The College of Scent Dogs has announced that it is now an ABTC Practitioner Organisation.
The organisation says this creates a pathway for graduates to work towards practitioner status alongside its existing City & Guilds Assured training.
About the College of Scent Dogs
The College of Scent Dogs is a UK-based training provider focused on scent detection, tracking and mantrailing.
Its courses are designed for both dog guardians and professionals, with structured programmes that teach dogs to locate specific odours using reward-based methods.
Courses delivered by the organisation are City & Guilds Assured, meaning they have been externally reviewed for quality and course structure.
About the ABTC
The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) is a UK charity that sets standards for animal training and behaviour professionals.
It maintains a national register of practitioners and works to promote welfare-led approaches to training and behaviour work.
Practitioner Organisations within the ABTC framework support individuals working towards inclusion on that register.
What this means
This announcement introduces a defined route for College of Scent Dogs graduates to progress towards ABTC practitioner status.
It links the organisation’s existing training pathway with a recognised professional framework in the UK.
What this means for dog guardians
Dog trainers may begin referencing ABTC pathways alongside their training
Scent work continues to be offered as both enrichment and a structured discipline
Some professionals may choose to progress towards recognised practitioner status
Find out more about The College of Scent Dogs
If you’re interested in scent detection, tracking or mantrailing, or want to explore training options, you can learn more about the College of Scent Dogs and their courses at The College of Scent Dogs
FAQ’s
What has the College of Scent Dogs announced?
The College of Scent Dogs is now an ABTC Practitioner Organisation.
What does this mean for graduates?
Graduates can now work towards practitioner status through an ABTC-linked pathway, alongside their existing training.
Are the courses recognised?
The organisation’s courses are City & Guilds Assured, meaning they have been externally reviewed for quality and structure.
What is the ABTC?
The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) is a UK charity that sets standards for training and behaviour professionals and maintains a national register.
What is scent work for dogs?
Scent work is an activity where dogs are trained to find specific scents, such as oils or hidden items. It uses a dog’s natural sense of smell and is often used as both enrichment and structured training. It can be done at home, in classes, or at a more advanced level through organised training programmes.
Is scent work suitable for all dogs?
Scent work is generally suitable for most dogs, including puppies, older dogs, and those who may not enjoy busy environments. It can be adapted to suit different abilities and is often used as a low-impact activity.
If you are interested in doing Scent work or Mantrailing with your dog, you can find course providers in your area
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