The primary goal of is to have fun. Game playing and hunting is first and foremost, this is a class where dogs get to be dogs. Dogs learn to hunt and focus these skills on finding different odors. Using National Association of Scent Work (NACSW) methods, dogs first hunt for food. At more advanced levels, they hone scent discrimination skills and are taught to find specific target odors. Competition skills are taught as well. You will learn to work with your dog and understand better how he communicates.
Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. K9 Nose Work® is inspired by working detection dogs and is a fun, scenting and search activity/sport for virtually all dogs and people. It starts with getting your dog excited about using his nose to seek out a hidden treat reward or favorite toy. It is easy to learn and builds confidence and focus in many dogs. K9 Nose Work® provides a safe way to keep dogs mentally and physically fit. Nose work uses completely positive and high intensity training to build the drive to find the odors.
What to expect
Dogs work one at a time, and rest quietly during their down time. They build confidence in new environments, and work through challenges without the stress of competition with other dogs. Our K9 Nose Work® classes run for 75 minutes once a week for 6 weeks. Small classes offer you the opportunity to learn from everyone’s dogs while receiving individualized attention.
Almost all dogs can enjoy the sport of K9 Nose Work®, and many dogs benefit from by this confidence-building sport:
- Dogs who need a lot of mental and physical stimulation
- Dogs who are shy and lack confidence
- Dogs who have a hard time sharing space with other dogs (dog-reactive)
- Newly adopted dogs become more confident in new environments
- Shelter dogs by improving social skills and helping them cope more effectively with their environment and get adopted more quickly
- Dogs must have required vaccinations
- Dogs must be capable of handling confinement during the class, either crated away from their handlers or in a properly equipped vehicle
- There is no obedience requirement. However, you must be able to maintain reasonable control over your dog throughout the class
- Dogs may not participate in the class if they demonstrate aggression towards people
- Dogs must have required vaccinations
- Dogs must be capable of handling confinement during the class, either crated away from their handlers or in a properly equipped vehicle
- There is no obedience requirement. However, you must be able to maintain reasonable control over your dog throughout the class
- Dogs who demonstrate aggression towards people must have the instructor's permission and may require an independent behavioral assessment