I first started scent detection in 2023 when we moved to Terrace, BC, looking for a fun winter sport that would keep my dogs engaged while staying warm indoors. At first, I wasn’t fully sold on it—the training methods we were using didn’t quite click with my dogs' learning styles. But everything changed in September 2024 when I attended training school at Elite Dog Centre. There, I learned new techniques that completely transformed how I approached scent work, and I was hooked!

Just a few months later, in January 2025, Fawkes earned her first three CWAGS titles—Level 1, Level 1 Ranger, and Level 2—all in a single day! Dipper also joined in on the fun, earning his Level 1 title in May 2024, and he's continuing his scent detection journey into 2025. While Nyx isn’t working toward any scent detection sport titles, he’s still putting his nose to work as he is in training to become a search and rescue dog.

Now, I’m thrilled to be officially offering scent detection classes starting in January 2026 here in Victoria. I also recently completed my Level 1 and Level 2 CWAGS judging certifications, and I’m really excited to not only bring sport-focused scent detection classes to the community but also to begin judging at trials in the new year. I can’t wait to share this incredible sport with you all and help more teams discover just how fun and rewarding scent work can be!