Want to know just how remarkable your dog's nose is? Go Sniff

Nosework is a fun search and scenting activity that can begin at any stage in your dog’s life and last a lifetime. Through Nosework, dogs develop their natural scenting abilities by using their curiosity, desire to hunt and love of food and toys. As your dog grows more confident with his Nosework, the game expands to entire rooms, exteriors and vehicles and special target odors are used. Reactive dogs find focus, fearful dogs build confidence, high-energy dogs burn energy, aging or disabled dogs flex their brain muscles, retired dogs learn a new ‘job’.

If you are interested in the excitement of competition, Nosework is also an organized, titling sport which holds official trials across the nation.

Please note: Nosework games are always played one dog at a time. All other dogs are kept crated or safely confined.


Introduction to Nosework

Who should come? Any dog, of any size, age, shape or color. Must have a nose!

What will we learn? This class will introduce dogs and handlers to the awesome game of Nosework! Dogs of any age, size, breed can play! Nosework helps build confidence and provides a structured opportunity for dogs to do what they do best: SNIFF!! No prior experience in any dog sport is required. Dogs will be introduced to odor right away using a marker- based system. In addition, students will learn about odor hygiene, proper use of equipment, basic searching concepts, hide placement, searching behaviors, scent theory and odor obedience. Dogs who have only been searching for food, or food paired with odor, should register for this class.



This class is appropriate for dogs of any age, breed, size, or physical ability and handlers of all ages and abilities. It can benefit dogs that lack confidence, dogs that are reactive around other dogs and/or people, convalescing dogs, dogs with anxieties that may prevent them from joining other group training classes, dogs with hearing or sight impairments, and retired conformation, competition, service, or working dogs in need of a "job".

For the Introduction to Nosework, students will need to purchase an odor kit to bring to the first class.
This is the link for thestarter kit: k9nwsource.com they will want to choose Birch.


Advanced Nosework

Who should come? This class is for teams whose dogs are proficient in all three odors, and have experience with the various search elements.

What will we learn? This class is for teams whose dogs are proficient in all three odors, and have experience with the various search elements. Advanced skills will be emphasized in this class, including inaccessible and elevated hides, converging hides, on and off-leash handling skills, blind searches, introduction to unknown number of hides and exposure to novel search areas whenever possible. In addition, we will also focus on concepts of scent theory and dig deeper into changes of behavior. For teams who are competing in nosework or scentwork venues, this class is best suited for teams who are entering or already competing at the NACSW NW3 or AKC Excellent/Master levels. Although the class will focus on trial preparation, prior or ongoing competition experience is not necessary, and students who just play for fun are welcome at the instructor’s discretion.


Intermediate Nosework

Who should come? This class is for teams whose dogs are proficient in all three odors, and have some experience with the various search elements.

What will we learn? We will continue to build on skills with emphasis on leash handling, hide placement, introduction of multiple hides, introduction of elevated and inaccessible hides, blind searches and exposure to novel search areas whenever possible. For teams who are competing in nosework or scentwork venues, this class is best suited for teams entering or already competing at the NACSW NW2 or AKC Advanced levels. Although the class will focus on trial preparation, prior or ongoing competition experience is not necessary, and students who just play for fun are welcome at the instructor’s discretion.


Beginner Nosework

Who should come? This class is for teams whose dogs have been introduced to single or multiple odors and have had basic exposure to certain search elements such as Containers and/or Interiors.

What will we learn? The class will focus on introducing Exterior and Vehicle elements, in addition to concepts of scent theory, leash handling, canine body language and changes of behavior, introduction of blind searches and exposure to novel search areas whenever possible. For teams who are competing in nosework or scentwork venues, this class is best suited for teams who are entering or already competing at the NACSW ORT (Odor Recognition Test), NW1 or AKC Novice levels. Although the class will focus on trial preparation, prior or ongoing competition experience is not necessary, and students who just play for fun are welcome at the instructor’s discretion.



Dogs will be crated when not working so please have a crate available. (Soft crates are acceptable.)

How long does the session last?
Each session lasts 6 weeks.
Each class lasts approximately 60 minutes per week.
Class size is limited to 5 dogs.(Advanced Class 6 dogs)

What does it cost? $175.00

When do classes start?

Intermediate
Friday 11:00am
Advanced
Friday 1:00pm
Beginner - Level 2
Friday 3:30 pm
Beginner Level 1
Friday 2:15 pm
January 7th January 7th January 7th January 7th

What else do I need to know?

  • No previous training necessary
  • Class size is limited and enrollment is on a first paid/first served basis.
  • No class space is reserved until payment is received.
  • Payment may be made by cash, check, VISA, or MasterCard.
  • No refunds are given after class has begun.
  • STUDENTS WHO CANCEL LESS THAN ONE WEEK BEFORE CLASS BEGINS WILL BE GIVEN ONLY A PARTIAL REFUND UNLESS THEIR SPACE CAN BE FILLED.
  • Class schedules are subject to change without notice.

Instructor: Ana Cilursu

For more information or to enroll in a class, call (856) 767-6464.