nosework classes

Nosework, also called Scentwork, is a companion dog sport where dogs are able to use their innate and amazing sense of smell, and natural hunt drive, to find “hides” in a variety of locations requiring a range of problem-solving skills. Based on professional detection dog work, K9 Nosework uses essential oils as the target odors. These include birch, anise, and clove, and may extend to cypress, vetiver, and myrrh. It’s a fun and addictive sport as handlers start to understand and appreciate the beauty of this incredible talent dogs have to detect and follow a relatively minuscule vapor of odor back to its source! Dogs love it because they excel at it regardless of age, breed, temperament, size, or condition. It has been demonstrated over and over again, that shy, fearful, and even reactive dogs can build the confidence to help overcome some of their challenges in the engagement of this highly enriching game.

lost item recovery - NASDA

Lost Item Recovery is a form of scenting that involves dogs searching for & identifying objects scented with human odor. NASDA (North American Sport Dog Association) is the sanctioning organization. This class will introduce you to this fun form of scentwork with Level 1 (Handler Odor) or continue to build on Level 1’s foundation with Level 2 (‘Stranger’ Odor). We’ll pair scented articles with reward, & then move to gradually more difficult searches, progressing at each dog’s pace. We'll cover NASDA's basic rules and levels offered.

Prerequisite: Dogs must have basic searching skills as taught in beginning nosework, scentwork, tracking, or barn hunt, and be able to search independently. Level 1 LIR is the prerequisite for Level 2. Dog reactive dogs are welcome as dogs work one at a time in the classroom and rest in the car between turns. No human aggressive dogs allowed.

Dogs are expected to be secured inside of their vehicle between turns. They may be tethered, crated, or loose if the car is closed. Since turns rotate, classmates will check on dogs and cars frequently. When the weather is hot, there are many accessories you can use to keep cars cool and dogs comfortable: aluminet shade cloths, fans, cooling mats, open windows, cool water, etc.

Contact Janey with questions.

Session Details:

Cost: $55 per week billed monthly | Size: up to 4

Instructors: Janey Wilcox, CNWI

K9 nosework FOUNDATION

Introduction to Nosework. This class is for teams who have never done nosework, or have done it, but are not yet on odor. Dogs will not be introduced to odor until they are searching confidently for primary (food or toy reward). Dog reactive dogs are welcome as dogs work one at a time in the classroom and rest in the car between turns. No human aggression.

Dogs are expected to be secured inside of their vehicle between turns. They may be tethered, crated, or loose if the car is closed. Since turns rotate, classmates will check on dogs and cars frequently. When the weather is hot, there are many accessories you can use to keep cars cool and dogs comfortable: aluminet shade cloths, fans, cooling mats, open windows, cool water, etc.

Contact Kaylee or Janey with questions.

Session Details:

Cost: $55 per week billed monthly | Size: 4-6 teams

Instructors: Janey Wilcox, CNWI or Kaylee Seal, ANWI

K9 Nosework - INTERMEDIATE

For graduates of Nosework Foundation, or with instructor permission. Dogs in Nosework Intermediate have started on odor. Dog will continue to develop their searching skills and handlers will continue to learn to read their dog’s body language, and learn leash handling skills. Dog reactive dogs are welcome as dogs work one at a time in the classroom and rest in the car between turns. No human aggression.

You MUST have instructor approval to sign up for or switch nosework classes. Contact Janey with questions.

** ONE OPENING AVAILABLE 7:15PM MONDAYS - CONTACT JANEY DIRECTLY **

Session Details:

Cost: $55 per week billed monthly | Size: up to 5

Instructor: Janey Wilcox, CNWI

Mondays at 5:45 pm & 7pm / Thursdays at 4pm

K9 nosework - Competition

Nosework Competition is for dogs proficient on all three odors (Birch, Anise, and Clove) who have learned skills such as threshold hides, transitions, converging odor, high hides and inaccessible hides. Nosework Competition is for dog/handler teams actively competing in Nosework or advanced teams seeking further enrichment. Dog reactive dogs are welcome as dogs work one at a time in the classroom and rest in the car between turns. No human aggression.

You MUST have instructor approval to sign up for or switch nosework classes. Contact Janey with questions.

Session Details:

Cost: $55 per week billed monthly | Size: up to 4

Instructor: Janey Wilcox, CNWI

Thursdays at 5:30pm & 7pm

nosework demo and try it

Watch a short demonstration by a trained dog, and then get a chance to let your dog’s nose go to work! Dogs will work one at a time. Prerequisites: No human aggression, and dogs need to be comfortable waiting in the car between turns.

Coming Soon!

Instructor: Janey Wilcox, CNWI

Cost: $50 per dog/handler team

Contact Janey with questions.