About Debby Kay’s Super Sniffer Program

Debby Kay's Super Sniffer Program is a detection-training operation in the Harpers Ferry area, and it is narrower and far more specialized than a general obedience school. The site's own framing is scent, and it is deliberately inclusive about it: "Sniffing is for everyone."

What they train

Three offerings are listed. A basic scent detection workshop teaches the handling skills to get a dog alerting to a chosen odor, and the site is explicit that "There is no age limit for starting a dog; everyone can learn." A two-day medical alert dog seminar is aimed at trainers adding that work to a business or non-profit. The third is an "intense 5-day opportunity for those trainers serious about scent training," offered annually to a limited number of pre-approved professional trainers, with the practical work done at Chilbrook Kennels and in Charles Town and Harpers Ferry.

Who it is for

Read that list carefully before calling: much of this calendar is written for other trainers and for clubs booking a workshop at their own location, not for a pet owner after weeknight obedience. The basic workshop is the entry point for a hobby handler, and the site says "Clubs or private groups can book this full-day workshop at their location."

Background

The site states that Debby Kay "has been an innovator and leader in scent detection training for more than 40 years," and describes involvement in the early years of search and rescue dog work in the United States and in course design for institutional and government detector programs. She is described as still active in man trailing and tracking. Places on the trainers course are requested by email.