What is K9 Nose Work?
Why get involved in K9 Nose Work and are there K9 Nose Work titles?
K9 Nose Work is a great sport for dogs of all ages! It requires no prior training, is relatively easy on the handler and gives dogs lots of mental stimulation as they learn to solve search problems. K9 Nose Work is suitable for both confident and timid dogs as well as high energy and low energy dogs. It can be practiced at home, in parks, urban settings and other public places. Nose work is great for those who want the challenge of competing. Students can compete and earn Nose Work Titles with their canine partner. For those just looking for a fun hobby to do with their canine partner, Nose Work is very rewarding to do just for fun.
What type of dogs would like and/or benefit from K9 Nose Work?
K9 Nose Work is great for extremely high drive dogs as a way to use up some of their excess energy. K9 Nose Work is also good for dogs that need some encouragement to investigate using their noses; nose work classes can be a great confidence-builder for these dogs. Because dogs get to work one at a time, dogs that are shy, fearful, unfocused, unmotivated, or reactive with other dogs are able to participate.
How do you train a dog for K9 Nose Work?
Training begins with a hide-n-seek game involving cardboard boxes and treats. Students & their dogs love nose work classes. Students enjoy watching their dog use their amazing natural hunting instinct – it lets the dog be a dog and it lets the handler learn about scent from the dog. Co-founder Ron Gaunt emphasizes, “We don’t teach the dogs anything about nose work, we’re just the tour guides.” As training for K9 Nose Work advances, dogs get to use their remarkable scenting abilities to find the level 1 odor of birch, then the level 2 odor of anise, and finally the level 3 odor of clove. First, the dogs learn to seek the scent in cardboard boxes and then they move on to interior searches, exterior searches and vehicle searches. The scent-searching game also involves it being hidden at various heights.
NOSE WORK CLASSES: Certified NW Instructor:
Martha Windisch CPDT-KA CNWI K-9 NOSEWORK/AKC SCENT WORK
Group Classes:
6 Weeks $165.00 Class size limit: 6-7 dogs.
Drop-ins $30 To Request a drop in please allow 48 hours in advance of the class. Drop ins will be accepted if the class has room. Contact Martha directly: Email: mwindisch2@verizon.net Or text: 609-351-2342NOTE: These classes will be held inside and outside (except for Beginner NW students who will be inside)
Mondays: Mixed Levels Class:
Drop In Class Dates: 7/18, 7/25, 8/15, 8/22, 8/29 (No Classes on 8/1, 8/8)
Class Times: 12:30pm, 5:15pm, 7:00pmNote: these classes are all Walk-ins: Please Confirm your spot, don’t assume! Beginners, Intermediate Advanced are welcome. A great opportunity for beginner handlers to watch more experienced handlers & dogs.