At Yappily, we love showcasing dog sports and activities that give dogs the chance to use their natural instincts, learn new skills and have fun with their humans.
We’re particularly passionate about raising awareness of activities that put dogs’ welfare first and use kind, reward-based training methods without fear, pain, intimidation or aversive tools.
So, when we heard about Scurry Dog, we wanted to know more.
Inspired by traditional gundog skills but designed to be accessible to all dogs, Scurry Dog combines retrieving, scentwork, communication and everyday skills through five progressive games.
We caught up with Em from Train & Nourish, a Yappily-listed dog professional and the first graduate of the Scurry Dog Instructor Programme, to find out what it’s all about.
What is Scurry Dog and who is it for?
Em: Scurry Dog is a dog sport designed to simulate many of the skills used by working gundogs, but in a much more accessible and inclusive way.
Whilst the sport is based on the core skills of traditional gundog work, it is open to all dogs regardless of breed, age or experience.
Scurry Dog was founded by two friends in Wales, Clare and Aleks. They recognised that many behaviour struggles stem from our dogs’ needs not being fully met. Scurry Dog helps address these needs through five fun and engaging games that dogs and their owners can enjoy together.
What are the five Scurry Dog games?
Em: Each game focuses on different skills and contains five progressive levels, giving dogs and handlers plenty to work towards while developing their skills and confidence.
The Retrieve
From simple, fast and fun retrieves to complex multi-retrieves, this game challenges your dog’s agility, focus, memory, problem-solving abilities and spatial awareness.
Scramble Grid
Communication at a Distance
Direct your dog from a distance to complete tasks and enjoy the thrill of purposeful teamwork and connection with your canine companion.
Everyday Dog
Core Skills for Everyday Life
Is it possible to teach practical and useful life skills in a fun and creative way? Absolutely! This game focuses on the foundations that make living with our dogs easier and more enjoyable.
Nose Quest
Work as a team with your dog to hunt for hidden objects quickly and methodically, just like a gundog and game-finder team.
Sniffit Trail
Follow the Scent Trail and Retrieve the Sniffit
Put that talented nose to work! The aim is to locate and retrieve the hidden “Sniffit” by following a scent trail.
Why did you decide to become a Scurry Dog Instructor?
Em: I have worked within the dog training and behaviour industry for many years and was searching for a fun, inclusive activity that could support many of my behaviour cases whilst also giving dogs an outlet for their natural instincts.
That’s when I discovered Scurry Dog.
I went on to become the first graduate of the Scurry Dog Instructor Programme, and I’m delighted to now be able to bring the sport to more dogs and their humans.
→ Find Em and Train & Nourish on Yappily
What do the founders say about Scurry Dog?
We also asked Clare and Aleks, the founders of Scurry Dog, what inspired them to create the sport and what they would say to someone considering giving it a try.
Clare told us that Scurry Dog grew from their passion for high-energy dogs, particularly gundog breeds. They wanted to create structured games that could channel natural instincts into something enjoyable, while building useful skills and keeping the relationship between dog and human at the centre.
Aleks says its accessibility, community and focus on fun are what make Scurry Dog different. The aim was to move away from some of the rigid rules associated with traditional gundog training and create something where dogs can take part regardless of breed or previous experience.
Perhaps the most important message for anyone thinking about trying it is this:
“It’s not about perfection – it’s about passion and enjoying time spent with your best friend.”
– Aleks, co-founder of Scurry Dog
How do I find a qualified Scurry Dog Instructor?
Em: Scurry Dog Instructors have to pass both written and practical assessments, as well as training a dog to a high standard, so you can be confident that you and your dog are in safe hands.
If you fancy giving Scurry Dog a go, you can find qualified instructors who are already part of the Yappily community.
Want to Try Scurry Dog?
Whether your dog already loves retrieving and scentwork or you simply fancy trying something new together, a qualified instructor can help you get started.
→ Find Scurry Dog Instructors on Yappily
→ Find Instructors on Scurry Dog
Are You a Dog Trainer Interested in Scurry Dog?
If you’re a reward-based dog trainer and would like to offer Scurry Dog to your own clients, you can find out more about becoming a qualified Scurry Dog Instructor through the official Scurry Dog training programme.
→ Find Out How to Become a Scurry Dog Instructor
Already a Scurry Dog Instructor?
If you’re already qualified and share Yappily’s commitment to kind, welfare-led training, we’d love to help more dog guardians find you.
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