Intro to Nose/Scent Sports
5 one-hour class sessions PREREQUISITE: Family Dog Manners I or the equivalent basic skills, particularly a recall, quiet in kennels, and calm leash skills around other dogs. Go to list of all courses to learn more about prerequisite class(es)
This class introduces students to the world of scent work, a fun sport that dogs simply love because it involves their nose! You and your dog will learn to function as a team, trusting one another to “find the scent source” in a variety of hides and environments. You will learn the terms and fundamentals of the game/sport and how to condition your dog to odor. You will learn how to properly handle your line on a hunt and practice shaping a behavioral indicator so your dog can “alert” you that they have discovered the source scent. This introductory class involves one scent, Birch (or an alternative odor if you choose) and includes both single and multiple non-complex hides.
Special Notes: Owner must have a willingness to crate their dog while others work scents. Organizations which offer competitions (such as AKC, CPE, NACSW) use the 3 odors birch, anise and clove in the form of essential oils for training and for testing. Therefore, we also teach using these odors, specifically birch in this first level class. Due to some health concerns if the oils are directly touched or licked up by dogs, we also offer an alternative odor for training. IF you choose to continue on in scent work and store essential oils at home, you simply must be thoughtful and vigilant about keeping them away from dogs and other household animals. We will cover how to store, the warnings, etc. in class and provide you a detailed handout. If you have any health concerns, please consult your veterinarian.
This class is best suited for: All dogs and handlers looking for a new, engaging sport. Scent work doesn’t require dogs (or owners) to be athletic. It is a sport that includes all age groups and even very senior, disabled or injured dogs can enjoy participating. Dogs need to be able to work safely around other dogs and have calm leash skills.
Min/Max Enrollment: 4/6
Bring the Following to Class:
- NOTE: You will receive a small number of scented cotton swabs to use for practicing outside of class. If you are interested in additional supplies, your instructor will provide resources for purchasing your own scent kit if desired.
- A crate (inexpensive popup crates work well and are easily transported)
- Flat Buckle Collar (with no tags) or harness if you have one.
- 4-6 foot leash (no flexi-leashes please)
- Water and water dish
- Many small, tasty treats of varying desirability to your dog NOTE: The first session will involve many treats for your dog – you might want to consider bringing a slightly hungry dog.
- Toys which your dog enjoys (tug toys, balls, etc.)
- A pouch or deep pockets for easy access to treats
- A clicker
You will learn:
- Fundamentals of scent work and terminology
- How to condition your dog to odor and shape a desired response to odor
- To recognize change in your dog’s behavior indicating when dog is on or at odor source
- Basic line handling
- Various organizations and differences in odors, searches and elements in trials - AKC, CPE, NACSW
Your dog will learn:
- To recognize birch odor (or an alternative odor as discussed in class)
- To find single hides or multiple non-complex hides
- Independence in searching
- Confidence in the handler
- To alert the handler when source scent is detected
- To work in new environments and stay focused on the task at hand