Training and Seminars

Scent Detection - Making a difference, one sniff at a time  

Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources in the
world. However, research shows that wind turbines cause hundreds of thousands
of bird and bat fatalities annually. Scent detection dogs help teams of
scientists find ways to reduce the environmental impact of wind energy.
Detection dogs use their keen sense of smell to search large areas faster and
more efficiently than human eyesight. They help evaluate whether curtailment
strategies work, especially for threatened species. For example, they help
compare fatalities when wind turbines only run at higher wind speeds vs lower
speeds.   In this class, you’ll learn how to motivate your dog to find
scent using the same techniques as professional detection dogs from scent
detection expert Dr. Carla Simon. Many handlers report that scent detection
helps their dog to focus better, provides mental and physical exercise, builds
confidence, and develops a stronger bond.  

Register for six (1-hour) classes by calling 587 317 – 5404 or email

[email protected]

Investment: $275.00 + GST  

Classes held Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:00 and 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm

Instructor: Carla Simon, BSc, MD, MBA, owner of Hunter’s Heart Scent
Detection K9s.

Jan 7, 12, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11

Feb 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25

Hunter’s Heart Scent Detection Dog Trainer Certifications

January 2026 in Calgary

Unlock the Secrets of Professional Wildlife Conservation Scent Detection with Hunter’s Heart 2026 Certification

Reliable | Transformative | Motivational

Levels:

1.      Foundation Scent Detection Trainer Course – Imprinting Target Odor $1200 + tax – Jan 10 & 11, 2026, early bird sale 50% off until December 1, 2025

2.     Wildlife Scent Detection Specialist – Jan. 17 & 18, 2026, early bird sale 50% off until December 1, 2025

Instructor: Carla Simon, BSc, MD, MBA  https://scentdetection.huntersheart.com/scent-detection-certification

Foundations of Professional Scent Detection Dog Training Certification January 10 & Sun. January 11, 2026, in Calgary

•        Online orientation and pre-homework will be available starting January 1. Please complete the homework before attending the in-person sessions.

•        You will build a solid foundation in evidence-based, motivational scent detection, with a focus on the science of modern scent detection and imprinting. We’ll cover scent detection terminology, links in the scent detection behaviour chain, errorless learning in scent detection, selecting and motivating scent detection dogs, odor hygiene, imprinting a target odor, conducting systematic searches, sourcing precisely, starting trained final responses, rewarding, debriefing and logging your training sessions.

•        Hands-on training in Calgary, Sat. January 10 & Sun. January 11, 2026, 9 am – 5 pm.

•        You can’t get this training in a book. It’s in-depth training in evidence-based theory, plus the hands-on application of professional scent detection techniques using a demo dog that you bring with you.

•        The target odour will be a handler-scented toy or article.

•        Assessments evaluate the trainer’s skills at the hands-on training and in the video assignment, not the dog’s aptitude as a detection dog.

•        There will only be one dog working in the classroom at a time. Dog-dog interaction is never permitted. Having said that, it will help you to succeed if you select a non-reactive dog with the confidence to participate in class in a busy, city location, and the unpredictable distractions which may arise, including grooming clients, distracting smells, sights and sounds, barking dogs, rabbits and squirrels in the parking lot, traffic, etc.

•        Following the hands-on training in Calgary, you will receive an assignment to complete with your dog at home, which you will need to videotape with your phone and upload to the internet. Submit a video no longer than 5 minutes to complete the final evaluation.

•        Regular price $1200 + GST. Space is limited to a maximum of 6 teams. Handlers 18 years of age and older, please.

•        Sale: 50% off until December 1, 2025, for early-bird registrations.

•        Register and pay with Ellen at the Beast Boutique, (587) 317-5404.  

•        Registration is non-refundable, but if you decide not to attend, you may sell your spot to another adult/dog team.

Specialization in Wildlife Conservation Detection Dog Training Certification- January 17 & Sun. January 18, 2026, in Calgary

•        In the Advanced Wildlife Conservation Specialization Course, you will apply scent detection skills to begin training prospective wildlife conservation detection candidates. The focus is on best practices in training conservation detection dogs, including putting the links of the behaviour chain together, and testing your skills in blind searches.

•        You can’t get this training in a book. It’s in-depth training in evidence-based theory and hands-on application of professional scent detection techniques using a demo dog that you bring with you. You will learn: why and how dogs are used in wildlife conservation detection, best practices in breeding, puppy raising, selection, motivation, proofing, polishing indications, putting the links of the scent detection behaviour chain together, how to avoid common errors, the Clever Hans phenomenon, troubleshooting, and scent dynamics (e.g. converging hides, elevation).

•        Online orientation and pre-homework will be available on January 13. Complete the homework before the in-person sessions.

•        Hands-on training in Calgary, Sat. January 17 & Sun. January 18, 2026, 9 am – 5 pm.

•        This training is designed for students who have completed the in-person training in our Foundations of Professional Scent Detection Dog Training course, or operational teams that find and indicate wildlife species and/or samples. It is strongly recommended that you complete the prerequisite training first, to be proficient in all of the following skills: understanding scent detection training terminology, links in the scent detection behaviour chain, errorless learning in scent detection, selecting and motivating scent detection dogs, odor hygiene, conducting systematic searches, sourcing precisely, rewarding, debriefing and logging training sessions. These skills will not be covered during the Advanced course.

•        You will choose your target odor: a handler-scented toy or article, or the scent of a wildlife species that you provide (e.g. an antler or snakeskin). NB. Target odours and samples must be pre-approved in advance, for safety and acceptable risk in a class environment.

•        Assessments evaluate the trainer’s skills at the hands-on training and in the video assignment, not the dog’s aptitude as a wildlife conservation detection dog.

•        There will only be one dog working in the classroom at a time. Dog-dog interaction is never permitted. Having said that, it will help you to succeed if you select a non-reactive dog with the confidence to participate in class in a busy, city location, and the unpredictable distractions which may arise, including grooming clients, distracting smells, sights and sounds, barking dogs, rabbits and squirrels in the parking lot, traffic, etc.

•        Following the hands-on training in Calgary, you will receive an assignment to complete with your dog at home, which you will need to videotape with your phone and upload to the internet. Submit a video no longer than 10 minutes to complete the final evaluation.

•        In-depth training in evidence-based theory and hands-on application of professional scent detection using a demo dog that you bring. Informal assessments will focus on the trainer’s skill, not necessarily the dog’s aptitude as a wildlife conservation detection dog.

•        Regular price $1200 + GST. Space is limited to a maximum of 6 teams. Handlers 18 years of age and older, please.

•        Sale: 50% off until December 1, 2025, for early-bird registrations.

•        Register and pay by phone with Ellen at the Beast Boutique at (587) 317-5404.

•        Registration is non-refundable, but if you decide not to attend, you may sell your spot to another adult/dog team.