Making Sense of Scents

Director's Statement

I’ve always had an interest in animals, particularly regarding training and behaviour. So when I got my first dog, Samson, a spunky yet intelligent Pomeranian, I instantly dreamed of participating in a dog sport to keep his mind active and our bond strong. However, when faced with an unfamiliar environment, Samson would be crippled with anxiety, crushing any chance of entering a competitive event. It also impacted his quality of life, as going on a simple walk became a challenge. Then one day at a dog expo I saw Marion Brand, the director of the Australian Canine Scent Work (ACSW), provide a demonstration of a new dog sport - K9 Nose Work. When I learnt this activity tapped into a dog’s natural instinct and had a therapeutic aspect to it, I signed up, and within weeks I had not only found a dog sport that suited Samson, but I also had a method to combat his behavioural issues. Years passed, and to my surprise, despite many dog owners sharing a similar story to myself and Samson in closed social circles, nosework was still unknown within the dog community at large. Making Sense of Scents is an introduction to a sport that welcomes diversity in both its dogs and owners, and I hope that by improving the awareness of this sport, it may provide options for those who may be feeling lost as to how to deepen their bond with their furry companion. With the film partially funded by the NSW Return and Earn recycling scheme, and with K9 Nose Work still able to operate during the early months of 2021, I am thankful filming was possible despite the limitations of the pandemic, though production was impacted by the Hawkesbury floods. I hope you and your dog enjoy this film!