About Me

Hello, I'm Zita, a certified scent detection instructor located in North Somerset. My passion lies in all things nosework, particularly in its ability to forge stronger connections between people and their dogs.

My journey into canine behavior began in the world of research, where I conducted studies focusing on dogs' search behaviors and the nuances of their sense of smell, including studying variations across breeds and even in comparison to wolves. This academic pursuit led me to the UK in 2014, where I pursued a Master's degree in applied animal behavior and welfare.

For the past decade, I've dedicated myself to enhancing the welfare of kenneled dogs, employing a blend of research and hands-on experience as a certified shelter behaviorist.

Since returning to the world of scent detection with my own dog durng the pandemic, I made the decision to become a scent work instructor. I obtained my City & Guilds Certification through The College of Scent Dogs and had the privilege of receiving mentorship from Marie Poole while assisting her clients at Nosework Dogs.

Scent Quest was born from my desire to share the enchanting world of scentwork with others. Here, I combine the joy of nosework with the thrill of solving puzzles and mysteries, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for both dog and handler.

a woman standing on a train track with a dog and gesturing about wind direction

My Dog

Asha is a staffy cross that we adopted from a rescue centre in 2017. She was found as a stray and was extremely anxious. Asha's scentwork journey began in the summer of 2020, when she was diagnosed with lumbosacral stenosis and was not allowed any exercise or walks for five weeks after not being able to stand up one morning. Nosework was our saving grace for keeping Asha sane and enriched during these restricted times. Thankfully with medications, acupuncture, and hydro/physiotherapy, Asha was able to resume a mostly normal life, and was able to join me as my detection dog for the College of Scent Dogs courses. We learned a lot together through that time and improved so much in our skills.

Sadly, not long after, Asha got a horrible fungal infection in her nose and sinuses called aspergillosis. She had to have multiple stressful surgeries where her skull was drilled into to remove the fungus. We are eternally grateful to Lucie Goodwin at Vale Referrals for saving her life with these treatments. Unfortunately, the fungus completely destroyed the turbinates in Asha's right nostril, meaning she has no sense of smell on that side. Despite this, we still continue doing scentwork and adapting to her disability. Even with just one working nostril she still has loads of fun and even places at competitions!

Nosework has improved Asha's life in so many ways, from increasing her confidence, helping her cope with pain, reducing her frustration, and just letting her be a dog when times are tough. It has strengthened our bond like no other activity has, and has allowed us to really communicate and work as a team. I feel scentwork has allowed me to understand her and her world on another level, and for that I am grateful. It's a feeling I hope all owners can experience.

So, are you ready to get started with your own dog?

a black dog looking towards a woman and giving her paw

City&Guilds certification badge for scent detection dog handler

City&Guilds certification badge for scent detection instructor

A CT scan showing destroyed turbinates in a dog's nose

My quest is to cultivate joyful bonds through nosework

a happy black dog with a first place rosette around her neck is standing outside by bluebells

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