Is my dog a good candidate?

No prior training required! Virtually every dog can participate in K9 Nose Work®! It can be especially beneficial for dogs newly introduced into the family because this activity is a great way to build your relationship with your dog. Additionally, it is a great activity for older dogs who can no longer participate in sports that require a high amount of physical activity. Dogs who have vision and hearing challenges can also participate with great success; indeed, these dogs have fine-tuned their noses and are able to catch-on to this game very quickly.

We have seen some great strides with respect to behavioral challenges some dogs exhibit when they undertake K9 Nose Work®; though a reduction in undesirable behavior is not guaranteed. Some dogs, such as those who might resource guard food/toys or who are concerned about humans being present, will need extra help and may require private classes. For these special cases a preliminary assessment can be undertaken to see what opportunities exist.

Even dogs and people with alternative mobility challenges can enjoy this activity. Please note: for those humans who are alternatively mobile there may be limitations with regard to some competitive trial locations.

Why undertake this activity?

Whether undertaken for competition or just because it’s fun, this activity will:

  • help increase the relationship bond between you and your dog,
  • increase your dog’s focus,
  • provide a safe & exciting activity for your dog,
  • tire out your dog as they use both physical & mental energy,
  • help you to become a keener observer of canine body language and behavior,
  • and it will be some of the best fun you will ever have with your dog!

 

Class Descriptions & Prerequisites

Introduction to K9 Nose Work® (Intro 1):  In this class we focus on introducing the ‘game’ by capitalizing on your dog’s natural ability to hunt for and locate high value food or, for some dogs, toys. You and your dog will progress together; as your dog develops confidence and an independent search style you will begin to learn how read your dog’s body language while they work to solve increasingly difficult odor puzzles. This will serve to enhance your communication, build teamwork, and help you begin to develop your own handler skills. Rewarding at source, odor movement, odor cones, hide placement strategy, and other foundation concepts will be discussed. This class set will begin by building hunt drive using boxes and will progress to elevated,  interior/exterior search areas, and low level distractions (note: vehicles searches will be introduced in Intro 2). The joy your dog experiences will be proof that this game is one you can both enjoy for life!

Duration: 6 weeks; 1.5 hours per class (for 4 students or less class length is 1 hour)
Prerequisite: No previous training is required. However, as all dogs search independently your dog will have to wait away from the search area when not working. You may bring a crate, use one at the facility, or leave your dog in your car (weather permitting). Crates may be covered or kept behind a barrier and will never have a line of sight to the search area. If your dog has clinical separation anxiety please contact us so we can discuss suitable options for you; our goal is to include rather than exclude.

Introduction to K9 Nose Work® (Intro 2): In this second Intro to K9NW class we will continue to develop and build on foundation skills introduced in the Intro 1 class set. We will expand handler prowess, including use of body pressure to manage search areas and on-lead handling skills. This class will expand search areas to include vehicle and more distractions, incorporate more complex scent puzzles, as well as include novel hide locations. This class is geared toward getting handler teams ready to go on odor.

Duration: 6 weeks; 1.5 hours per class (for 4 students or less class length is 1 hour)
Prerequisite: Introduction to K9 Nose Work® with a CNWI/ANWI or equivalent. Please contact us to discuss which class you should enroll in if you have not taken an Intro to K9NW class with a certified instructor or if you have spent some time off. As all dogs search independently your dog will have to wait away from the search area when not working. You may bring a crate, use one at the facility, or leave your dog in your car (weather permitting). Crates may be covered or kept behind a barrier and will never have a line of sight to the search area. If your dog has clinical separation anxiety please contact us so we can discuss suitable options for you; our goal is to include rather than exclude.