BY KAREN BOSSICK

Introduce your dog to the magical, mystical world of scent work on Thursday.

Hallie McMullen, a detection dog handler, trainer and judge, will discuss and demonstrate scent detection searches for dogs, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in Penny’s Barn at Mountain Humane.

McMulllen will introduce the different types of scent detection searches. And she will show examples of trial scenarios. She will also outline how to get started in the sport, either competitively or for fun.

McMullen began training drug and explosive detection dogs for law enforcement in 1996 and became involved in the competitive sport of scent detection in 2015 through the National Association of Canine Scent Work.

Scent work as a sport was authorized by the AKC in 2017. The sport is basically a game of communication where owners and dogs learn how to pass information to each other.

Carol Brown, who volunteers with Mountain Humane, tried scent work and found it a positive experience for both herself and her energetic border collie.

“The benefits of it are numerous. I saw her learn focus and gain a calm work ethic,” she said.

The presentation will be followed by

Mountain Humane is located at 101 Croy Creek Road west of Hailey. a question-and-answer session and a time to socialize over wine. People can sign up for upcoming workshops.

Cost of Thursday’s presentation is $15.