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Nosework is one of the most popular and versatile dog sports in the world. Whether you have aspirations towards competition, or you're looking for fun ways to tire out and challenge your dog, the training is all the same!
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Nosework is like the pet version of a working detection job. But instead of learning to sniff out contraband, our dogs are taught to find a few harmless essential oils. The training process improves a dog's independence, problem solving ability, and confidence, all while mentally exhausting them. In fact, it's estimated that 10minutes of scentwork is equivalent to 1hr of high intensity exercise!
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All training is 100% positive, rewards-based. I make a big effort to ensure handlers develop their own skills so that you can start practicing at home as soon as possible.
Nosework classes
Beginners: $300 | 3 dogs | 5wks
The beginner's nosework class is suitable for all dogs of all ages. Dogs do not need to have any training at all (and neither do their humans!). Each dog is worked individually - while the other 2 are kept in their vehicle or in a kennel/crate. This makes it especially well suited to socially sensitive dogs that might not make good choices in a conventional class setting.
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The class runs for about an hour, with each dog getting 2 or 3 sessions (depending on the skills being taught that week). Dogs are initially taught to hunt for a primary reward (food or toys), before the odours are introduced at about the mid-way point.
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Week 1: Introduction to scent work, creating a pre-search cueing ritual, building up the dog's hunting ability, basic handler skills.
Week 2: Confidence, problem solving and independence in searching (dogs). Marker training basics (handlers).
Week 3: Introduction to paired odour, reward and marker mechanics.
Week 4: Shaping the final response on paired odour.
Week 5: Introduction to odour alone, continuation of prior concepts.
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***Note that scent kits will be available for purchase. These will have 4 odours (birch, anise, clove and cypress) and a cocktail included.
Whether you're a trainer wanting to add nosework services to your business, or just a training enthusiast who wants a more in-depth exploration of scent work, this course is for you. Conducted over 3 days, participants will get the opportunity to work their own dogs as well as a range of green dogs.
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Note that this course is principle based and not method based. This means that participants will be encouraged to experiment with different approaches, all while gaining the necessary experience to start working their own or client dogs.
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All participants will receive a scent kit and training manual and will be eligible for future training courses that feature more advanced concepts.
Instructor's Course
$750 | 3 days | 9:30-3:30/4pm
4 people per course
More on scent work
Products for sale
You can find my book on Nosework training here
Scent kits will be for sale soon. They will feature:
- A waterproof container
- 4 vials with pre-scented q-tips
- 1 vial with a cocktail of all odours
- Tweezers
- Magnetized tins
- Centrifuge vials
Future training opportunities
At the moment, only beginner's classes and the instructor's course is available. However, intermediate and advanced classes, as well as field trips will be available in the future.