Welcome to
Scent Case Academy: Detective Training Program
Where Every Dog is a Detective
Scent Case Academy is scent work with a cheeky nod to cosy crime. Real searches. Real puzzles. Tea and biscuits included.
There are four levels. Everyone starts with Rookie. No shortcuts. You learn the basics well, then you climb. Scene Investigator, Case Detective, Lead Detective. Each step adds harder hides, bigger areas and smarter handling. You get certificates and a rosette at every rung because small wins matter.
We meet on Tuesday nights at Stone Village Hall for two hours. One dog works at a time. The others chill. No lines of sits. No barking chaos. Calm coaching, clear plans and plenty of laughs.
Nervous dogs are welcome. Shouty ones too. New owners, returners and people who hate busy classes get space and time. The building and parking are fully accessible.
You borrow a home kit in Level one and a case file that tracks progress. Week one is handlers only. Week seven is a story search where you show what you know and we celebrate it.
Want a bigger caper? Book an Immersive Day. Full plot. Six hours. Very satisfying.
Climb the ranks. No uniform.
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Level 1 - Rookie
Entry level for every team.
- Build solid scent foundations using gun oil in simple indoor spaces
- Learn to establish a clear indication
- Master start lines and reward timing
- Develop calm leash skills.
Dogs work small search areas with single hides while handlers focus on reading their dog and building confidence together.
Week one is handlers-only induction.
Week seven story search tests your new skills.
Pass earns certificate and rosette, unlocking Scene Investigator. -
Level 2 - Scene Investigator
Continue with gun oil but step up the challenge.
- Dogs develop stamina and independance
- Search planning
- Time management
- How to support without over handlingSearch larger indoor areas including corners, simple vehicles, and rooms with no scent present (blanks).
Light environmental challenges like different surfaces and mild distractions are introduced.
Finish with themed story search to progress to Case Detective. -
Level 3 - Case Detective
Add your second target odour.
- Understand airflow patterns
- Manage search routes
- Maintain steady indication in busier environments
- How to switch cleanly between different searches
Work bigger indoor and outdoor spaces with longer, more complex problems and multiple blank areas.
Pass the case file to advance to Lead Detective. -
Level Four - Lead Detective
Time to put it all together and test the skills you've worked so hard for.
This is where everything you've learned comes together - your dog's independence, your reading skills, search planning, and calm handling under pressure.
Demonstrate confident teamwork and clear finish calls across multiple zones as you work through complex scenarios that challenge every skill from your detective training.
Solve the finale case to earn your top detective award and prove you're a true scent work partnership.
Scent Case Academy FAQ
Getting Started
What is scent work?
Scent work is a dog sport based on detection work where dogs search for specific target odours and indicate when they find them. It's mentally stimulating, builds confidence, and uses your dog's natural abilities.
Do I need any experience?
No experience needed! Everyone starts at Rookie level regardless of background. We'll teach you everything from the basics up.
What age can my dog start?
Dogs can start once they have completed their vaccinations, though there's no upper age limit. Senior dogs often excel at scent work as it's low impact but mentally engaging.
What if my dog is nervous/reactive/over-excited?
All temperaments welcome! Our calm, one-dog-at-a-time format works well for anxious dogs, and we're experienced with excitable ones too. We give every team the space and time they need.
Course Structure
How long is each level?
Each level runs for 7 weeks with a break between levels. This gives dogs time to consolidate their learning.
Can I skip levels if my dog already knows some scent work?
No shortcuts - everyone starts at Rookie. This ensures you learn our methods and your dog masters our specific indication style, even if they've done scent work elsewhere.
What happens in week one?
Week one is handlers only - no dogs. We cover theory, safety, timing, and what to expect. This helps you support your dog better from week two onwards.
What's a story search?
Each level ends with a themed search that puts your new skills together in a fun, detective-style scenario. Think of it as your final exam, but with more tea and celebration!
Practical Details
What do I need to bring?
Just your dog, treats, and enthusiasm! We provide all search equipment. You'll borrow a home practice kit during Rookie level.
Where do you meet?
Stone & District Village Hall, Stone, Berkeley, England, GL13 9LE, building and parking are accessible.
What if I miss a class?
Life happens! We can arrange catch-up sessions or you can repeat that week with the next group.
How much does it cost? £260 for 7 week Rookie Course.
The Training
What scents do you use?
We start with gun oil in Rookie level, add clove in Case Detective, and truffle oil in Lead Detective.
Will my dog get confused learning multiple scents?
Not when taught properly! We never ask dogs to search for multiple scents at once - they always search for one specific target, which keeps it clear for them.
What's an indication?
This is how your dog tells you they've found the scent - it might be a sit, down, or nose touch. We help you choose what works best for your team and keep it consistent.
Can I practice at home?
Yes! Rookie level includes a home practice kit, and we'll teach you safe ways to practice. Home practice really speeds up progress.
Special Options
What's an Immersive Day?
A six-hour deep dive with a full detective plot for all teams. Think escape room meets scent work! These run separately from the regular course. Details can be found here: https://kemblesfield.co.uk/products/scent-of-a-murder-christmas-edition
Do you offer private sessions?
[Insert details about one-to-one availability if offered]
Can I repeat a level?
Absolutely! Some teams benefit from consolidating their skills before moving up. No judgment, just better learning.
After the Course
What happens when I complete Lead Detective?
You'll have solid scent work foundations! We can discuss competitive opportunities, advanced workshops, or you might want to try our Immersive Days for ongoing challenges.
Do you run refresher sessions? [Insert details about ongoing training opportunities]
Will my dog get certificates?
Every level completion earns a certificate and rosette because progress deserves recognition, whatever the pace!
Practical Concerns
What if my dog doesn't like other dogs?
Perfect for our format! Dogs work individually while others wait calmly. No forced interactions, no stressful group exercises.
Is it suitable for small/large breeds?
All sizes welcome! Scent work adapts to every dog - we adjust hide heights and search areas to suit your team.
What if I'm not very mobile?
Our venue is fully accessible, and we can adapt handling techniques for different mobility levels. Just let us know what support you need.
Still have questions?
Get in touch! We're happy to chat about whether Scent Case Academy is right for you and your detective-in-training.