K9 NOSE WORK®

What to Expect: First time in a Nose Work Class

All dogs work one at a time, and will be crated during their down time.  It is helpful if the dog already has a strong desire to play with toys, but it is not required.    This class is a great for newly adopted dogs and helps them become more confident in new environments.   The Intro to Nose Work class can be repeated many times as the level of difficulty will be adjusted as the dog gains better skills.  It’s also a great class for dogs that need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, but have a hard time in classes with other dogs.  They will have an opportunity to build confidence in new environments, and working around obstacles without the stress of interactions with other dogs.

Goals:

The primary goal of this class is fun.  Game playing and hunting is first and foremost, this is a class where dogs get to be dogs.  Some dogs have taken this class who have had little experience playing with toys, (or with their owners), but with several repetitions of the class have been transformed.  Owners should not feel discouraged if their dogs don’t ‘get it’ right away…so many other benefits come from the class experience itself.  In other cases, the dogs have had a good foundation in find it games and play in general.  Fortunately the class can be adjusted to accommodate different skill levels.

RESTRICTIONS: 

Dogs must be capable of handling confinement during the class, either crated away from their handlers or in a properly equipped vehicle.

No dogs with any aggression towards people.  

Typical Classes for getting started:

Introduction to Nose Work
Introduction to Odor
Continuing Nose Work
Advanced Nose Work

Harry awaits rewards after finding scent

Introduction to Nose Work - Overview

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt.  This class focuses on teaching you how to encourage and develop your dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt and their love of toys, food and exercise.  It’s a great class for your dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental and physical energy and to find out just how good is your dog’s nose.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BRING TO CLASS

Crate (where your dog will rest between runs).  Dogs must be crate-trained unless other accommodations are available.  Dogs may be crated in vehicles, weather permitting.

Chair (There may be facility chairs, but you may prefer something more comfortable at some locations)

Water (for you and the dog)

Flat Collar (buckle or Martingale style) or a well-fitted traditional style harness during the class.  No head halters or Easy Walk harnesses during runs but they may be used to and from the search area as needed.

Leash: A 6-foot light-weight leather or nylon leash (no chain or retractable). All dangling items, rings, charms, poop bags holders must be removed so as not to distract the dog.

Toys and/or treats:  HIGH VALUE toys and treats!  For example: If your dog loves the tennis ball or the rope…bring it, not the stuffed toy he doesn’t play with; If your dog loves chicken but is not jazzed about snausages, bring the chicken.  Bring a few things in case what you thought was going to work doesn’t.  Sometimes, your usual food reward for other activities is not high enough value for Nose Work. We’ve found some of the following to be very motivating: Tuna, sardines, salmon, bleu cheese, ham hocks, sausages, meatballs, liverwurst, and hot dogs.

Treat pouch/bait bag:  Please bring a small container, bait bag or “Tug N Treat” in which to put the food.  (no plastic baggies)

Hungry & Motivated Dog:  Please either don’t feed your dog before the class, or feed a reduced meal so that your dog is hungry and motivated.  Also if you have a high energy dog, please don’t burn them out with a long hike or play session before the class.