Beginner Nosework Class
Nosework is easily the hottest new sport around, and it’s easy to see why! It’s fun for humans, dogs love to participate, and it’s good for building confidence and focus in dogs that have issues like shyness, reactivity, aggression, or a simple lack of confidence. Any dog can participate; from puppies to very old or retired dogs. In a matter of weeks, you’ll see your dog confidently ignoring distractions and focusing on the target scent.
In this class, you will learn about the basic concepts in searching for odor, proper use of equipment, how to handle odor, how to make and place hides, and how to teach your dog the importance of odor obedience. You will also learn how to make the search for scent extremely important to your dog. By the end of this class, you and your dog will learn how to run AKC novice level container and interior searches.
​
You will be provided a simple starter kit to help you start practicing right away and instructions will be provided on where to source supplies to create your own full kit. There is a $15 supply fee for the starter kit.
Class size is limited to 5 dogs per class so contact PAWZ ASAP! Human seating space is also limited so it is recommended to only bring the main people who will be working the dog for the sport. Basic Manners or equivalent obedience classes (that do not use prong, choke, or shock collars) is a prerequisite.
The Beginner Nosework Class will start on Monday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m. and the charge will be $150 for the full 6 weeks, each additional dog will be $100 with no additional supply fee, beginner classes will start every 12 weeks. After class completion, students are eligible for and encouraged to start Advanced Nosework Classes. Practice times for competitions or Fun Runs will also be scheduled.
​
Anyone who misses a class will have the responsibility to communicate with the instructor and schedule a make-up session. Classes will not be held during times when Pawz Enrichment Center is closed and will either be rescheduled for a different day during the week according to student, instructor, and/or building availability or delayed until the next scheduled class.
​
Requirements:
-
Dogs cannot be aggressive towards other dogs or people. Dogs should not have any contact with each other but will be on leash in sight of each other and walking around the same space.
-
If you are unsure if your dog meets this requirement, contact Pawz and ask for an evaluation. We will be glad to test if a dog is able to handle the environment. Lesson environments will be very similar to trial environments but on a much smaller scale.
-
-
Dogs must be somewhat comfortable in a crate - Willing to go in and out without force and won’t try to destroy the crate to get out when left unattended for short periods of time. (If a distraction tool such as a Kong, Pupscicle, etc. are needed, please bring one!)
-
Travel Crate to contain dog during class and something to cover crate as needed. The covering would need to be big enough to completely cover the crate. (Soft sided folding crates would be preferred to aid in conserving space in-between classes.)
-
Highly recommend this crate with built-in door covers: https://www.chewy.com/elitefield-4-door-collapsible-soft/dp/372714
-
There are some cheaper, more economical choices available in stores around town such as Walmart, PetSmart, Petco, Bismanonline, FB Marketplace, etc. but the built-in coverings are amazing, especially if you plan to try to trial eventually. This crate is also well built and should last a long time.
-
-
6–12 foot leash. Please no retractable leashes!
-
Some may want two leashes. I use a shorter one for walking outside and for going from car to building and a 10 foot one that is used only for nosework exercises.
-
-
Collar or Harness
-
Harnesses are highly recommend but not required. Dogs will be on leash for most exercises so dogs that tend to pull when excited may benefit from a harness to protect their airway. Make sure harnesses have a back clip and are not front clip only for the leash attachment. You will never use a front clip in nosework.
-
Collar can be a flat collar or martingale collar. Chain collars are not recommended. Prong or e-collars are not allowed. Collars can have tags but are recommended not to as they may bang on objects and startle the dog while working or could potentially get caught on objects. Generally, it is recommended that you have a collar for dog sports with no tags and a separate collar with tags for everyday life.
-
-
Small non-crumbly Treats – A lot of treats!
-
There are a lot of treats used in nose work and they are never completely phased out. I recommend just bringing the whole treat bag. One snack size Ziploc of treats will not be enough.
-
Please try to find treats that don’t leave a lot of crumbs as the training space is used for other classes and events. We do not want dogs getting distracted by treats dropped on the floor or getting hold of any allergens.
-
Also recommend a vest or jacket with pockets to hold treats while working or a treat pouch of some kind around/on your waist. Treats should be easy to access but not falling on the floor when you move.
-
​
Advanced Nosework Class
In this class, you will learn how to introduce the other AKC odors to your dog, how to set up multiple hides, how to work outside, how to work around intentional distractions and continue to build upon foundation skills learned in the beginner class. By the end of this class, you should be able do at least AKC advanced level container and interior searches as well as started on AKC novice level exterior (weather permitting) and buried searches.
The Advanced Nosework Class will start on Monday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. and the charge will be $150 for the full 6 weeks. This class is a continuation of the beginner class and starts immediately after the beginner class finishes. After the advanced class completion, students are eligible to join the competition practice group and work on improving skills as well as running mock trials.
Anyone who misses a class will have the responsibility to communicate with the instructor and schedule a make-up session. Classes will not be held during times when Pawz Enrichment Center is closed and will either be rescheduled for a different day during the week according to student, instructor, and/or building availability or delayed until the next scheduled class.
Requirements:
• Same requirements as the beginner class
• Completion of the Beginner Nosework class or a level of similar experience (To be evaluated by the instructor before start of class)
• Complete Scent Kit with at least the first 2 odors, Birch and Anise (Instructions provided on acquiring this in Beginner Class)
​
Nosework https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-scent-work/
​
​