At age 18, Patches is competing in scent trials, earning titles, and having a great
time. Patches began training in scent sports at age 14 after his litter brother died of cancer. “I was so
sad,” recalls Patches, “I needed something new…” He began with a scent puzzle at home, soon enrolled in a class, and entered his first trial at age 15 where he earned 3rd place.

“Oh, I love smelling!” exclaimed Patches, who has earned eleven titles in scent detection, all
between the ages of 15-18. He hopes to add four more in 2025.

He recently took 1st place in a difficult vehicle search because he was the only dog to find all of
the hidden odors. “I may not be fast,” confessed Patches, “but my nose still works great!”

Do you know that a dog’s strongest sense is their sense of smell? Dogs use their noses to
understand the world, yet we don’t always allow them time to sniff. Scent detection is great for all dogs because the sport is adaptable for every dog, from the super-athlete to the couch potato,
and from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane. Scent sports tap into all dogs’ natural desire to hunt.

For seniors like Patches, scent detection games:
 Keep minds sharp and alert
 Stimulate mobility
 Build confidence
 Provide a job to do and sense of accomplishment
 Nurture bonding and teamwork with their person
 Provide a fun, social outlet

“You should try smell games too,” Patches remarked, “but remember to consult your doctor
before starting any new exercise program.”

Come meet Patches at the Scent Sport demo at 11:00AM and 2:00PM both Saturday and Sunday.

Sir Patchington Oliver (Patches) CGC, TKN, SBN, SCN, SHDN, SEN, SIN, SWN, SCA,
VSWB, VSWI, FITB, FITS, RATI; CPE: CCSSL1, CCSSL2; DMWYD: BR3K24, SSH,
BTSA+, EQ24, NTD, DO-24, BR3K25