needed.

Scentwork training at SkellyWAGS

Our scentwork training is designed to be welcoming, practical and enjoyable. Depending on your dog’s experience and the session you choose, we may explore:

• Beginner food searches
• Scent pairing and target odours
• Container searches
• Indoor and outdoor searches
• Search patterns and independent problem solving
• Scent puzzles and enrichment games
• Searching different heights and surfaces
• Straw bale searches
• Environmental and natural searches
• Human scent and tracking activities
• Reading canine body language
• Recognising changes in search behaviour
• Improving handler observation and timing
• Building confidence in new environments
• Creating scent games for home and walks

Everything is introduced step by step. Dogs are given time to investigate, think and learn without being rushed.

Our scentwork venue in Old Romney, Kent

SkellyWAGS School of Scent is based at Waggy Tails Field in Old Romney on Romney Marsh.

Our venue gives us a variety of different search environments in one location, including:

• A purpose built indoor Scent Shed
• A secure outdoor training field
• Meadow pathways
• A straw-bale search area
• Natural outdoor search environments
• Space for carefully managed individual searches
• Areas suitable for beginners and more experienced dogs

This variety matters because scent behaves differently in different environments. Air movement, temperature, surfaces, objects and the layout of a search area can all affect how scent travels.

For the dogs, that creates interesting new problems to solve. For the humans, it provides plenty of opportunities to discover that the dog knew what they were doing all along.

We welcome people from across Romney Marsh and the surrounding areas, including New Romney, Dymchurch, Hythe, Folkestone, Dover, Ashford, Tenterden and wider Kent.

Ways to enjoy scentwork with SkellyWAGS

Beginner scentwork classes

Our beginner courses introduce scentwork in a supportive, relaxed environment. They’re suitable for dogs and guardians with no previous scentwork experience.

We begin with straightforward searches and gradually develop the dog’s confidence, search skills and independence. You’ll also learn how to observe your dog, set up simple searches and avoid accidentally giving away the answer.

Scentwork workshops

Our workshops allow dogs and their humans to explore particular search environments, skills, scents or themes. They’re a great way to enjoy something different without committing to a longer course.

Current workshops and class dates are published on our What’s On page.

Individual scentwork training

A 1-1 scentwork session can be ideal if your dog needs more space, finds a class environment difficult or would benefit from training tailored specifically to them.

Individual sessions are also suitable for people who want help developing a particular scentwork skill or working through a search problem.

Scentwork for confidence

Confidence-building sessions focus on helping dogs explore, make choices and experience success. Search areas are adapted around the dog rather than expecting the dog to fit a fixed exercise.

Continuing scentwork

Dogs who have completed an introduction or beginners course can continue developing through regular sessions, workshops and different search experiences.

There is always another way to hide something. Humans have been losing their keys for generations, so we’re unlikely to run out of inspiration.

Why choose SkellyWAGS School of Scent?

Scentwork at SkellyWAGS isn’t about pushing dogs to search faster or measuring every dog against the same standard.

We believe good scentwork is built on trust, communication, choice, safety and fun. Dogs are encouraged to work independently, and guardians are helped to understand what their dog is communicating throughout the search.

Our training uses positive reinforcement without force, fear or intimidation. Every dog is treated as an individual, and sessions can be adjusted around confidence, physical ability, previous experience and emotional needs.

Most importantly, we trust dogs to be dogs. Their noses are far more capable than ours, and scentwork gives them a chance to show us just how remarkable they are.

Frequently asked questions

Does my dog need previous training experience?

No. Beginner scentwork is suitable for dogs with no previous scentwork or formal training experience.

Is scentwork suitable for puppies?

Yes, when the searches are kept simple, short and appropriate for the puppy. Scent games can help puppies explore, solve problems and build confidence without placing physical pressure on growing bodies.

Can older dogs take part?

Absolutely. Searches can be adjusted around a dog’s mobility, comfort and stamina. Scentwork can provide older dogs with an enjoyable opportunity to remain mentally active.

Can reactive dogs attend?

Potentially, yes. It depends on the dog, the environment and the type of session. Please speak to us before booking so we can understand what your dog needs and recommend a suitable option.

Does my dog need to be good around other dogs?

Not necessarily. Dogs can work individually and don’t need to greet or search alongside other dogs. Contact us before booking if your dog needs additional space.

What scent will my dog search for?

Beginners may start with food searches before moving towards a target scent. Depending on the class or workshop, we may work with food, a target odour or human scent.

Do I need to practise at home?

Short, simple searches at home can help your dog develop their skills. We’ll show you how to practise safely without making the searches too complicated or accidentally doing most of the work for them.

Is scentwork physically demanding?

Scentwork can usually be adapted around a dog’s physical abilities. Please tell us about any health or mobility concerns before attending so we can plan appropriate searches. Veterinary advice should be sought if you’re unsure whether an activity is suitable for your dog.

What should I bring?

Requirements may vary between sessions, but you’ll normally need a suitable harness or collar, lead, food rewards, favourite toy, something that your dog loves. Full information will be provided when you book.

Start your scentwork journey

Whether you’re looking for a new activity, an opportunity to build your dog’s confidence or simply a way to enjoy more time together, scentwork gives dogs the chance to do something wonderfully natural.

You don’t need an experienced search dog, specialist equipment or a competitive ambition. You just need a dog with a nose, a willingness to learn and possibly more treats than you first thought necessary.

📞 How to Book

Explore our latest scentwork classes and workshops in Kent, or contact SkellyWAGS if you’d like help choosing the right starting point for your dog.

Use that nose. Build that bond. Trust your dog.