The purpose of K9 Nose Work® is to engage the dog in the game of nose work and to teach the handler how to read their dog and build a team relationship while having fun. Nose Work is a great skill to develop in the dog that can build the dog’s confidence, reduce environmental sensitivity and provide mental and physical exercise through teamwork with their handler.” Ron Gaunt, Jill-Marie O’Brien, Amy Herot of www.k9nosework.com The nature of K9 Nose Work® is to be open to as many dogs as can be safely accommodated. This includes dogs with varying social skills, spatial requirements, or that may be considered mildly to moderately reactive. For this reason we have strict policies for all dogs to make sure the environment is safe for all dogs attending. Shy, over-exuberant and certain mild to moderate reactive dogs are welcome candidates but must be tolerant of instructor coaching the team, other people watching in the audience and dogs in the area. Please leave dogs at home that pose a threat to other dogs or people, are intolerant of strangers in the general area, have serious aggression or exhibit strong fearful responses. We reserve the right to decline working with a dog and/or asking a dog to leave the class without refund if we feel she/he is inappropriate or dangerous to the instructor or other students, or if the experience is detrimental to the dog’s emotional well- being. Handlers are required to disclose full information as it pertains to any level of aggression. Please do not allow your dog to approach other dogs without permission. Dogs must be kept on leash, unless otherwise instructed. Dogs are worked one at a time while other dogs are resting in their crates until it is their turn. Dogs must be able to stay quietly in a crate or in a vehicle out of owner’s sight when not working. For dogs registered for a group class, please bring:
- A copy of your dog’s current vaccination/titer records to the first class
- A crate Cover for crate
- Water
- Your dog’s favorite toys or items she/he plays with
- A small bait bag or vented container (e. g. Tupperware container with holes punched in lid) you can hide in a box (no plastic bags please)
- Lots of high value smelly treats cut in small pieces (e. g. salmon, blue cheese, rotisserie chicken, mackerel, liverwurst, meat balls, tortellini, garlic sausage, BBQ pork, tripe, canned cat food)
- A flat buckle or snap collar or regular harness
- A 6′ leash A 10-15′ long line if available
- Poop bags to clean up after your dog