INTRO TO K9 NOSE WORK

This detection-style activity, or sport, is open to all breeds of dogs. It is designed to develop your dog’s

natural scenting ability using things that they are already equipped with- their curiosity, desire to hunt,

and their love of toys, food and exercise!!! K9 Nose Work is a fun way to build confidence and to utilize

their mental and physical energy. All dogs of all ages can benefit, from the enthusiastic young ones to

the senior dogs, those who have retired from active sports, shy dogs with sensitivity issues, and even

dogs with sight and hearing impairments. (The only exclusions are dogs who are people reactive and no

resource guarders).

This six-week class that runs 1 ½ hours, and is best suited for 4-6 students. This beginning class

introduces the concept of the game, builds handler observation skills and timing, and gets the dog

focused. We will be building on foundational skills to help the handler read the dog and to build the

dog’s intensity for the hunting game. We start K9 Nose Work* classes with just the food rather than

odor to build the hunting drive first and sharpen the handler’s skills. No clickers are used in K9 Nose

Work*.

Specific K9 Nose Work Class Structure and Rules will be emailed directly to the students, along with a list

of things that will be needed.

Things you will need:

• Crate: (where your dog will rest between runs). Dogs must be crate trained unless other accommodations are available. dogs may be crated in vehicles, weather permitting.
• Chair: (There will be facility chairs, but you may prefer something more comfortable)
• Water: (for you and the dog)
• Flat Collar: (buckle or Martingale style) or a well-fitted traditional style harness during the class. No head halters or Easy Walk harnesses during runs but they may be used to and from the search area as needed.
• Leash: A 6-foot light-weight leather or nylon leash (no chain or retractable). All danging items, rings, charms, poop bags holders must be removed so as not to distract the dog.
• Toys and/or treats: HIGH VALUE toys and treats! Bring a few things in case what you thought was going to work doesn’t. Sometimes, your usual food reward for other activities is not high enough value fore Nose Work ®. We’ve found some of the following to be very motivating: Tuna, sardines, salmon, bleu cheese, ham hocks, sausages, mackerel, meatballs, liverwurst, and hot dogs. Please avoid crumbly/crunchie cookie-type treats.
• Treat pouch/bait bag: Please bring a small vented container, bait bag or “Tug N Treat” in which to put the food. (no plastic baggies)
• Hungry & Motivated Dog: Please either don’t feed your dog before the class, or feed a reduced meal so that your dog is hungry and motivated. Also if you have a high energy dog, please don’t burn them out with a long hike or play session before the class.