Trail Hunt International Foundations plus course

After completing the Trail Hunt Foundations Course, this is the next stage in your dog’s training when you are ready to progress further.

Foundations Plus focuses on developing your dog’s understanding of the target odour and reducing reliance on human scent - a key part of Trail Hunt International training.

Course Structure

This course is delivered over two half-day workshops, usually held across consecutive days or weeks.

Sessions are taught in a small group setting, but dogs are always worked individually to ensure:

• A calm, low-pressure environment
• Focused support for each team

What You’ll Learn

Throughout the course, you will work through a series of structured exercises designed to:

• Strengthen your dog’s commitment to the odour trail
• Reduce influence from human scent
• Improve accuracy and understanding
• Build skills you can continue practising outside of sessions

Some exercises can be practised independently, while others can be repeated with the help of friends or other handlers.

Why This Course Matters

This stage is an important step in your Trail Hunt journey.

It helps ensure your dog is confidently prioritising the correct scent, setting you up for:

• More consistent trailing
• Greater independence
• Progression onto achievement tests and further training

What’s Included

• Two half-day practical workshops
• Structured training exercises to take away and practise
• Certificate of Completion
• Rosette to celebrate your progress

What Happens Next

After completing Foundations Plus, you will be able to:

• Continue building your experience in Trail Hunt sessions
• Work towards and complete Achievement Tests
• Progress through the Trail Hunt training pathway with confidence