Scent Dog Training for Professional and Pet Dog Trainers

The UKCSD offer the only City and Guilds Certification for Scent Dog Trainers and Instructors in the UK

Here at the UK College of Scent Dogs we all know dogs love to sniff, search and experience the world through their superior olfactory capabilities. Yes! Dogs simply love to use their nose…

Scentwork is an incredible pastime for our dogs, it ignites their ‘seeking system’ allowing them to investigate, learn and experience the world around them. It helps them relax, it builds resilience to novel situations and it’s great for teamwork and bonding! As it simply feels great for all our dogs.

Yes! That’s ALL dog’s. Why not engage in ‘Scent Training for every dog’ (The award-winning book by Dr Robert Hewings) and begin your scent detection journey with the UK College of Scent Dogs.

We can offer you the best opportunity to share this knowledge with others who simply want to help their dogs

The Programme

  • This is truly a unique course as the complete programme has been based upon Robs Doctoral Thesis.

    The Handler Course, is the beginning of this challenging, yet enjoyable scent training journey.

    The course is the ideal mix of theory and practical dog training. Here at the UKCSD we believe that one training method does not fit all, with this in mind you will develop your knowledge and understand many different methods of scent detection training, using Dr Robs ‘Venn diagram’ of search.

    This programme is designed for beginners and experienced scent-work candidates alike, within the pet-dog community as we adapt our training to meet you and your dog’s needs.

  • Don’t let this worry you as the interim period between the Handler Course and the Assessment will receive full support from the UKCSD if required. You will return to our wonderful training venue where you will receive detailed training in the ‘UKCSD System of search’ from proven operational explosive and drugs search dog handlers, an opportunity not to be missed. Many of our previous graduates have gone on to win numerous competitions, this systematic search system.

    The final three days is practical where you and your dog will undertake scenario-based training based upon operational searches that were conducted by Karen and Rob., during their many years of operational deployment.

  • The final step in the programme will bring together all of the learning in the previous two courses, and develop you as an instructor building upon your previous knowledge and skills. It is an intensive course that will teach you many different scent training techniques, not only training dogs but addressing adult learning theories, lesson planning and scent husbandry to name a few of our essential criteria. With this in mind the Instructor Course will provide you with many different methods and techniques to assist you with your classes.

The UKCSD can help you achieve this knowledge, assisting your training company, improving your portfolio and teaching others to ‘Do the dog training their dogs would love them to do’

The UKCSD offer the only City & Guilds Certification for Scent Dog Trainers and Instructors in the UK.

Unfortunately, dog training is an un-regulated industry and there are many training organisations that simply hand out certificates, how do you know if they can provide the best training for you and your dog?

The hard work you have completed will be displayed for all to see and is recognised with our City & Guilds Digital Credentials.

As we understand that there are so many ‘hidden skills’ acquired within dog training that have not been formally recognised, in turn adding unverifiable claims to your canine training CV.

Dr Robert Hewings. BSc. MA. D/Prof. (Head of School)

Recently retired after 30 years’ exemplary police service with the Metropolitan Police, his dog handling and dog training experience is underpinned with outstanding academic qualifications. Robs’ seven years doctoral research is set upon using evidence-based practice and humanism within the canine scent detection training environment, discovering ‘There is a better way’. He is the author of the award winning book ‘Scent Training for Every Dog’.

Rob possesses superb evaluation, assessment, presentation and leadership skills. His enthusiasm for scent detection training is infectious!   

Rob, and his team will share this unique combination of academic knowledge and operational experience with all the UKCSD Candidates. Ensuring that all dogs and their handlers are trained to the very highest level possible, using the most ethical and current evidence-based scent detection training.

Karen Hewings. (Head trainer)

The UKCSD’s most experienced and operationally proven team member, Karen has recently retired from the Metropolitan Police after 30 years exemplary service. She is an accomplished Specialist Search Dog Trainer with over 20 years’ experience working within the explosive search environment here in the UK and abroad. Karen has planned and developed both national and international training exercises. She has organised joint working practices between the Police, Military, Prison service, Ministry of Defence and the Private Security sector.

Having worked within the Counter-Terrorism area of policing, she has hands on experience of dealing with the aftermath of terror attacks, and as a licensed search dog hander has spent many years protecting, the Royal Family, our government and its property, also high-level security requirements in and around London.

More recently whilst working for the UK College of Scent Dogs, Karen has become known as the “Best kept secret in the pet dog training community” she is truly an excellent scent-detection dog trainer.

  • ‘This was the best time I have ever had with my dog! I can only describe it as a mix of police type searching, murder mystery and totally unexpected to any other assessment!’

    Fiona

  • So much to learn from such lovely people. Rob and Karen are a team, they know so much about scentwork, I have been involved in scentwork for 15 years, and they taught me so many new skills and methods. My clients will be so happy…. Thank you

    Becky

  • From complete beginner to having the confidence to run my own scent courses. My classes are full and I have taken my new skills to the rescue center and the dogs simply love it

    Lisa

  • You learn so much more! It's not just scent training it's lesson planning, adult learning theories, venn diagrams, and it all starts with Robs abstract from his Doctorate.... Plus real operational dog handlers! Amazing I highly recommend this course the best dog training course I have ever been on.

    R.L

Enrol on our ‘three course programme’ where you will learn from the best in the business!

  • Handler Courses: 30th January-3rd February & 20th- 24th March 2023.

    Assessment Courses: 15th-20th May & 11th-16th September 2023.

    Instructor Courses: 12th-16th June & 9th-13th October 2023.

  • You City & Guilds digital credentials will evidence that the UKCSD training programmes are benchmarked against the City & Guilds high quality standards; giving you the confidence and reassurance that your scent detection training is the best it can possibly be! We are proud to have our training assured by City & Guilds.

  • A substantial discount is available when booking all three courses together. Please contact info@ukcsd.com for prices and payment schemes