Detection Instructor Mentorship
Teach more than the standard Scentwork class. Build an offer that stands out.
A 6-month programme for current and future Detection instructors who want to teach Detection in pet and sport settings.
This mentorship helps you teach Detection in a way that works in real-life classes, with different dogs and handlers, and develop beyond simple approaches to scentwork your clients could find anywhere.
I share the structured, food-based Detection system I developed while teaching pet Detection classes. It sits between working-dog methods that aren’t suitable for every dog and oversimplified methods that don’t give you enough to build on. This gives you a system you can use with pet and sport clients who want to take their training further. Dogs can transition to toy reward later where appropriate, as a progression within the same system.
The mentorship is designed to help you develop your own teaching and build a Detection offer that works for you and your clients.
If you already teach, once you’ve experienced the method with your own dog, around 3 months into the programme, we can build the programme around your work. We can discuss and plan classes, courses and workshops, and you can bring your training questions and business decisions to the coaching.
Applications are now open for the Autumn 2026 intake.
This programme is for you if you
- Already teach Detection and want to improve or develop what you do.
- Are a dog trainer interested in how dogs search and solve problems, and want to use those abilities when teaching Detection in pet or sport settings.
- Want a system you can use and teach reliably with different dogs and handlers.
- Are building, or plan to build, a sustainable Detection offer.
- Value depth, feedback, and professional development over quick fixes.
No prior experience is required. What matters is your willingness to learn, apply, reflect, and commit to the process.
This programme is not for you if you
- Want to train your own dog only, rather than teach others (contact me for other options).
- Are looking for Detection training based on toy motivation (contact me for other options).
- Are more interested in getting a certificate than in developing your skills.
- Don’t believe in learning and applying a system before adapting it.
Areas of development over 6 months
- Develop your training judgement: understand why you make the decisions you make and become better at working through training problems.
- Become a stronger instructor: make clearer decisions about what to teach, when to progress and how to adapt to the dog and handler in front of you.
- Build an offer that stands out: give clients a reason to choose you and continue training with you.
The exact outcomes will vary between participants. Progress is shaped by your experience, goals, and the consistency with which you apply the work between our sessions.
From programme graduates
It was a journey of constant growth and knowledge for myself as a trainer and a business owner. Already after first part of program (3 months) I started to teach my first clients with support from Astrid. We managed to get by lots of different scenarios in dog detection training. This program is ideal for people who are looking for something tailored to their needs.
Peak K9
Astrid's instructor program was an excellent choice to expand my knowledge and skills as an instructor. She's thoughtful, patient, and is diligent about understanding your needs and helping you work toward your goals. She is constantly working to make program better and more effective for the people working with her. I found her to be extremely knowledgeable and quick to share that knowledge. Working with her has made me a better dog trainer.
Programme format
This is a 1:1 programme, designed to support your individual development as a Detection instructor over 6 months.
You'll receive your coaching online, as:
- 2 private 1:1 calls per month, to discuss your training decisions, teaching challenges, and business development.
- Ongoing written input: Q&A and unlimited video submissions of training and teaching footage, reviewed with written feedback.
- Access to relevant training resources.
What we’ll work on
The focus of the programme is flexible. Depending on your background, experience, and goals, we may work on all of the areas below or only some of them. Priorities are agreed together in your first session and can be revisited as the programme progresses.
1. The training method
- Search development, indication training and progressive training exercises
- When and how to progress training
- Common foundational issues and how to avoid them
2. Your teaching
- Planning what and how you teach in classes, courses or workshops
- Reviewing client-facing scenarios
- Working through teaching questions and challenges as they arise
3. Business development
- Introducing Detection training into your business
- Planning paid Detection offerings such as classes, courses or workshops
- Attracting and retaining Detection clients
Entry & application process
This programme is application only. The application helps ensure a good fit and clear expectations. Places are limited because of 1:1 capacity.
Start dates are arranged individually. Your six months begin with your first 1:1 session.
Investment
€2,880 (paid in 3 instalments of €960),
or €2,740 if paid upfront (saving €140).
This reflects:
- 6 months of individual mentorship
- 2 private coaching calls per month, ongoing video review, and written Q&A
- Access to relevant training resources
Payment details are provided upon acceptance.
Your place is confirmed once payment is received (or once the first instalment is received if you pay in instalments).
Want to talk through your situation first?
If you're ready to apply, use the button above.
If you want to talk through your goals first, you can book a Strategy Session with me for €97. You don’t need to submit an application if you choose this option.
If after the session I offer you a place in the programme, you’ll receive a €97 coupon to use towards the Detection Instructor Mentorship, valid for 24 hours.
Click here to book your Strategy Session. You'll receive an email after booking, inviting you to arrange a time.
FAQ
How much time does the programme require each week?
This programme requires ongoing engagement rather than a fixed number of hours. Expect to train and/or teach consistently, and to bring questions, videos and real situations for us to work through. If you already teach Detection, your existing training, classes, clients and the offer you’re developing can become part of the work we do together. The exact time commitment will depend on your goals, experience and current workload.
Do I need prior experience teaching Detection to apply?
No. You may already teach Detection and want to develop what you do, or you may be a dog trainer wanting to teach Detection in pet or sport settings. You don’t need previous experience teaching Detection. What matters is your willingness to learn and apply the system, reflect on your work and ask for help when you need it.
Do I need a dog to take part in the programme?
Yes. To learn and apply the training method, you need regular access to a dog for at least the first 3 months of the programme. This can be your own dog or a borrowed dog, but you must be able to work through the progression with the same dog. Practical application of the method is an essential part of the learning process.
Is this a group programme or 1:1?
This is a 1:1 programme. Each month includes two private 1:1 calls, alongside ongoing written Q&A and video review.
Do you teach play-based or toy-based Detection methods in this programme?
This programme focuses on a step-by-step training method that uses food rewards. The progression gives you the option to transition to a toy reward within the same system, if that suits the dog better. Detection training based on high toy motivation is not taught in this programme.
What does the application process involve?
As part of your application, you'll be asked about your background, your current or planned use of Detection training, what you want to achieve during the programme, and your ability to commit over 6 months. In some cases, I may suggest a short call to clarify expectations before offering a place.
What happens if I can't continue partway through the programme?
This is a scheduled, limited-capacity programme. All places are non-refundable. Transfers may be requested and are subject to approval. A sabbatical may be granted in exceptional circumstances. Full terms and conditions are provided before payment.
If you have a specific question that isn’t answered above and that will affect your decision to apply, you’re welcome to get in touch.
