K9 SCENTWORK CLASSES
Inspired by working detection dogs, K9 Scentwork is a fun search and scenting activity for virtually all dogs and people. This easy to learn activity and sport builds confidence and focus in many dogs, and provides a safe way to keep dogs fit and healthy through mental and physical exercise. Scentwork is a great enrichment activity for a wide variety of dogs, including older dogs or dogs with disabilities – the sport encourages dogs to use their natural abilities, their brains, and their bodies to solve odor puzzles! Humans have approximately 6 million olfactory receptors, but dogs have approximately 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses – they far surpass us. This sport
is also easy and affordable to practice at home. Scentwork is a wonderful tool to strengthening the connection between owners and their dogs.
Introducation to K9 Nosework
This class will be a fun, thorough introduction, following the systems created by the National
Association of Canine Scent Work to build a solid drive to find odor. The techniques will work for folks who just want a new and fun activity with their dog, as well as those who would like to try competing either in NACSW, AKC or USCSSS events (of which we have many locally). We will also
discuss factors that influence a dog’s ability to find the odor source, supplies and how to practice at home, as well as how and when to start competing (if interested in that part). Scentwork is a wonderful confidence builder for shy or timid dogs! Older dogs and dogs with disabilities or physical limitations can easily participate in scentwork.
Dogs who are reactive to other dogs can also participate, as it is one handler, one dog at a time. It has the potential to strengthen your bond
with your dog and your ability to understand them.
Each class will be a supportive, fun, and interesting experience for participants - and your dogs will sleep soundly after working their brains and sniffers!
We will be working individually with one handler and one dog at a time, while other dogs wait in the
car or, if temperatures are a problem, in another area, crated. You will be observing the other dogs and handlers work, however, because there is a tremendous amount to be learned from watching other dogs and handlers. You will be provided with written suggestions for at-home practice, and sometimes a little homework!
Classes will be added early in 2023 that may include dogs at slightly different levels, with
increasingly interesting challenges.
SCENTWORK CONTAINERS FUN MATCH
12/20/22.
Dogs need to be trained with odor.
Novice Session - 10 AM -Noon
1 NACSW ORT practice (One for each of the odors, birch, anise, and clove.)
2 NACSW NW1 Level Container Searches
2 AKC Novice Level Container Searches.
Advance Session - 1 PM-3 PM
2 AKC Excellent Level Container Searches
1 AKC Master’s Level Container Search.
Both the morning and afternoon sections will be run by giving dogs space from each other, and
crating in the car. If your dog needs additional space, please consider using a red bandana as a
signifier.
