Scent Detection Dog Trainer Course

This course teaches trainers proper handling skills, scent imprinting, detection prospects, first aid, problem solving, case law, and others skills necessary in locating items and working with the canine. Students will learn to conduct many of the searches most commonly required, such as vehicle searches and building searches. Students learn how to develop the skills in the canine - from start to finish, but also how scent detection works and how best to use it. The balanced, up-to-date methods utilized in this course will enable to student not only to train narcotics and/or explosive detection dogs but also bed bug detection, cancer detection, antler shed detection, and nearly any kind of detection desired from a canine.

Scent Detection Dog Trainer Course

This course teaches trainers proper handling skills, scent imprinting, detection prospects, first aid, problem solving, case law, and others skills necessary in locating items and working with the canine. Students will learn to conduct many of the searches most commonly required, such as vehicle searches and building searches. Students learn how to develop the skills in the canine - from start to finish, but also how scent detection works and how best to use it. The balanced, up-to-date methods utilized in this course will enable to student not only to train narcotics and/or explosive detection dogs but also bed bug detection, cancer detection, antler shed detection, and nearly any kind of detection desired from a canine.

Course Overview

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Scent Detection Dog Trainer Certification

Scent detection is an extremely valuable skill developed in dogs that allows them to locate illegal substances, bodies, missing persons and explosives. Using the dog’s keen sense of smell, they can be trained to locate items in nearly any environment and from a distance. Through the scent detection dog trainer course at Dog Trainer College, students will gain dog training certification and will learn the skills and proven techniques necessary to train scent detection dogs. The course is taught from a balanced training approach.

Apply online and sign up for the scent detection dog trainer course today. The course is four weeks in length and is available only in the Spring and Summer semesters. However it is included in the K9 Instructor and Master Trainer courses.

Both financial aid and/or lodging is available, if needed. With our competitive financing options, you can take this awesome course for as little as $93/month.* Sorry, we do not accept VA education or voc rehab benefits. You are permitted to bring your own dog/s with you during the course.

*Rates and terms will vary according to individual credit score, co-signer (if any), and amount of down payment.

APPLY FOR THIS COURSE
calendar_month Course Dates

This in-person class begins on April 14 and August 11, 2025
Custom start dates are available for groups of 5 or more.

This program meets M-F from 9am to approximately 4pm
(Depending upon class size, weather, number of dogs to train, etc.)

Classes are held on-site at our facility near Spencer, IN.

paid Course Rates

Four-Week Course

$3,800
Groups of 5 or more qualify for a group discount.

What You Will Learn

Dog Selection & Health
  • Select solid candidates for detection dog prospects
  • Recognize inferior qualities that would hinder reliable detection work
  • Recognize health issues of the canine and be able to administer emergency first aid
  • Understand how environment will affect the search
Troubleshooting
  • Recognizing and teaching the canine’s alert
  • Diagnose training problems and formulate a plan to overcome them
  • Understand how to dependably proof a dog
Core Training
  • Understand how to train the detection dog from start to finish
  • Be able to train dogs in both basic and advanced obedience
  • Enhance the dog’s drives
  • Utilize training aids effectively, properly, safely, and without contamination
  • Grasp the canine olfactory system
  • Handle the dog in way that will encourage effectiveness yet without hindering his work
Scent Detection Training
  • Imprint a dog on the target odor
  • Utilize various detection training methods
  • Learn about Osphresiology and how it affects the search
  • Diagnose the right method to use with each individual dog
  • Employ effective search methods and technique
  • Be able to conduct various kinds of searches

Curriculum Outline

Selection of Detection Dogs
  • Puppy
  • Adult
Obedience
  • Basic and Advanced, On/Off Leash
  • Proper Use of Remote Collar
  • Proper Use of Prong Collar
Drive Development
  • Puppy development
  • Prey Drive
  • Hunting Ability
Training Equipment
  • Detection training aids
  • Handling of training aids.
Scent Theory
  • Canine Olfactory system
  • Scent Cone
Training the Search
  • Imprinting Target Odor
  • Simple Direct Association
  • Deferred Response
  • Other Detection Training Methods
  • Search Methods
  • Vehicle Searches
  • Building Searches
  • Teaching the Alert
  • Problem Solving
  • Proofing
Other Instructions
  • Handler operations
  • Canine First Aid
  • Case Law
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ENROLL TODAY!

Get the certified training and skills you need to be able to train dogs of all ages and breeds. From training the basic behavior and obedience to even more advanced skills of training service dogs and police K9s, the demand for balanced, real-world dog trainers is growing, so now is the time to get started! Invest in yourself and apply today for in-person or online courses and become a certified dog trainer.

Apply For Courses Now

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