Instructor Pathway
Your First Step into Teaching Scent Detection
Instructor Pathway
Your First Step into Teaching Scent Detection
If you’re an instructor who’s just starting out or have no scent experience but want to learn how to use scent detection confidently and ethically, this is the perfect place to begin.
Whether you’re curious about using scentwork as enrichment, helping anxious dogs through sniff-based activities, starting puppies off with positive scent games, or eventually becoming a Detection Sports Instructor this pathway is for you.
You can:
- Stick with Part One and Two through the Scent Instructors Network to build practical skills and bring scent into your current classes or 1:1 sessions
- Or continue through the full pathway and graduate as an accredited UK Scent Sport Detection Instructor
You’ll be supported by Susanne Broughton, founder of UK Scent Sport, and Sandra Deverson, with step-by-step guidance, hands on learning, and access to a growing community of like-minded, force free professionals.
No pressure, no prerequisites just a welcoming route into the rewarding world of scent detection.
SIN Scent Detection Workshops | Part One & Two
Your starting point into scent, flexible, practical, and built around you.
These hands-on workshops are ideal for instructors and behaviourists who want to bring scent into their classes, 1:1s, or enrichment sessions. Whether you're brand new to scent detection or simply looking to refresh your approach, this is the perfect place to start.
You don’t need to complete both parts just choose the session that best fits where you are right now.
They’re a brilliant entry into the UK Scent Sport Instructor Pathway, or simply a chance to deepen your scent skills and bring something fresh to your current training.
PART 1
Introduction to
Scent Detection
A friendly, practical morning working with your own dog as you explore:
- Scent theory and odour pairing
- Free searching and indication shaping
- Motivation and reinforcement strategies
Perfect for trainers who want to:
- Try something new with their own dog
- Build scent skills in a relaxed space
- Connect with like-minded, force-free professionals
PART 2
Building on Scent Foundations
This follow up session focuses on real time coaching skills and canine learning:
- Reinforcement timing and reward delivery
- Shaping and chaining scent behaviours
- Reading the dog during active searches
Ideal for instructors looking to:
- Refine handling and observation
- Strengthen shaping and problem-solving
- Prepare for progression (if you choose to continue to the UK Scent Sport Instructor Programme)
SIN Scent Detection Workshops | Advanced Courses to graduate as an accredited UK Scent Sport Detection Instructor
Turn your passion into professional practice with this immersive step.
Whether you’ve attended the first two workshops with SIN or already have scent experience, these advanced courses are your gateway into the UK Scent Sport Instructor pathway. Work with your own dog and develop the structure, clarity, and confidence to start teaching scent detection.
PART 3
Introduction and Fundamentals
2-Day Practical Course with UKSS
What you’ll learn:
- What scent detection is and why it matters
- Scent theory, odour pairing (Kong), and search setups
- Indication shaping, capturing, and rewarding
- Safe and appropriate equipment use
- Motivation and reward delivery
- Coaching handlers and adapting for real life clients
- Behavioural benefits of scentwork
Perfect for trainers who want to:
- Trainers new to scentwork
- Behaviourists adding scent to their practice
- Instructors ready to offer structured scent classes
Continue as a standalone course or carry on to the Graduation course by completing logged sessions.
PART 4
Logged Practice &
Self-Directed Learning
The bridge between foundation and graduation course with UKSS
To progress to the graduation course, you’ll complete a log of scent detection sessions with your own dog. This phase allows you to put the theory into practice, track your progress, and gain confidence in coaching and troubleshooting real life searches.
Includes:
- Practice logs with clear criteria
- Video submissions (optional but encouraged)
- Reflection tasks to help solidify your learning
This step is all about embedding what you've learned so far and preparing you for assessment and accreditation in the final stage.
PART 5
Graduation and Accreditation | 4-Day Course UKSS
Consolidate your skills, teach with confidence, and join the UKSS instructor community.
Over four immersive days, you’ll bring everything together. This practical, hands on course is designed to deepen your technical knowledge, sharpen your teaching, and give you the tools to confidently run structured scent detection classes. You’ll work closely with both dogs and people in real-time scenarios, putting your skills to the test.
What you'll do:
- Deliver coached sessions to real handler teams
- Complete your final teaching and training assessments
- Problem solve in the moment with varied dog handler teams
- Tackle different search set ups (indoor, outdoor, multi area)
- Fine tune indication training and troubleshooting
- Explore layering distractions and managing complex hides
- Gain tailored, constructive feedback from UKSS assessors
- Build confidence in managing group classes and 1:1s
Graduates will:
- Join the UKSS Instructor community
- Receive formal accreditation and professional listing
- Be advertised on the UKSS website and listed on the Instructor Map
- Gain permission to teach UKSS Cadet, Agent, and Detective-level courses
- Access ongoing CPD, workshops, and instructor-only events
- Maintain accreditation via a monthly licence fee (£10.00/month)
This final step is more than an assessment it’s a celebration of your progress and a launchpad for your future as a trusted, skilled scent detection instructor.
Go at your own pace, we mean it!
You don’t have to do both workshops.
You don’t have to continue onto the UK Scent Sport Instructor Programme either.
At SIN, we believe your journey is your own and you’re welcome whether you're exploring or advancing. Take one step or take them all. We’re here to support you either way.
Choose what works for you and your learning style.