Scent Work, Puppy Classes and Workshops in Annan, Carlisle and Dumfries
If your dog enjoys using their nose and you’d like a structured, supportive way to build skills together, group classes and workshops offer a calm and rewarding place to start.
With small group sizes and thoughtful guidance, dogs can learn to focus, problem-solve, and work confidently at their own pace. Whether your dog is highly scent-driven, easily distracted, or simply loves to sniff and explore, these sessions are designed to build confidence, connection, and enjoyment for both dog and handler.
Classes are suitable for puppies and dogs of any age, breed, or experience level.
If you’d like to check availability or ask which class would suit your dog best, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
Who classes and workshops are for
Group scentwork classes and workshops can be a helpful next step for dogs who need more than just physical exercise, and for owners looking for a calm, structured activity to do together.
These sessions can be particularly helpful if:
- Your dog has plenty of energy but struggles to settle afterwards
- Your dog finds it hard to focus when there are mild distractions around
- You’re looking for an activity that builds confidence without pressure
- Your dog enjoys sniffing and exploring on walks
- You’d like to strengthen teamwork and communication with your dog
- You’re looking for something mentally stimulating but low-impact
You don’t need previous scentwork experience. Many dogs discover how much they enjoy scent work once they’re given the opportunity to try it.
Group sessions are designed to be calm and supportive, with small numbers and plenty of space between dogs so each team can work comfortably.
If your dog finds group environments overwhelming, starting with
1:1 sessions may be a more comfortable first step.
Weekly Group Classes
Classes run in small groups of no more than four dog-and-handler teams, ensuring individual attention and steady progression.
Tuesday – Scent Discovery (Dumfries, 6:00pm)
A structured Scentwork class focused on building focus, problem-solving, and confidence in a calm environment.
New venue coming soon.
Wednesday – Scent Sports (6:00pm & 7:00pm)
These sessions focus on structured Scent Sports activities including Kong Search, Scent Match, and Catnip Retrieve. Dogs build skills gradually through games and scent challenges while working at a pace that suits them.
Thursday – The Creative Puppy Programme (6:30pm)
More than just a puppy class. The Creative Puppy Programme is a small, supportive 9 week programme designed to help you and your puppy build the skills and confidence you need for everyday life together.
The first session is an individual online session for us to get to know each other and then 8 weeks in person sessions.
With just four puppies, scentwork woven throughout, carefully planned socialisation, real world sessions and guest professionals along the way, we’ll help you understand your puppy, build skills together and navigate those important early months with confidence.
Classes take place at Dumfries, Chapelknowe Village Hall, a private secure field in Chapelknowe (DG14) or other local venues on occasion. Sessions last between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
Scent Sports Workshops
If you’re not ready to commit to weekly classes, workshops are a great place to start.
These 2-hour sessions give you the opportunity to try different scent sports in a relaxed, supportive setting. You and your dog can explore Kong Search, Scent Match, and Catnip Retrieve while discovering what your dog enjoys most.
Workshops are ideal if you:
- Want to try scent sports before committing to classes
- Have a dog who would benefit from a longer session
- Simply enjoy learning something new together
Numbers are kept small to maintain a calm working environment and ensure each team receives guidance and support.
Not sure which class or workshop is the right fit?
Get in touch and I’ll help you choose the best starting point for you and your dog.
The biggest measure of these sessions isn’t just what happens in class, it’s what changes afterwards.
Here’s what some of the Scent work teams have shared:
What clients say:
– Stef
– Fiona
– Ruth
“I would absolutely recommend Scentwork classes with Krysia. I never imagined it would make such a difference to Eddie’s life, he absolutely loves his classes, it’s helped him from being a reactive anxious rescue dog, to becoming confident in a class with other dogs, and being absolutely worn out from all that thinking and sniffing! This has also improved our daily walks as he is more focused on me, and hardly reactive at all now, at home we use his training to improve his daytime enrichment and I’ve learnt so many ideas to help with problem solving to burn off energy, he is a much calmer dog now x if you are thinking of just trying this out I would absolutely say contact Krysia as it will completely change your dogs life for the better.”
– Liz
FAQ about Scent Work workshops in Annan, Carlisle and Dumfries
Where do classes take place?
Chapelknowe Village Hall or a private secure field also in Chapelknowe, DG14
Can I bring more than one dog?
How do I book?
Booking is done via email or book a free call.
How long are the classes?
How do I know which class is best for us?
When are your classes?
How many dogs do you have in a class?
I'm not sure my dog is suited to a class, how do we work that out?
Unsure where to begin?
If you’re unsure whether a class environment is the right fit for your dog, you’re always welcome to get in touch to talk things through.
Some dogs benefit from a 1:1 introduction before joining a group, and we can decide together what feels most appropriate.
Current availability and booking details are shared via my Facebook page. You can book directly on my booking page