Scent and scentability training experts to visit

Wednesday 03 May 2023

Canine scent detection instructors will be visiting Guernsey this summer, to host a series of workshops with local dogs.

Two internationally recognised scent detection instructors from the College of Scent Dogs will be hosting the workshops.

Dr Robert Hewings and his wife Karen Caton-Hewings collectively have 60 years’ worth of experience and knowledge in the field, and will be sharing insights into their work during their four-day ‘Scent and Scentability’ workshops from 2 July.

The couple, who run The College Of Scent Dogs, are being brought over by local dog training, behaviour and scent detection school Canine Behaviour Guernsey.

Pictured: Sam Smilie and Anna Brehaut.

Founder and owner of Canine Behaviour Guernsey, Anna Jane Brehaut, said they were excited to welcome the couple.

"Dr Rob and his wife Karen have so much knowledge and experience in teaching dogs scentwork and detection. They really are the cream of the crop when it comes to instructors and we’re honoured to have them visiting the island.

"The Scent and Scentability workshops are being held on an international basis with the college visiting America and Australia to name but a few places worldwide.

"So to have them come to us, a small island in comparison, is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Miss Brehaut said that scentwork and detection has recently become a popular sport for dog owners across the Globe as it gives their pets an outlet to use their impressive sense of smell. 

It provides an enriching activity which is mentally stimulating and calming, she said.

"We have been training pet dogs scentwork and detection now for two-and-a-half years and it has become one of our most popular classes,’ she said. 

"The dogs really love it because it gives them an opportunity to use what nature intended and their handlers get such a buzz from seeing just how clever their dogs really are."

Pictured: Karen Caton-Hewings practising search techniques with one of the trained dogs.

Miss Brehaut and fellow CBG scent detection instructor Sam Smillie have completed the City & Guilds Scent Detection Handler accreditation with The College of Scent Dogs.

Both Dr Hewings and Mrs Caton-Hewings have served with London’s Metropolitan Police each retiring after 30 years’ service. 

Mrs Caton-Hewings is the college’s most experienced team member. She is an accomplished Specialist Search Dog Trainer working within the explosive search environment both in the UK and abroad. She has organised joint working practices between the Police, Military, Prison service, Ministry of Defence and the Private Security sector.

Dr Hewings was also a police dog handler and trainer with London’s Metropolitan Police. He also has many academic qualifications; a BSc (Canine Training and Behaviour), a Master’s Degree (Professional Practice Police Dog Training) and a Doctorate of Professional Practice (Search Dog Training).

He is also the author of the award winning book ‘Scent Training for Every Dog’.