Starting Out

This is just a bit of background about me, so you understand that I don't profess to be a guru of any sort, but just someone enjoying and learning scentwork with my dog. I wasn't keen to even start this blog but I've convinced by others who like me are just stating out and might learn, laugh and enjoy my journey.

Having retired in 2025, I was keen to get another dog, and after meeting Zoe (Dog Next Door) I got 11month old Sage (Janan Summer Storm) from her mum “Janan Cocker Spaniels.” I just wanted a wonderful pet to enjoy, but it started this wonderful journey and Im now a passionate Scentwork convert!

Sage had been achieving great results in the show ring (just 1 BCC away form her Champion title) and won 2 best puppy in shows, but was on the smaller side, so it was decided if the right home came up she would be available - I was the lucky new home their hoped for. Sage had already done the basic scentwork training course and showed natural ability. When having "interviews" about what type of home I could offer Carolyn encouraged me to take Sage to the local dog club and do beginner course of some sort to develop the bond between us, and she tells me now .... to ensure I was a good dog owner for Sage. 

Zoe was achieving great results with her own Cockers in the scent trials and So off Sage & I went to Canterbury Kennel Club for their 6-week introduction course.

There have been failures, which are needed - to grow.   I have learnt the hard way that it is usually a handler error when not qualifying a class.  I have taken onboard by a Judge that I have trialled under a few times, and failed “trust your dog”, why did you re-search that area, your dog already told you there was nothing there”!  

With trial, error and practice, Sage and I are now ticking off our successes. 

Every search is different, every hide is a new challenge, and every successful indication is another small win.

Have fun, keep sniffing

Jackie & Sage