Introduction to Nose Work – is your first step into the world of scent work. This class will showcase how your dog uses their incredible sense of smell to locate food hidden in a box. Nose Work will build confidence in your dog, while expending mental and physical energy too! This is an opportunity for you to learn to read your dog’s body language and watch your dog have fun in this obedience-free zone! Working with boxes, builds the foundation that allows you and your dog to solve more complex search problems in the future.
Requirements: Dogs must be able to tolerate being crated inside the building or inside your vehicle (when cooler weather allows). Dogs not searching will be in crates at all times and out of the search area. Owners are required to bring their own crates to class. A large quantity and variety of treats will be needed to “load” the search box. Small, soft pieces work best. A flat buckle collar or harness (no easy walk harness) and a 6 foot lead or longer (no flexi-leads) is needed.
Nose Work is open to all breeds of dogs. If you have a reactive dog, please notify us of your dog’s reactivity.
Introduction to Odor – is a continuation of Nose Work where essential oils become the target odor. Your dog will learn this by the pairing of primary and scented q-tips. Essential oil of Birch, Anise and Clove will now become valuable!
Requirements: Your dog is now successfully hunting for primary (food) in a variety of situations. They understand the game without the need to work with boxes. Completion of Introduction to Nose Work is needed or instructor approval. Dogs must be able to tolerate being crated inside the building or inside your vehicle (when cooler weather allows). Dogs not searching will be in crates at all times and out of the search area. Owners are required to bring their own crates to class. A large quantity and variety of treats will be needed to “pay” your dog. Small, soft pieces work best. A flat buckle collar or harness (no easy walk harness) and a 6 foot lead or longer (no flexi-leads) is needed.
Nose Work Level 1 – is a continuation of Nose Work where your dog recognizes odor and is independently hunting in a variety of situations. The K9 team is now ready to pass an odor recognition test or practice skills required to compete at the NW1 level.
Requirements: Completion of Introduction to Odor is needed or instructor approval. Dogs must be able to tolerate being crated inside the building or inside your vehicle (when cooler weather allows). Dogs not searching will be in crates at all times and out of the search area. Owners are required to bring their own crates to class. A large quantity and variety of treats will be needed to “pay” your dog. Small, soft pieces work best. A flat buckle collar or harness (no easy walk harness) and a 6 foot lead or longer (no flexi-leads) is needed.
