Rated on Google

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 ↓

German Shepherd relaxing in a hallway
🏅10 Years Training Dogs
🎯Training Built Around Your Dog
⭐4.9 Stars on Google
🏡Results That Last at Home

Check Out Our Reviews

★★★★★
Rated 4.9 from 55 reviews on Google
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Olivia C.July 2026
★★★★★

Austin and Jaedyn are phenomenal at what they do with training. Ollie is a 5 year old golden doodle and it’s never too late to sign up for training! He’s a better dog because of it! They are super helpful and understanding when they know life gets in the way of the training sessions if you need to cancel . They were great will definitely be back in the future if needed for other dogs or further improvements

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Terri E.September 2026
★★★★★

My Australian Cattle Dog is being trained to be a therapy dog here. They work well with us and are really great with training.

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Lucas W.2025
★★★★★

We had a great experience with Austin. My 10 yr old daughter wanted to train her dog Blueberry and Austin showed kindness, patience, and knowledge during training sessions. He included the whole family and gave us the tools we needed to help our beloved pup become better trained. Austin was flexible with appointments and best of all he offered home appointments. Would recommend Austin to anyone! -Jana Waters

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Terra V.2025
★★★★★

I highly recommend Rising Sun for training your dogs. They are very friendly, professional and, knowledgeable. Austin believes working with the least restrictive collars and doesn’t use special training collars or harnesses unless absolutely necessary. He gives you all of the tools(knowledge) to effectively train your dogs and works as hard if not harder than you do. Yes it does cost money but, you get what you pay for and more. I have worked with other trainers in the past but, this is the first time we have had private training. It makes a difference in that he can work directly with your dogs individual quirks.

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Sarah L.2025
★★★★★

We had a great experience with Austin and Jaedyn. Both were thoughtful and kind considering not only our Cane Corso, but each member of the family. They successfully taught us tools and skills to implement with our dog. They were very patient and flexible throughout this entire process. We recommend this service!

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Kevin B.2025
★★★★★

I have been very pleased with the training provided by Rising Sun Canine Training and the food they have recommended to feed my dogs since they’re started and they all usually free graze which makes be stopped since training because I’ve learned that if we’re training we need to be more in control. My dogs are 5 years and 3 years old with zero training when we started. My dogs have been more obedient and can perform in ways I never thought they would ever be capable of. I will also say that this training is just not if more so important for you as the owner because to understand your dog individually and their capabilities but also for you to understand patience is a virtue. That all being said I would highly recommend you bring your dogs here for training because you will not be dissatisfied coming here.

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Amy C.2025
★★★★★

Austin and Jayden are great! Very knowledgeable, kind and understanding. They have helped me so much with my rescued German Shepard, that is tailored specifically to him!

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Emely G.2025
★★★★★

Amazing!
Jaedyn and Austin really helped my mom and I with Coco our 1 year old gsp! He’s changed a lot over his lessons and I couldn’t be happier with the progress he’s made!

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Michelle L.2024
★★★★★

WONDERFUL TRAINING!!!! I contacted Rising Sun Canine because I rescued a Husky that was not getting along with our Aussie. They really got into some very aggressive fights. In addition the Aussie was very hyper and did not listen. I was feeling very discouraged. I contacted Rising Sun Canine and Austin was very nice and informative and was able to set up training for my two dogs and made it convenient for my schedule. Training was not a cookie cutter training but tailored specifically for my dogs. I am truly amazed with how my Australian Shepherd behaves now. I can actually take him in public and enjoy him. You can see in photo they are getting along. Highly recommend Rising Sun Canine and miss the classes.Austin is very professional and truly amazing with the dogs. Also worked with his assistant trainer Jayden. Very sweet and worked well with dogs too.

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Conan G.2024
★★★★★

We are so happy with our choice to use Rising Sun Canine Training! Austin was fantastic. He came to our home and our dog Gus listened to him from day one! Austin taught us how to work with Gus through the week to ensure he was learning what he was being taught. Austin was also very patient with us when had a bad week with doing our work with Gus.

By the end of the process, we have a wonderfully obedient dog, and Austin was one of the main reasons for that. We’d use him again in a heartbeat and would recommend him to anyone looking to train their dog.

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Vic G.2024
★★★★★

I highly recommend Austin and his staff at Rising Sun Canine Training. My two year old was still acting like a puppy when I took her to Austin. She was biting, jumping on everyone, barking and jumping at the tv, not coming when we called, dragging me on the leash, etc. I was embarrassed because I knew it was my fault; I just didn’t know how to properly train her. Luckily, I found Rising Sun Canine Training and now have a well behaved, happy girl I can take out in public. Austin obviously loves dogs (and they love him); he guarantees his work and has actually offered to come to my home (an hour’s drive) for a free session if needed. He truly cares and wants you to have a happy, well trained pet.

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Cierra S.2024
★★★★★

i have nothing but good things to say about this company/trainers. My dog is my best friend, but we have had some issues with him being destructive. I really felt like Austin and Jaedyn do a great job training the dog, but an even better job training the trainer. I couldn't figure out why my dog was chewing at my hardwood flooring even though I take him out multiple times a day and play with him. I hadn't really put myself "in the dog's shoes" to figure out why the issue was happening but Jaedyn and Austin are dog whisperers, they really helped
me understand what was going through my dog's mind and how to correct it. Not only did my dog stop chewing at the flooring, but I know how to better understand him and push him to be the happiest and best behaved dog that he can be, whilst minimizing his anxiety. Half of dog training is training the trainor, I believe. Knowing the reasons behind my dog's behavior and how to correct it was essential. I went through weekly lessons and noticed a pretty big change in my dog's behavior almost immediately! I had some homework to do after lessons, and they did a good job at making it easy to follow. The prices were very reasonable too. If you're having any issues with your doggo, I highly suggest reaching out to them. Their training store also sells pet food and toys so they've honestly become my one stop.

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.

Dog sitting on an orange board in a feed store during a training session

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.

Owner Austin Todd walking a German Shepherd on a loose leash outside the Rising Sun facility in Marion

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.

Dalmatian settling calmly on a raised place board inside the Rising Sun facility in Marion
Owner Austin Todd with a German Shepherd puppy sitting on a leash during a lesson in Marion

Why Dog Owners Try Scent Work With Us

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    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.
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    A Plan Built Around Your DogNo cookie-cutter programs. Every plan fits your dog’s personality, history and the goals your family has.
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    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

1

Free consultation

We meet you and your dog and see what motivates your dog.

2

Learning the game

Easy searches for food or toys make searching fun.

3

A target odor

Your dog learns to find a specific scent and show you where it is.

4

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.