Nose Work Classes
K9 Nose Work®, a sport that was inspired by the model of working detection dogs, provides companion and sport dogs a joyful outlet for their innate hunting and scenting abilities. Our goal is for you and your dog to have fun, as we work together to build your dog’s confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills. You will learn to observe, listen and understand what your dog is communicating to you, as your dog becomes the teacher and you are the student. Take a step into their world, as you learn to view it from the perspective of your dog’s nose!
We offer 6-week classes from Intro level Nose work to Continuing Nose Work, all taught by NACSW Certified Nose Work Instructors (CNWI). Our Nose Work instructors compete with their own dogs in trials and continue to expand their knowledge by attending in-person and virtual Nose Work seminars and workshops.
The video on the right shows Fran Masters’ Dove working a high hide.
The Nose Work courses below are broken into three parts, which starts the process of building your dog’s hunt drive and the desire to play the “game.”
Intro to K9 Nose Work®
This level introduces dogs to the “game,” and awakens the hunt drive in the dogs, while building independence. Dogs learn to search high and low, around barriers, and use air flow, to find their treats inside and outside of boxes. Handler observation skills begin to be built at this level.
You can register online for this Nose Work class only.
Intro to Venues
This level expands the “game,” by having the dogs searching for their treats in interior rooms, outdoors, and on vehicles. Handlers continue to build their observation skills, while learning some basic handling skills.
Intro to Odor
In this level, the odors of birch, anise and clove are imprinted on, and made important to, the dog, by pairing the odor with their favorite treat.
Continuing Nose Work
Dogs work on specific hide set-ups based on their level of training, and continue to reinforce their foundation training. The hide set-ups and problems presented to the dogs will expand the dogs’ skill set, while allowing the handler to see how their dog works new hide problems. While some hides may be more “trial-like” at this level, there is never any requirement to compete in a trial. Dogs must have completed the Intro series in order to register for a Continuing Nose Work class.
Sniffing for Fun
Finished puppy class and want to keep training? Looking for something to do with your dog?
This 6-week course is run occasionally, with the goal of allowing your dog to explore his environment using his nose, while creating independence and focus!
We use food rewards and games to develop your dog’s confidence and hunt drive. Great for shy dogs and for dogs with lots of energy too! Come find out why scent sports are so popular!