Nose Work Level 1
Intro to Nose Work 1 and 2 – Two 6-week sessions based on an individual dog’s progress
An introduction to the new and exciting dog sport of K9 Nose Work®. Based on professional detection dog techniques, K9 Nose Work® is fun for dogs of all breeds, ages and personalities. It is designed to encourage a dog’s natural scenting abilities by using the desire to hunt for food or a favorite toy. It is a terrific way to allow your dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn mental and physical energy. Handlers will learn how to read their dog’s body language when working scent. Prerequisite Dog must be comfortable in a car or crate away from the handler while other dogs are working.
Intro to Odor – 6 week session introducing odor and pairing
This class introduces the dog to the odor of birch oil while being paired with food. A solid search foundation is being built through the association of food and odor in this session. As the odor increases in value to the dog, the hides get more difficult. Indoor, outdoor and vehicles are introduced at this level. Prerequisite: For teams who have attended Intro to Nose Work 1 and 2.
Nose Work Level 2
Continuing Nose Work
At this level, dogs progress from pairing to searching for odor only. The class emphasizes building dog/handler relationship and work ethic. Further development of handler skills for on and off leash work and search strategy will be included. This level will involve more complex searches including blind hides in all four working elements: interior, exterior, containers and vehicles. At the completion of this level dog and handler teams may be ready to compete in an Odor Recognition Test (ORT) that is required for trials. Competition is not required for K9 Nose Work®. This activity can be performed purely for fun and the enjoyment of working together with your dog
Advanced Nose Work
At this level, anise and cloves will be introduced. Dogs must be odor obedient on birch and have taken the Level II: Continuing Nose Work class. Focus is on all handler skills, increased difficulty of hides, final response, speed, and accuracy.
Nose Work Level 3
Competition Prep – NW1 / NW2 / NW3
These levels are geared for those handler/dog teams that are presently competing in K9 Nose Work®. Further refining search strategy and working more complex search problems in all elements designed for trial work will continue. In addition, working through environmental distractions will be emphasized.