FAQs

General FAQs

Scent Work University is an online dog training platform that focuses on all things Scent Work! We offer online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks to give you all the information you need to be successful in Scent Work!

YES! At Scent Work University, we understand there are two separate elements of Scent Work: Scent Work the GAME and Scent Work the SPORT. Honestly, every dog everywhere should be playing Scent Work the GAME, but only some dog and handler teams would enjoy, or would be suitable, to participate in Scent Work the SPORT.

With this in mind, we offer courses that can help everyone, from the handler who is simply looking for a way to fulfill their dog's life, to the competitor who wants to improve their trialing experience.

Great question! While SWU does feature a variety of highly qualified instructors who may approach the subject of Scent Work from different angles, all courses will be taught using positive reinforcement and reward-based training techniques.

For our Foundation Sniffing Program, we start the dogs off with hunting for food, otherwise known as primary, to help cement their understanding of the game, to build their drive and enthusiasm while also setting them up to succeed.

Our other programs may use a variety of reinforcers, and handlers are always urged to find and use what works best for their own individual dog.

We completely understand your hesitation. After all, shouldn't dog training be done in person?!

In developing the courses for SWU, our goal was to provide high-quality instruction that not only provided the steps to complete a particular exericse, but would also promote the learner (you) to understand why an exercise was being done, and how adjustments could be made for each individual dog. All the courses offered at SWU are based off in-person group training courses, and we are extremely proud of our incredibly talented instructors who take great pride in being a teacher, first and foremost.

One of the biggest advantages of online dog training is you having access to so many talented instructors, regardless of where you live! Then there is the convenience factor. No longer do you have to try to squeeze a group class into your already hectic schedule. The days of rushing home from work, grabbing the dog, sitting in traffic to dash into class frazzled, stressed and worn out are a thing of the past. With SWU, you can go through the material at your own pace, and when it works best for you. By offering three enrollment options, SWU allows you to decide the type of experience you prefer: an intensive instructor interaction or something more relaxed and low-key. It is entirely up to you.

Online dog training is a wonderful option, and we hope SWU will provide a helpful service to as many dogs and handlers as possible!

There are no refunds once the course has begun. Special consideration will be given due to dog or handler injury or death. Please direct these inquiries to refund@scentworku.com.

No. As with all dog training services, the results hinge on a multitude of variables. These include the physical and behavioral status of the dog as well as the frequency, consistency and proficiency in which the training is conducted. It would be unethical and improper for SWU to guarantee results for any of our courses.

Great question! There are a couple of different ways you can do this. The easiest is to subscribe to the SWU mailing list. We send out notifications when courses and webinars are offered and available to enroll in.

Another option is to follow us on social media. We have a Facebook Page, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn and we are also active on YouTube.

Of course, you are always more than welcome to contact us directly at if you have a question.

We are all about offering choices. You may submit your payment securely using either PayPal, Google Pay or via credit card.

All options are secure, and Scent Work University does not store your credit card information.

For our online courses, Students who complete the entire course and submit the Request for Certificate form will receive a Certificate of Completion via email.

For our online webinars, if after completing the webinar replay you request CEUs, you will also receive a Certificate of Completion.

We submit as many of webinars as possible to the CCPDT, KPA and NACSW to be approved for CEUs. If a webinar is approved, this will be noted in the sales page and there will be a "Request CEUs" form with the webinar replay.

When you submit a Request for CEUs, we will process this request for you and send you a Certificate of Completion for your records.

If there is another organization you are looking to earn CEUs for, let us know and we will reach out to them to see if our webinars can be approved.

We are always happy to help you! Contact us at dianna@scentworku.com and we will work on finding a solution as quickly as possible.

Scent Work University concentrates on providing virtual training services, but several of our instructors do indeed offer in-person training.

You may see a listing of the instructors who offer in-person training services here.

Fabulous, we would love to hear from you! Please submit any course ideas or suggestions to dianna@scentworku.com.

As a "Thank You", we will send you a $25.00 gift certificate that you may use toward any of our online courses, seminars or webinars.

Online Courses FAQs

Our courses range from a single topic with several modules, to 2, 4 and 6-week progressive courses.

All participants will have access to the course materials.

For our progressive courses, Students are urged to follow along week-to-week, whereas Auditors and Watchers are welcome to access the materials and work on the exercises when it works best for their schedule.

Participants may choose from three enrollment options: Student, Auditor, and Watcher. The cost for the course depends on the enrollment level and the length of the course. The cost is clearly outlined in each course.

This depends on the course. Each course will include both a Course Details and Course Outline section, so you can see what exactly will be covered, and if the course is good match for both you and your dog.

No! You may enroll in as many courses as you wish!

We do recommend participants who are interested in enrolling as Students limit themselves to 3 courses per dog. This will help ensure the dog does not get overwhelmed or confused.

You may login to your account and access all your online enrollments, including your courses.

Here is a short tutorial video showing how easy it is.

All of them!

You may view your online courses on your desktop and laptop computers, tablets and mobile devices.

Great question! When you enroll as a Student, you can select the number of dogs you will be taking through the course and will submitting videos for the instructor to review (1-5 dogs). There is a $50.00/fee for each additional dog you submit videos for.

Another great question! Each course will have it's own private Student Facebook Group. You will be able to post your videos and homework assignments there.

If you would prefer to not use Facebook - trust us, we get it - you may arrange to email links of your videos directly to the instructor to review.

We want to hear from you! At the end of every course there will be a short feedback form that you may fill out. When you do, we will send you a $25.00 gift certificate that you may use toward any Scent Work University online course, seminar or webinar.

Online Webinars FAQs

Our webinars are typically 90 minutes in length. We occasionally offer webinars that are 45 minutes in length.

The length will be clearly noted in the details for the given webinar.

Yes! When you register for a live webinar, you will receive free and continual access to the fully edited webinar replay afterwards.