The Scent Detection Committee is dedicated to raising awareness around the fundamental role that scent plays with working stock dogs, highlighting the skills of problem-solving in any terrain or weather while showcasing independent working and thinking. A dog who uses it’s nose to do it’s job is a well-rounded and versatile working partner. This is a fantastic sport in which rescues, veteran dogs, and handlers or otherwise challenged handlers/dogs can compete and succeed.
Scent Detection is a sport that evolved from working detection dogs to locate a target odor and communicate to the handler that the odor has been found. This is a bonding team activity between the dog and handler. The handler learns to “read” the changes in body language. The dog indicates that they are hunting and then “sourcing” or locating the target scent. Scent Detection can build focus, drive and confidence in dogs of all ages.
This is a performance sport that can earn the established titles in increased challenging levels of performance. During this event, the team should exhibit communication and teamwork during the search and above all, have fun.
Here are the proposed rules for clubs to start looking at and holding fun matches. This is not an approved ASCA titling program at this time.
Scent Detection Rules
Please notice in the rule book is the following:
Holding a Trial or Match (Pg 5)
Scent Chart (Pg 12)
Becoming a Judge (pg 29)
The below forms are for Fun Matches only and be used at an affiliate club level. This is not an official program with ASCA at this time.
Mail all forms to: ASCAScentDetection@gmail.com
Scent Sanction
Scent Match Form
Scent Trial Report
Scent Trial Roster
Scent Score Sheet
Scent Entry Form
Scent Judges Application
Scent Detection Post-Event Evaluation Form
If you have suggestions for the ASCA Scent Detection Program, please contact a Scent Detection Committee member and they will be happy to take your suggestion to the committee.