Collection: Air Scent

Air Scent Training

Air Scent training is an exciting activity where we teach your dog to find people using scent carried in the air and dispersed by the breeze. While it shares similarities with Mantrailing, Air Scenting focuses on a completely different skill set. In this discipline, you actively guide your dog to search specific areas, making teamwork and communication essential.

Initially, your dog will work on-lead as they learn the fundamentals of air scenting. As training progresses, we will work with you to build your dog’s confidence and skills for off-lead searches. This includes directional exercises, distance control, and foundational obedience to ensure effective communication and safety. Each dog works individually to allow for focused training in remote areas where encounters with other people or dogs are unlikely.

Air Scent training is suitable for all breeds and is an excellent way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Whether you use food or toy rewards, this activity provides mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment for both handler and dog. Typical search areas include rural settings such as farmland, forests, and riverbanks, with initial training taking place in enclosed, private grounds before advancing to more diverse locations.

Getting Started

To begin Air Scent training, you must first complete our Introduction to Air Scent Workshop. Following this, you are welcome to join our drop-in sessions or development training days to continue your dog’s progression.

You may receive follow-up correspondence from Hounds and Helis regarding this course. To ensure you receive all communications, please check your spam folder and consider marking our email address as safe.

Expertise You Can Trust

Éadaoin, our lead instructor, has extensive experience in Air Scent training. She has trained and qualified two operational Open Area Search Dogs for both Lowland and Mountain Rescue teams in Ireland, assessed to rigorous standards in both Ireland and the UK. Her expertise ensures you and your dog will receive excellent instruction in this rewarding activity.

Discover the joy of working as a team to find the ‘missing person’ while building your dog’s skills, confidence, and enthusiasm. Air Scent training is not just a sport; it’s a shared adventure!