The class will take place on Monday, 9 February, from 18:00 to 19:30 in Plympton. We will send the venue details upon booking.
This class is open to all levels, and we welcome reactive dogs to participate. Each dog team will work one at a time, allowing for a tailored approach and individual support within a group setting.
Led by experienced operational detection dog trainers and handlers, this session will provide expert guidance throughout.
Please bring the target odor that you are training on. If this is your first time doing scentwork or you're just starting out, we can supply a Kong to train on. However, if your dog plays with Kong toys, we recommend using a different target odor. If you're unsure what to use, feel free to reach out to us before the class, and we’ll be happy to discuss it with you.
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot by booking through our online shop or click here to book. If you have any questions or need assistance with booking, please email us at info@k9-commando.com.
-
Activity: Scentwork Class
Venue: Industrial unit / warehouse located on an industrial estate in Plympton (Full address provided upon booking)
Date: 9 February 2026
Persons at Risk: Handlers, dogs, instructors
Assessor: K9 CommandoVenue & Environment
The class will take place in a large, empty industrial warehouse. The venue has working lighting and toilet facilities. Flooring may be uneven and small items or debris may be present. The venue will be swept and visually inspected before dog teams enter; however, some debris may remain. Handlers must supervise their dogs closely at all times.Upstairs Area
There is a small upstairs area within the warehouse which will not be used due to the lack of a secure barrier. This area is out of bounds, and participants will be advised of this during the safety briefing.Dog Management & Interactions
Only one dog and handler team will work in the training area at a time
Dogs will not interact or come into contact with other dogs
Other dogs will remain outside the working area and out of sight
This setup is suitable for reactive dogs
Handlers are responsible for maintaining control of their dog at all times.
Participant Responsibility
Handlers are responsible for ensuring their dog is fit to train, appropriately managed, and under control at all times.If your dog has any medical, behavioural, or welfare considerations (including reactivity, anxiety, injury, or recent illness), please let us know in advance so we are aware and can accommodate where possible.
Dog Welfare
Training will be adapted or paused if a dog shows signs of stress or fatigue. K9 Commando reserves the right to stop a search or session if any welfare concerns arise.Clothing & Footwear
Handlers should wear suitable footwear for an industrial environment. Floors may be dusty or uneven in places.Emergency Situations
A first aid kit will be available on site. Training may be paused or stopped if required for safety reasons.Insurance & Liability
K9 Commando holds appropriate public liability insurance. Participation is at the handler’s own risk, and handlers are responsible for their dog’s actions at all times.Acknowledgement
By booking this class, participants confirm that they have read and understood the above safety and risk information. -
1. Venue & Environment
Hazard: Uneven flooring/warehouse environment
Risk: Slips, trips, dogs ingesting foreign objects
Who is at risk: Dogs, handlers, instructors
Control Measures:
Venue swept prior to class
Visual inspection carried out by instructors before dog teams enter
Dogs remain on lead unless actively working
Handlers supervise dogs at all times
Residual Risk: Low – Medium
2. Foreign Objects on Floor
Hazard: Small items or debris that dogs may attempt to eat
Risk: Choking or ingestion of non-food items
Who is at risk: Dogs
Control Measures:
Floor swept before class; residual debris may remain
Dogs worked one at a time for close supervision
Instructors monitor dogs throughout searches
Residual Risk: Medium
3. Upstairs Area (Not in Use)
Hazard: Unsecured upstairs area
Risk: Falls from height
Who is at risk: Dogs, handlers, instructors
Control Measures:
Upstairs area will not be used during training
Participants informed it is out of bounds
Any access is at the individual’s discretion and risk
Residual Risk: Low
4. Lighting
Hazard: Poor visibility
Risk: Trips or collisions
Who is at risk: Dogs, handlers, instructors
Control Measures:
Lighting checked prior to class
Training paused if inadequate
Residual Risk: Low
5. Toilet Facilities
Hazard: Slips or hygiene issues
Risk: Minor injury
Who is at risk: Handlers and instructors
Control Measures:
Toilets available on site
Participants responsible for appropriate footwear
Residual Risk: Low
6. Dog Management
Hazard: Dog to dog interactions or reactivity
Risk: Stress or injury
Who is at risk: Dogs, handlers, instructors
Control Measures:
Only one dog team working at a time
Other dogs remain outside the working area and out of sight
Handlers maintain control of their dogs at all times
Residual Risk: Low
7. Medical Emergency Situations
Hazard: Injury to dog or handler
Risk: Escalation of injury
Who is at risk: Dogs, handlers, instructors
Control Measures:
First aid kit on site
Instructors are trained in both human and canine first aid and CPR
Session paused or stopped if required
Residual Risk: Low
8. Vehicular Traffic
Hazard: Traffic, vehicles, and large trucks in the industrial estate
Risk: Injury while walking to and from the venue, especially in parking areas
Who is at risk: Dogs, handlers, instructors
Control Measures:
Participants must be aware of vehicular traffic when parking and walking to and from the venue
Avoid walking too close to parked or moving vehicles
Use designated pathways where possible
Residual Risk: Medium
9. Fire Safety
Hazard: Fire or emergency evacuation situation
Risk: Injury or panic during an emergency evacuation
Who is at risk: All participants (dogs, handlers, instructors)
Control Measures:
Emergency exits will be clearly marked and accessible
Participants will be informed of evacuation routes at the beginning of the class
Instructors will oversee the safe and orderly evacuation if required
Fire extinguisher(s) available on-site
Residual Risk: Low