Performance Scent Dogs - Scent Theory, Hide Placement and Search Design Clinic plus Introduction to the Performance Scent Dog Venue For instructors, competitors, and judges - this clinic is open to anyone interested in learning more about scent theory, creating a scent picture for the dog, and the designing of scent tests. Twelve handlers will have a chance to work their dogs on at least two exercise each day. This is a split working seminar and lecture/demonstration to give handlers insight on their teams’ strengths and areas for improvement. Auditors are welcome! Topics covered include: ● How to create and store a scent kit ● Keeping areas free from scent contamination and how to minimize lingering odor ● The incredible canine seeking system ● How odor is affected by air currents, weather, and in different kinds of containers ● Designing a scent picture for the dog ● Understanding how height, multiple hides, converging odors, threshold hides, varying amounts of odor, blank areas, distractions and inaccessible hides can be used to test handler and dog ● Placing hides appropriate for the level and purpose of the class ● Dealing with unpredictable outcomes during a search as a judge or handler ● Performance Scent Dog venue and competitions The Search Design clinic will give participants a better understanding of how scent moves through different environments and how judges use this information to test dog and handler teams. Instructors and competitors will gain valuable insight on where to place hides to help broaden the dog’s ability to pinpoint scent. Please be prepared to work outside regardless of weather. This seminar will be a combination of hands-on working spots and lecture portions (1.5 hour lecture, 1.5 hour working, break, then the same format in the afternoon). Working participants will get to work their dogs on Novice-level hides inspired by the classes in Performance Scent Dogs (Buildings, Speed, Distance, Containers, and Exteriors if the weather allows). Any level of working team is welcome, however, we will only be using birch for the hides. About Katie Katie Brennan CDBC, CPDT-KA is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Katie got her start working with scent detection as a trainer at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center training search and rescue, explosive/narcotics detection, medical alert, and patrol dogs. Her work at Penn Vet sparked her interest in competition scent work with her own dogs, with whom she has set Finnish Spitz breed records. Katie is an official Performance Scent Dogs judge and is known in her classes and seminars for setting fun hides that help build motivation and confidence for both handler and dog. About Performance Scent Dogs Performance Scent Dogs, Inc. (PSD) believes teaching dogs scent detection is an ideal way to develop better relationships between people and their dogs. PSD gives owners, from those who never thought they could try a dog sport to experienced handlers, the opportunity to compete in a supportive environment and achieve success through teamwork. PSD also encourages responsible pet ownership in the community by providing an enriching dog activity owners can train and practice anywhere. Trials are open to any breed or mix of dog and suitable for dogs over 10 months old through their golden years. Any kind of dog at any age can learn to be a scent dog. Positive training is at the core of scent work training. Dogs have to be motivated to hunt and ignore distractions to find the hidden target scent. Handlers have to learn to read their dog’s sometimes subtle communication about odor and its location. Handlers also have to trust their dog because working with the dog as a teammate is the only way to achieve success. PSD promotes the sport of scent detection to regular pet owners, dog sport enthusiasts, and detection professionals. PSD also supports any group of dog enthusiasts (dog clubs, training centers, or a group of friends) in hosting trials. The rules and regulations are designed to be flexible. PSD anticipates regular revision with input from participants as the sport continues to grow. Our goal is to grow the sport of scent detection for the benefit of dogs and the people that love them.

Sponsor:Performance Scent Dogs
Speaker(s):**Katie Brennan CDBC CPDT-KA

Contact: Katie Brennan
 Email: katie.marie.brennan@gmail.com
 Phone: 215-962-3612