Scentwork
Back in 2014 I had to say goodbye to my 14 year old German Shepherd, Solo, and in my late 60s swore that I wasn’t going to have another dog. Well, that lasted only a few months! I couldn’t stand the silence or the fact that there were no muddy paws or toys to trip over. But, should I take on another dog at my age – was it right, was it fair? I wavered back and forward.
Enter Bailey. Bailey was one of a litter of eight, all black and white puppies from a liver and white bitch and black and white dog. “Just come and have a look Mum – you don’t have to have one.” Ha! Some hope. So, guess what? Bailey came to live with me at 8 weeks.
I thought I knew it all being an experienced dog owner but Bailey from the outset was determined to prove me wrong. He is just SO clever and is always two steps ahead of me. However, a chance remark from a friend sent me exploring a new path which totally transformed our relationship. Scentwork!! My crazy boy turned into a calm, methodical and totally focused lad who was an absolute joy to work. He had found his niche.
​​​​​​​​To start our journey, we worked with a trainer from Talking Dogs Scentwork (see scentwork.com). At the beginning he searched for cheese – he’d sell his soul for the stuff! After I’d mastered some of the basics and he knew what he was doing, we moved on to gun oil. He would have made the most amazing firearms dog had he been in the police or military. The best find was a single drop of gun oil in a plastic tube hidden in a cardboard box, inside another cardboard box. It totally blew my mind.
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Can you spot the small tube with one drop of gun oil?
It’s here Mum!
Springer spaniels are amazing dogs – yes, they can be a handful but they have a need to use their brains so Scentwork can fill that need without being too physically taxing for you, the handler. Give it a go!​​
He is now 11 years old. A little bit stiff in the hind quarters and spends a lot of time sleeping and needs a wee more often. I will be 80 in January next year, so Bailey really will be my last dog. I dread the day when we part but he has taught me so much about his kind, more than all the others put together, and, also about myself. I do wish I had found this wonderful breed earlier.
Carol and Bailey
22.09.2025