Nose Work Training
Inspired by working detection dogs, Nose Work is the fun search and scenting activity for virtually all dogs and people. This easy-to-learn activity and sport builds confidence and focus and provides a safe way to keep dogs fit and healthy through mental and physical exercise.
Nose Work starts with getting your dog excited about using his nose to seek out a favorite toy or treat that’s hidden; the game quickly expands to entire rooms, containers, exterior areas, and vehicles. As your dog grows more confident with his nose, target odors are introduced and competition skills are taught.
During each class every dog works individually and rests safely in his crate between turns. There should be no interaction or socialization between dogs during Nose Work classes. This is to ensure that every dog has the opportunity to work and gain confidence in a distraction and stress free environment AND this also helps the dog focus when they are working on finding odor source.
We offer Drop-in Workshops/Group Coaching sessions and Ongoing Nose Work Classes.
Drop-in Workshops cover a variety of rotating topics to help teams build skills in a group setting, allowing handlers to observe and learn from other teams. Group Coaching sessions are offered at all levels from ORT/novice to Summit/Detective.
We have limited openings in our Ongoing Nose Work Classes. Students should plan to remain in each level for multiple blocks at the same class time as they work with their dog to build and strengthen skills. SPDTC will periodically add a new block of Nose Work Foundations for brand new students and will notify people on the wait list as openings are available
If you’d like to be added to the wait list for our ongoing classes, please register online using the SPDTC Nose Work Class Wait List Form. If you have any questions, contact the Nose Work Administrator. You will be contacted when there are class openings.
Prerequisites for all Nose Work classes: dogs must be at least 6 months of age, plus a SPDTC Membership. No training prerequisites for foundations. Group coaching and many workshops are offered by level. Teams should be training at the indicated level, but aren’t required to have a title or be competing at that level.
Drop-in Workshops and Group Coaching:
Scroll to browse the list of upcoming workshops and group coaching sessions for SPDTC members. If you are not a member, use this link to become a member.
Click on the title for details and sign up information. To sign up you will need to login to your existing SPDTC account or create a new account after becoming a member. For assistance contact the Nose Work Administrator.
Workshop and Group Coaching prices vary depending on length of session and number of teams.
Ongoing Class Offerings:
Cost for Ongoing Classes:
$160 per 6 class block, per dog
SPDTC ongoing classes are usually full. However, occasionally we start a new foundations class or spots open up in more advanced classes. Registration is through the Wait List or by contacting the Nose Work Administrator.
Current Schedule:
Monday Classes
Instructor: Jane Fallander
9:00, 10:15
Tuesday Classes
Instructor: Sue Kliewer
5:45, 7:00
Wednesday Classes
Instructor: Jane Fallander
9:00, 10:15, 11:30
Instructor: Yas Bakshian
1:15, 2:30, 3:45, 5:00
Instructor: Scott Wenzel
6:45
Thursday Classes
Instructor: Jenifer Watters
3:30, 4:45
Instructor: Scott Wenzel
6:30
Friday Classes
Instructor: Cheryl Cornett
9:45, 11:15, 12:45
Instructor: Barb Burton-Werle
4:00, 5:15, 6:30
Saturday Classes
Instructor: Barb Burton-Werle
9:00, 10:15, 11:30, 12:45
Instructor: Cheryl Cornett
2:30, 4:00
Class Descriptions
Nose Work Foundations
Dogs are introduced to the game through the use of a favorite toy or treat reward. The goal of this class is to build the dogs’ confidence to search and solve problems independently and to expose the dogs to various environmental challenges as they learn to focus on the search. Handlers get to learn the most effective methods for motivating their dogs to search independently, including the power of self-rewarding.
As teams progress classes focus on teaching the dogs to search for a specific target odor (Birch, Anise and Clove Oil). Dogs will learn to search expanded areas more effectively and handlers will learn valuable techniques for supporting their dogs in the search.
Dog & handler teams develop the skills required to successfully search areas with more difficult hide placements and with focus on the four elements of competition: container searches, interior, exterior, and vehicle searches.
Continuing Nose Work
Dogs will be introduced to new and difficult search scenarios under the guidance of the instructor to ensure a positive learning experience. Handlers will focus on increasing their ability to support their dogs in the search through a greater understanding of the various factors affecting how scent moves. This is an ongoing class and students will be registered for additional blocks as they are scheduled.
Some of the things you will learn in Nose Work classes:
- How to bring out your dog’s hunting drive
- The power of primary reward
- Observing your dog’s behavior when searching
- Searching interior, exterior, vehicle, and container elements
- Handling skills
- How scent moves
- Proper reward delivery
- Advanced scent detection skills, handling skills, and competition prep
Class size is limited to 4-6 dogs/class with a minimum of 3 dogs to hold a class.
You may register multiple dogs per class, as each dog is worked individually.