In scent detection and dog training generally, it’s easy to feel like we’re making progress simply because we’re putting in the hours. We’re searching, attending workshops, entering trials — surely that all adds up to improvement?

Sometimes, yes. But not always. Because doing something more doesn't necessarily mean doing it better.

Something I discuss a lot is what I believe to be a blurred line between training and practicing. And if you're not clear on the difference, you might be stalling your own progress.

🧠 Training vs. Practicing

Here’s how I define it:

Training is about learning how to do something better, or building a new skill from scratch. It requires thought, and is targeted.

Practicing is repetition — getting in enough repetition to build fluency and confidence with something you already know how to do.


Both have value. But I don't think they’re interchangeable.

When I watch handlers at trials or workshops, it’s not unusual to see someone complete search after search without changing much in between. The dog shows the same tendencies every time — maybe charging off at the start, ignoring the handler’s tasking, or skipping from item to item — and yet nothing in the setup or handling is changed to address it.

I might ask, “What are you doing to improve that?” And the answer I often get is, “Oh yes, someone (sometimes even, you), mentioned that before. But I’m not sure what to do about it.”

At that point, you’re not training anymore. You’re just practicing the problem.

🚫 When Practice Becomes a Plateau

Let’s look at a common example:
A dog who bolts into the search area the moment they’re released, full of enthusiasm but with very little connection to the handler. The handler tries to task, but the dog is already off doing its own thing.

Now, that kind of energy might be nice — even productive at times — but if the dog isn’t listening to you, you’re working independently, not as a team. If that behaviour crops up in multiple searches and isn’t addressed with training, it quickly becomes the dog’s default mode.

Doing another 10 searches in that same state won’t fix it. If anything, it will reinforce it.

So what should you do instead?

🧩 Break It Down to Build It Up

Training requires us to zoom in. To isolate the issue and setup exercises that focus on one skill at a time. If your dog disconnects at the start line, maybe the session should be about engagement and responsiveness before the search even begins.

Can the dog orient to you on cue? Can they wait calmly for direction? Can they start a search in a controlled, connected way — even in an exciting environment?

None of those require a search with 10 hides. In fact, building these skills in isolation is often more effective than throwing them into another large-scale scenario and hoping for the best.

🤝 Trainer Involvement Matters

If you're not sure what to work on, ask. That’s where your trainer comes in. Good training isn't just about searching with someone watching — it's about collaborating on how to improve.

After a trial, or when feedback suggests a recurring issue, ask your trainer:

Can you help me set up an exercise to fix this?

What should I be doing at home to reinforce it?

🧭 Final Thought: Check Your Compass

Ask yourself: Am I training, or just practicing?

Are you improving a skill, or are you simply repeating the same thing? Are you addressing specific weaknesses, or just hoping they’ll fix themselves with time?

There’s a time for both training and practice — but they serve different purposes. If you always default to the latter, you may find yourself stuck in a loop of “doing,” without the satisfaction of real progress.

✅ Takeaway

Before your next search, take a moment to reflect:
What skill am I working on right now — and how will I know it’s improving?
If you don’t have a clear answer, it might be time to step back, refocus, and get back to training.