About

The Sonoran Desert Scent Work Club

 

The Sonoran Desert Scent Work Club (SDSWC) brings together scent work handlers and their dogs to learn about and compete in AKC Scent Work. It is for anyone of any age with any breed of dog to practice and enjoy this K-9 Detection Dog-based sport. Each handler/dog team works alone, building the dog’s confidence in the hunt and life in general.

 

According to its Constitution and Bylaws, the SDSWC has four objectives: ​​

 

• To organize and conduct AKC scent work trials and events in Southern Arizona.

• To sponsor opportunities for scent work education and practice building on the natural ability of dogs to excel in the sport.

• To model and encourage good sportsmanship.

• To expand participation in the sport through general public outreach.

 

Founded by current Club President Jennifer Hamilton and Bev Porter as the first scent work club in Arizona, the SDSWC has hosted many trials, workshops, and other events for its members and the broader scent work community.​

 

The club formed on Feb. 22, 2020, and is approved by the State of Arizona as a non-profit corporation. It is an American Kennel Club-accredited organization.​

 

Contact us to find out more about enjoying a dog sport that both enriches the dog and builds the bond between you and your dog.​

 

Scent Work Sport

 

Unlike other competitive dog sports - obedience, agility, and herding - scent work is relatively new. Originally conceived of by professional detection dog handlers in Southern California, the National Association of Canine Scent Work formally came into being in 2006. As the sport's popularity grew, AKC began developing its version, holding its first trial in September 2017. Since then, clubs including SDSWC have hosted more than 10,000 trials.

 

As described on the AKC Scent Work webpage, "In AKC Scent Work, dogs search for cotton swabs saturated with the essential oils of Birch, Anise, Clove, and Cypress. The cotton swabs are hidden out of sight in a pre-determined search area, and the dog has to find them. Teamwork is necessary: when the dog finds the scent, he has to communicate the find to the handler, who calls it out to the judge."