Hi, I’m Nicola, Scentwork and Mantrailing Instructor and the person behind Scentdog.
I started Scentdog in 2020 after getting into scent work with my own dogs and discovering just how difficult it was to find the equipment I wanted in one place. I was forever searching one website for containers, another for boxes and another for something else entirely. I thought there had to be an easier way.
Scentdog grew from that idea into both a specialist scent work shop and my training business. The two go hand in hand. What I see and learn while training dogs and handlers helps shape the products I stock, the kits I put together and the new ideas I develop.
I want Scentdog to be useful whether you’re completely new to scent work, looking for something fun and enriching to do with your dog, or you’re an instructor searching for equipment for your classes.
Most importantly, I actually use this stuff. Scent work isn’t just something I sell, it’s what I do.
Me and my dogs
Scent work became a big part of my life because of my own dogs, particularly Vinnie, my reactive German Shepherd. Pictured
I originally discovered scent work while looking for something that would give Vinnie an outlet and help him focus. It gave us something we could enjoy together without the pressures that can come with more traditional training environments.
Vinnie has since passed away, but he was the reason I discovered scent work in the first place and a huge part of why Scentdog exists today.
Since then I’ve trained and worked with very different dogs of my own, including German Shepherds and working cockers. They’ve taught me plenty along the way and you’ll regularly spot them appearing in Scentdog photos, videos and product testing.
Working with my own dogs, as well as the dogs and handlers I teach, is a big part of how I approach scent work. I’m particularly passionate about making it accessible to pet dogs, including dogs who may be fearful, reactive or simply aren’t comfortable in traditional group environments.
My Training & Qualifications
I’m a reward-based dog trainer specialising in scent work and detection training.
My training and qualifications include:
• WSDA (World Scent Dog Association) instructor training
• UK College of Scent Dogs training
• City & Guilds Scent Detection Handler qualification
• UK Sniffer Dogs instructor training
Alongside scent work, I also offer Mantrailing and 1-to-1 training, with practical, reward-based training at the heart of what I do.