The Diggerland theme park in Kent provided the perfect backdrop for a unique and exciting canine training event when The Dog Squad visited on Monday 31st March 2025, for an exclusive sniffer dog training session with The National Nosework Association. While Diggerland is typically not a place for dogs to visit (unless, of course, they’re registered guide or assistance dogs), this special visit allowed The Dog Squad to take full advantage of the park’s exciting array of construction machinery and thrilling attractions. Diggerland Kent offered an environment for dogs to put their scent detection skills to the test, providing challenges that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere.
The training session saw the dogs participate in a range of scentwork trials, with one of the key challenges being the Vehicle Search. Traditionally, this task involves searching vehicles, but Diggerland’s massive range of heavy machinery provided an exciting twist. The more sensitive dogs had to overcome their fears, while the excitable dogs focused their energy to search thoroughly. Handlers also had to demonstrate situational awareness, as they navigated around the vehicles, ensuring they didn’t get too close to the machinery!
The dogs also had the opportunity to work in several unique locations within the park, with challenges designed to test their scent detection abilities in real-world scenarios. They were seen inside the Goodie Store, where the dogs navigated an intricate Interior Search, making it easy for handlers to lose track of which aisles they had covered.
The Little Tikes Area outdoor play area also provided an ambitious Exterior Search, where handlers needed to keep track of which objects the dogs had already searched whilst also allowing the dogs to work independently, relying on their problem-solving skills and the airflow around the many obstacles.
Syrah Martin, Owner and Coach at The Dog Squad, shared her excitement about the exclusive visit:
“I was looking for a place that shouted FUN! Sometimes, in competition, we humans take ourselves far too seriously and forget that this is meant to be fun for the dogs. I hoped that Diggerland would bring out the child in the adults, and I have to say, there was such a wonderful vibe about the day, even amidst competition!”
Michael Chapman, General Manager at Diggerland Kent, also said:
“We were absolutely thrilled to host The Dog Squad for such a unique and exciting training day. Diggerland Kent’s wide variety of vehicles and challenging environments provided a fantastic venue for the dogs to test and develop their scentwork skills. It was a pleasure to see both the handlers and the dogs engage so enthusiastically, and we look forward to future collaborations with The Dog Squad.”
The event was a resounding success, combining fun, training, and teamwork in a setting that allowed both dogs and their handlers to thrive. With Diggerland Kent offering such a unique and engaging environment, it proved to be the ideal location for dogs to train in situations that closely mirror real-life scenarios.
– ENDS –
