To a large extent, dogs ‘see’ the world through their noses.  Your dog is already an expert sniffer dog:  this class will teach you how to develop and direct that natural ability and have fun with your dog at the same time.  A strong foundation and correct introduction to odor will have you and your best friend off to a great start.  Whether you want to compete or not, you will be amazed at your dog’s ability to use his nose! You’ll help your dog to work through a variety of scent puzzles, build stamina and problem solving skills, and earn reward.  The methods used in class are drawn from narcotic, cadaver, and other scent detection disciplines. The odors used in class are those used in the new sport of K9 Nosework.
***SKIP April 9th

Six 90-minute Classroom Sessions
First class: orientation without dogs
Instructors:
 Sarah Keegans & Chad Byerly

Is Scent Detection 1 right for your difficult dog?
Foundation work in this class is done without the distraction of other dogs close by. Scent Detection 1 is appropriate for dogs with mild to moderate reactivity or shyness. Dogs are worked one at a time and do not need to see each other, nor do they need to be close to strange humans. However, if your dog is reactive or shy to the extent that she does not eat enthusiastically in new environments, she should not register for this class. If in doubt about whether or not your dog can work in Scent Detection 1, call and arrange a test session.

In this class you will learn

  • The basics of scent theory & canine olfactory anatomy
  •  Proper timing of reward to promote strong commitment to odor
  • How to read his body language and build self-reliant searching
  • To work your dog on basic scent line-ups

In this class your dog will learn

  • A positive association to the three target odors of the NACSW ORTs
  • A strong response to the first level target odor, and begin an alert behavior
  • To work independently of handler information and depend on his nose alone to find the odor source
  • To work single-find box drills
  • Introduction to distraction odors, multiple finds, and blank line-up scenarios

Dogs are worked individually and rested between sessions.  Dogs registering for Scent Detection 1 must be able to rest quietly in their crate, on a mat, or in the car while other dogs work.

Graduates of Scent Detection 1 can move on to classes involving wall work, building interior, car and outdoor searches. Intermediate and advanced classes focus on searching in more difficult environments, working with more tempting distraction odors and with masking odors, avoiding false alerts, and strengthening the trained indication behavior.