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Hi, I’m Gemma – a UK Sniffer Dogs Silver Instructor and reward-based dog trainer based in Mid Sussex.

I specialise in scent work for dogs – fun, enriching training that taps into your dog’s amazing sense of smell.

Scent training is perfect for dogs of all breeds and ages. It builds focus, boosts confidence, and provides brilliant mental stimulation – especially for high-energy dogs or those needing a calm outlet.

Need some help with your dog's recall?

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Why Choose Scent Work for Your Dog?

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Mental stimulation
Tire out your dog’s brain so they don’t get up to mischief.
Physical workout
10 minutes of sniffing is as tiring as an hour-long run.
Creates happy dogs
Scientifically proven, sniffing releases happy endorphins.
Suitable for all dogs
Puppies, teenagers, adults, dogs in recovery, nervous dogs etc.

Scent Work Options in Sussex:

🐾 Introductory Workshops

These small group scent detection classes in West Sussex are the perfect starting point. Learn how to teach your dog to search for a specific scent in a fun, structured way.

🐾 Sniff Clinics

20-minute 1-2-1 scent work sessions tailored to your dog. A great option for dogs who struggle in group settings or need a focused activity. Open to all, no prior training needed.

🐾 Scent Explorers

Ongoing group classes for those who have completed the UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze workshop (with me or another instructor). Build on your skills and keep your dog’s nose busy with new challenges each week.
All training is positive, reward-based, and designed to be as fun for your dog as it is for you.

👉 Visit the Scent Work page to see upcoming dates and book your spot – I’d love to help you get started on your scent work journey.

1-2-1 dog training

If you want the benefits of a bespoke training plan created just for your dog, then my 1-2-1 sessions are just what you need!
Got a specific struggle you want to work on?
Want to cover a mixture of life skills and scent work?
Want to create a fusion of online and in-person sessions?
Want private sessions for you and a friend?
It’s all possible with 1-2-1 sessions!

Group classes

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Sussex Canines' Life Skills Classes can help you move from feeling confused about the best way to train your dog to feeling empowered about making positive steps in your dog’s training journey. 

Teaching your dog life skills is all about preparing them for the challenges of our human world and helping them to make good choices - by playing games!

Open to dogs of all ages from puppies, through adolescence to adults. You will also have the option to take part in the APDT Good Companion Awards within the Life Skills classes.

These dog training classes take place near Falmer, just outside of Brighton.

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With a Life Skills Subscription you will get…

A weekly 45 minute mixed ability group class
Allowing you to train in a safe and controlled environment with experienced trainer, Gemma.
2 month’s free access to the Training Library
A collection of 50+ online training resources, so you can immerse yourself in games-based training and learn how to play even more games!
Access to a private Facebook group
So you can reach Gemma in between classes if you need additional support.

Not local to me?
No problem!

I can help you with your dog no matter where you live. 

During the pandemic I pivoted all of my training online. It worked so well I decided to keep offering online options.
     
“We’ve done 2 courses with Gemma at Sussex Canines after we got our Hungarian Vizsla in Dec 2020. We’ve done it all over Zoom due to the situation in the pandemic. Gemma has been amazing with us. If we needed any extra advice she was always on hand, through the biting days, barking, terrible sickness, the list goes on… Also adapting to do classes on zoom and actually creating a bond with us too.I can truthfully say that Roscoe is a joy to take out walking now, no pulling, recall amazing and able to walk past other dogs without lead.I’m sure Gemma will be seeing us in the future, and I feel I can always call upon her if needed. Could not have done it without her, thank you so much.” - Mags, Giles & Roscoe 🧡

Here are ways you can train online with me…

1-2-1s
Consultation & follow up sessions taking place on Zoom.
Training Library
A growing collection of 50+ online training resources.
Online courses
Self-paced online courses available covering a range of topics.

Not sure which of my services would suit you best?

Drop me an email and let's talk!

Tell me all about your dog and your training goals and I'll let you know how I can help.

What my clients say...

     
Training with Gemma has been the most positive, informative and fun way to spend time with my dog. Scout and I have loved every minute of our training journey - from puppy foundation classes to scent work classes - I have learnt so much. You could not find a more positive, friendly, calm and totally dog-mad trainer who will help you every step of the way to bond and have fun with your dog. Highly recommended.
- Nita
     
Sussex Canines training has been invaluable with tips to help our puppy settle in and be socialised, and has made me more confident with using games and techniques to help our dog make good choices. Plus Gemma was amazing with advice on all the random questions thrown at her!
- Mel
     
I have been training with Gemma since our wirehaired vizsla pup was 4 months old. First on zoom during lockdown and later in group classes. I am happy with her rewards based approach to training. I have been so impressed with how knowledgeable and supportive she is and that she will always go the extra mile to help you and your dog if you encounter problems along the way. I thoroughly recommend Gemma as a trainer.
- Nadine
  EMAIL

gemma@sussexcanines.co.uk

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