Scent Work Training in Marion, IL
Looking for the best scent work training in Marion, IL? Here’s what you get with Rising Sun Canine Training.
- Searches and finds hidden scents on its own
- Comes home mentally tired and content
- More confident in new places
- Better focus on you around distractions
Click the button below and fill out a quick form to get started with a free consultation ↓
A Tired, Confident Dog
Scent work gives your dog’s brain a workout that no walk can match.
Mental exercise
A short search session works your dog’s brain in a way a walk around the block can’t.
Confidence
Your dog leads the search and succeeds on its own, which builds courage in new places.
Focus
A dog that learns to work with its nose learns to work with you, too.
A fun hobby together
Something new you and your dog enjoy, indoors or out, in any weather.
What Scent Work Is and Why Dogs Love It
Scent work, also called nose work, turns your dog’s sense of smell into a game. Your dog learns to search for a target odor, find where it’s hidden and show you it found it.
Beginner dogs start by searching for food or a favorite toy in easy spots. As they get better, the hides move to new rooms, boxes, containers and outdoor areas.

Great for High-Energy, Shy and Older Dogs
High-energy and working breeds get a job that uses their natural drive. Shy dogs build confidence because the game is about success, not pressure.
Older dogs love it too. Scent work is low-impact, so it keeps senior dogs sharp without hard exercise.

Built on the Obedience Basics
Scent work goes best with a dog that already knows a few basics, like focus, stay and coming when called. If your dog needs those first, we can start with in-home dog training and add scent work as your dog gets more reliable.
Scent work is also a fun next step after a lesson program, to keep your dog’s mind busy.


Why Dog Owners Try Scent Work With Us
- ✓A Decade of Training ExperienceOwner Austin Todd joined the Marine Corps at 18 and started training dogs at 22. He has spent about ten years since then working with every kind of dog, from brand-new puppies to grown dogs with years of habits.
- ✓A Plan Built Around Your DogNo cookie-cutter programs. Every plan fits your dog’s personality, history and the goals your family has.
- ✓Lessons for the Whole FamilyKids and grown-ups are welcome at lessons, and we coach you as much as your dog, with zero judgment about how much you already know.
- ✓4.9 Stars from 55 Google ReviewsMost new clients find Rising Sun Canine Training because a friend, neighbor or family member sent them. Our Google reviews show why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any dog do scent work?
Almost any dog can, whatever its size, age or energy level. Every dog has a nose worth using.
Is scent work good for a shy or reactive dog?
Often, yes. Searching builds confidence, and your dog works at its own pace. Reactive dogs may need some groundwork first.
Do you offer scent work as a class or private lessons?
Ask us at your free consultation and we’ll recommend the format that fits your dog.
Does my dog need obedience training first?
It helps. A few basics make scent work easier, and we can build them first if your dog needs them.
Do you train hunting or detection dogs?
No. Our scent work is for pet dogs and their owners. We don’t offer hunting or gun dog training.
Can scent work lead to trials or titles?
Our scent work training focuses on fun, focus and confidence. If you have a sport goal in mind, tell us at your consultation.
How Scent Work Training Works
Free consultation
We meet you and your dog and see what motivates your dog.
Learning the game
Easy searches for food or toys make searching fun.
A target odor
Your dog learns to find a specific scent and show you where it is.
Harder searches
New rooms, containers and outdoor hides as your dog improves.
Get Started Today
Claim your free consultation for scent work training in Marion. We’ll meet you and your dog, see what motivates your dog and recommend the right start.