Episodes

  • Dog's Perspective
    Mar 7 2025

    When tackling your searches, are you keeping your dog's perspective in mind? Meaning, how they are perceiving the space or environment? Doing so can be harder than it sounds, since we as people are oftentimes desensitized to the normal happenings of a human world. Yet these may be the very things which make a search exponentially more challenging for our dogs.

    In this episode, we discuss the importance of viewing our searches from our dog's perspective and ways we can better practice this essential skill.

    Speaker:

    Dianna L. Santos

    TRANSCRIPT

    Read the full transcript here.

    Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!

    Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

    #allaboutscentworkpodcast #dogsperspective #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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    26 mins
  • Getting Off the Hamster Wheel
    Feb 28 2025

    Do you feel as though you are running at top speed on a hamster wheel and unable to get off? There are many of us in the sniffing community that may feel this way!

    Handlers who are doing all of the things all of the time, running themselves, and their dogs, ragged. Trial hosts, who after spending months working tirelessly to prep for an event, find themselves receiving requests to host even more events before the current one is wrapped up. Trial officials crisscrossing the country, officiating every single weekend on top of speaking at workshops and seminars, spending one or two days at home if they are lucky. Instructors who feel the need to constantly find new ways to add more and more teaching opportunities to their schedule, all in a feeble attempt to meet the neverending need, while simultaneously being unable to spend a single moment with their own personal dogs.

    In this episode, we discuss how easy it is to find yourself trapped on the hamster wheel, but that it is incredibly beneficial for both you and your dog to jump off and inject some much needed balance into your life. Sleep, latent learning and undertaking other hobbies should not be viewed as bad things. They should be normalized! Scent Work is not going anywhere, so jump off that hamster wheel before it is too late.

    Speaker:

    Dianna L. Santos

    TRANSCRIPT

    Read the full transcript here.

    Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!

    Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

    #allaboutscentworkpodcast #hamsterwheel #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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    35 mins
  • Strategic Trialing
    Feb 24 2025

    When it comes to trialing in Scent Work within the United States, there many competition organizations to choose from. This variety grants us an incredible opportunity: to be strategic. This is true for new and seasoned competitors alike. We can more fully realize the potential of mindfully leveraging our choices, deciding which organization we compete with, when and why and even carefully choosing which classes we sign up for.

    In this episode, we highlight how being more strategic and more goal-oriented when it comes to trialing can help unlock future success fo our sniffing team. This topic was inspired by a suggestion Holly Bushard offered during the Improving Scent Work Trials for Everyone Virtual Symposium. There are so many kernels of brilliance sprinkled throughout this 3-hour roundtable event, be certain to order the replay if you haven't already.

    Looking for a listing of Scent Work competition organizations both within the United States, internationally and those which offer virtual options? Check out a compiled list here.

    Speaker:

    Dianna L. Santos

    TRANSCRIPT

    Read the full transcript here.

    Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!

    Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

    #allaboutscentworkpodcast #strategictrialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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    18 mins
  • Are We Asking the Right Questions?
    Feb 14 2025

    Why are we doing Scent Work in the first place? What drew us to this activity? We are all so incredibly busy, stretched ridiculously thin, constantly rushing from one thing to next. Why then are we still squeezing searching into our already jam-packed calendars? Is it really all about the titles or ribbons? Or is it something else? Could it be the addictive joy that our dogs exude as they rush around working a space? If so, wouldn't it be a good a idea to identify how to build and maintain that level of joy when training or trialing?

    In this episode, we discuss the importance of taking a step back to determine what our focus is when participating in the activity of Scent Work. How asking the right questions, evaluating what is indeed happening and what our true objectives and goals are, then being flexible in the decisions we make, is key.

    Additionally, we discuss a variety of offerings recently released through Scent Work University you should check out:

    • Helping Your Dog Find That Last Hide: Friend or Foe? Webinar with Sue Sternberg
    • Trial Readiness in Training: How to Build Happy Hunters for Trial Webinar with Jill Kovacevich
    • Mastering Multiple Hides Webinar with Michael McManus

    Speaker:

    Dianna L. Santos

    TRANSCRIPT

    Read the full transcript here.

    Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!

    Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

    #allaboutscentworkpodcast #askingtherightquestions #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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    30 mins
  • Scent Work is Hard!
    Feb 7 2025

    There are many moving pieces when it comes to the activity of Scent Work. A common misconception is that Scent Work is easy: train dog to find thing, hide thing in area, dog finds thing, give dog cookie. Yet, to accomplish even this watered down version of Scent Work requires concentrated work and focus. Otherwise our searches will be messy, lackluster and ineffective.

    In this episode, we discuss how Scent Work is rather complicated, yet the benefits of embracing this fact, ways it can help deepen our relationship with our dog, make us better handlers and trainers and much more.

    Additionally, we discuss a variety of offerings recently released through Scent Work University you should check out:

    • Components of Scent Work: Value of Odor Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
    • Components of Scent Work: Hunting Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
    • Components of Scent Work: Sourcing Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
    • Components of Scent Work: Odor Obedience Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
    • Components of Scent Work: Dog Communication Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
    • Components of Scent Work: Handler Communication Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
    • Are Smoke Machines Required Webinar with Judith Guthrie
    • Improving Scent Work Trials for Everyone Virtual Symposium
    • Influence of Reactivity on Scent Work in Training and Trialing Webinar with Sue Sternberg
    • Intro to Mastering Vehicles Seminar with Tony Gravley
    • Mastering Multiple Hides Webinar with Michael McManus

    Speaker:

    Dianna L. Santos

    TRANSCRIPT

    Read the full transcript here.

    Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!

    Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

    #allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentworkishard #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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    28 mins
  • Dog Asked a Question...Is That Bad?
    Sep 7 2024

    You're tackling a search with your dog. They have found a few hides and there are one or more hides left. Suddenly, they stop and look back at you. They are not near anything, they are not alerting...no, they are asking a dreaded question! Now what?! Is this the end of the world? What does mean?! What do you do?!

    In this episode, we discuss the meaning behind our dog's asking questions in Scent Work, what this can look like and how questions are not necessarily "bad", but rather information. Once we catch our breath and calm ourselves down, we can use this information. Perhaps to decide what next steps to take, or ways we can provide more clarity to our dog or maybe identify a weakness we didn't know existed before. Having this information is critical if we wish to continue to progress in our Scent Work training.

    Speaker:

    Dianna L. Santos

    ----more----

    TRANSCRIPT

    Read the full transcript here.

    Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!

    Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!

    #allaboutscentworkpodcast #dogaskedaquestion #arequestionsbad #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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    27 mins
  • Perspectives and Blind Spots
    Aug 23 2024

    It is far too easy to develop blind spots when training or trialing with our dogs, working with clients, designing searches as a trial official, finding or running trials as a host or evaluating rules or regulations as a competition organization staff member. Our perspective may be rather limited, causing us to not see the fullest and most accurate picture possible. This skewed perspective may then color the decisions we make, the training plan we put together, how we evaluate our team's progress and so on.

    In this episode, we discuss the importance of obtaining outside perspectives. Even having a family member or friend set out a hide for us every now and again may be incredibly enlightening! Our hope is this episode will cause everyone to consider how their perspective may be slanted or incomplete, what their blind spots may be and how they can further illuminate their "map of possibilities".

    Training on your own? Check out the Considerations: Training Scent Work on Your Own Webinar.

    Looking for an outside perspective? Use our video review and Zoom consultation services to receive helpful feedback from our instructors.

    Are you an instructor, trial official or trial host? Schedule a Zoom consultation with a trusted colleague to get their insights and perspectives.

    Speaker:

    Dianna L. Santos

    ----more----

    TRANSCRIPT

    Read the full transcript here.

    Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!

    Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!

    #allaboutscentworkpodcast #perspectives #blindspots #scentworkinstructor #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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    20 mins
  • Art of Giving and Receiving Information
    Aug 10 2024

    Instructors are tasked to share their knowledge and expertise with their human clients in such a way that the client can then internalize, understand and interpret that information for their dog. This is no easy task! However, it becomes close to impossible if the way this information is packaged causes the client to not want to receive it.

    In this episode, we discuss the art of giving and receiving information. Tone, facial expressions, body behavior are all important factors. Exhaustion, burnout and frustration can further complicate the situation on both sides of this divide. We must openly discuss the need to take a breath, modify and adjust our approaches the very same way we advocate when working directly with our dogs. Instructors and clients should see one another as teammates and partners, not adversaries.

    Speaker:

    Dianna L. Santos

    ----more----

    TRANSCRIPT

    Read the full transcript here.

    Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!

    Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!

    #allaboutscentworkpodcast #artofgivinginformation #artofreceivinginformation #scentworkinstructor #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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    39 mins