Testimonials

Forever grateful for Silke working with me and my two dogs, Moose and Emma. Moose was like a tornado in search areas. Silke helped rein in the over-arousal while honoring his preferred way of working (warp speed). He is so much more focused on the job now.  She started my younger dog, Emma, at about three months of age, and put an incredibly solid foundation on her.  In my opinion, one of Silke’s strongest abilities is reading the dog in front of her at that moment. Add her ability to set lovely hides and understanding of odor movement and you have someone who is an amazing nose work coach. 

When I first met Silke,  I was at a point where I wanted to quit nose work. I felt overwhelmed and unsure if I was on the right path for me and my dogs. However, Silke’s approach completely changed my perspective. From our very first session, she demonstrated not only an impressive depth of knowledge and also a genuine passion for nose work that was truly contagious!

Silke’s ability to connect with both me, and my dogs on a personal level, made all the difference. She tailored her training to fit our unique needs, ensuring that each session was not only productive, but also enjoyable. Her patience, encouragement, and insightful feedback helped me and my dog rebuild my confidence and reunite me and my dog’s enthusiasm for nose work. 

 Under Silke’s guidance, my dogs and I have made incredible progress that I never thought possible. What once felt daunting is now something we look forward to every single time. Silke’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental in our nose work journey, and I am incredibly grateful to have her as our instructor.

We recently brought a new mini Golden Doodle puppy into our family of seven.  With five children and a very busy schedule, we realized we needed to seek some direction in training our exuberant, wiggly puppy to make sure we set her on the right course towards becoming a well-behaved and safe member of our family.  HeRo’s in-home Puppy Starter Package was just what we needed.  The sessions were customized to our needs, and being able to train right in our own home and yard was invaluable.  Silke addressed our questions about our puppy’s behaviors including jumping on the kids, mouthing, pulling on the leash, and getting along with other dogs.  Because our puppy was showing some signs of bullying towards my mother’s dog, Silke even did a session at my mom’s home to work on those behaviors with both dogs. The “field trip” session at a local store offered the chance for our puppy to practice her new skills in an unfamiliar environment with many distractions.  Silke was creative and thoughtful in involving our five kids in the training and in giving us suggestions of how to teach them to work with our puppy.  The handouts, websites and resources she provided through the trainings were excellent.  Overall, we found Silke to be knowledgeable, professional, thorough, and gracious.  We hope to enroll our puppy in a group class at HeRo Canine Consulting sometime soon.

Silke is the very best at what she does. Being in her sphere has made me a better instructor, and, as her student, I have become a stronger partner to my Nose Work dog.  Her wealth of knowledge and no-nonsense style of teaching gave Boot and me a super solid foundation and helped Boot become the best, happiest Nose Work dog on the planet.  Plus, Silke never stops learning herself and generously and skillfully shares that knowledge. It bears repeating … She is the best! 

As my introduction to Canine NoseWork, Silke has been marvelous! She is able to combine a wealth of knowledge about dogs, an understanding of canine scenting skills, and a natural ability to teach humans with an approachable, friendly manner to create classes that are both enjoyable (for dogs AND humans) and productive.

Edy and I look forward to every class–I only wish we lived closer than over an hour away!

As my introduction to Canine NoseWork, Silke has been marvelous! She is able to combine a wealth of knowledge about dogs, an understanding of canine scenting skills, and a natural ability to teach humans with an approachable, friendly manner to create classes that are both enjoyable (for dogs AND humans) and productive.

Edy and I look forward to every class–I only wish we lived closer than over an hour away!

Silke is an amazing trainer to work with – not only for dogs but for people as well. My dogs are complete opposites in many ways and she tailors her training to each of their needs. Her patience and persistence has helped me to connect with my dogs in a totally new way and I always feel like I am a part of their training. She encourages student feedback, questions and suggestions. I know the success (and fun!) I have had with my dogs is largely due to her and I highly recommend her to anyone I know with a dog!

We have taken both of our dogs to Hero Canine Consulting with fantastic results. The training classes are fantastic, and our German Shepherd puppy Mobie has become an absolutely wonderful dog with the techniques we learned. Our other Shepherd, Marzo, had a great deal of anxiety, and the nose work classes really made a difference in his focus, confidence, and happiness. It really made a difference in the quality of his life.

Artemis and I have taken several courses now through HeRo Canine Consulting. The staff is helpful and professional, with a focus on positive training methods that work for both dog and owner. Classes are flexible, and each attendee gets personal attention tailored to their needs. I really appreciate their willingness to work with dogs from every background and with various strengths and weaknesses. The atmosphere is always upbeat and fun, and every class has strengthened the bond and understanding between me and my dog. We are greatly looking forward to taking more classes!

Murphy and I have been working with Silke for about two years now and it’s been a great bonding experience between all of us! I trust Silke completely and have every confidence that she will be totally upfront with us as to our skills…there are no holds barred here, which is what I want. After all, the only way to learn how to do it right is to hear it honestly – and it’s not only honest, it’s loving too. Silke loves the dogs and handlers and genuinely wants her pairs to do their best, but she never pushes beyond where the skill level is. She is all about the training and not about the reward. The fun is in the training! The more practice and the more that confidence is gained, the better each team will perform and the more comfortable we will be. I don’t know if Murphy and I will get to a trial, but I do know that if we do get there, it’s because we are ready and because Silke has deemed it so! Next is Max’s turn!!

Silke is more than a dog trainer, she is also a teacher for the human side of the equation. She is always learning more to pass on to her students. Every Nosework  class with her is fun yet challenging. The bond I have with Glover would not be as close if it were not for Silke and Nosework.

We love our Nosework classes with Silke! The classes are very well thought out and organized. In each class, there is a discussion before working and a debrief after we are finished.

Each student gets individual attention and input for their dog/handler team. We also collaborate as a class to help and support each other. I always come away with new/additional information and skills to work on/improve.

Our skills have improved since working with Silke. She is a fun and supportive instructor and coach!

“I feel like Joe and I have improved so much since we started working with you! I have learned to look at things more closely and be more observant.  I love how much you put into your classes and your students and how much content you share on your page.  I also appreciate the sense of inclusion you inspire. Thank you!” 

We adopted Rainy when she was two years old. She was very insecure and timid, she also did not like to be around men. With Silke’s help and K-9 Nose Work® Rainy has gained confidence and really enjoys going to different places to do nose work. Being around strangers is no longer an issue for her. Silke has also helped us with Rainy’s son Brahms attitude problem.  There is no question that Silke really cares about the dogs she is working with.

I started K9 Nose Work® with my Field Spaniel in July 2011 when he was ten years old. We are still taking classes because we enjoy them so much. In addition I have two more of my dogs started in nose work classes at the Williamsport location. Silke is very enthusiastic about the sport and is an excellent teacher. She is very organized and continues to have interesting classes in an amazing variety of places to expose the dogs to challenges that might come up in a nose work trial. We also enjoy the mock trials and ORTs that Silke has sponsored. I would recommend K9 Nose Work® and Silke to anyone who wants to have fun with his/her dog.

Theo is my 4 year old German Shepherd Dog. He has fear issues with strangers and loud noises. K9 Nosework has helped him be a better all around dog. He gets excited when we head to class and goes right to work, even with the distraction of strangers in the room. Through K9 Nosework classes, Theo has become a more confident, less fearful boy.

I’ve been taking my German Shepherd, Harley, to K-9 nose sniffing classes for about a year now and he absolutely loves it As soon as I put his harness he knows it’s time to go to “work” and he gets so excited! Harley is a very lively, adolescent who needs to be kept busy. “Sniffing” for Harley is a lot of work but it’s a ton of fun too. I have 2 other dogs so the K-9 nose classes give Harley and I some “one on one’ time and usually gets me over being angry with him for eating my Pepperidge Farm cookies! It’s really gratifying to watch your dog work so hard and feel the sense of accomplishment when he “finds” the “hide”. It’s emotionally tiring for the dogs as well so even my Mr. Harley usually sleeps all the way home. Silke is absolutely wonderful. The K-9 course has become such a passion for her that you can’t help but get caught up in the excitement. Her positive reinforcement, for dogs and their humans, makes the classes comfortable for all levels of dog owners.

I’ve been taking my German Shepherd, Harley, to K-9 nose sniffing classes for about a year now and he absolutely loves it As soon as I put his harness he knows it’s time to go to “work” and he gets so excited! Harley is a very lively, adolescent who needs to be kept busy. “Sniffing” for Harley is a lot of work but it’s a ton of fun too. I have 2 other dogs so the K-9 nose classes give Harley and I some “one on one’ time and usually gets me over being angry with him for eating my Pepperidge Farm cookies! It’s really gratifying to watch your dog work so hard and feel the sense of accomplishment when he “finds” the “hide”. It’s emotionally tiring for the dogs as well so even my Mr. Harley usually sleeps all the way home. Silke is absolutely wonderful. The K-9 course has become such a passion for her that you can’t help but get caught up in the excitement. Her positive reinforcement, for dogs and their humans, makes the classes comfortable for all levels of dog owners.

Celt was born and raised on a farm in Susquehanna County.  Celt comes from a long time of working border collies.  Unfortunately, Celt’s mother died shortly after his birth.  He and his sister were hand raised with love and care.  Because of the special attention Celt received as a puppy, he became very people oriented.  Herding sheep was just not something he wanted to do.  He tried some other border collie jobs, but Celt just did not find his niche.  Knowing that Celt would be better suited as a companion dog, Celt’s owner decided to let him go to my family.    Raised on a farm and living the life of a working dog, Celt had little exposure to life as a family dog.  Things like the refrigerator, the sound of aluminum foil, and a telephone ringing were very frightening for Celt.  Knowing that Celt needed a job to do, I enrolled in Pet Manners classes.  It was a good experience, but not quite the perfect fit.  Luckily, one day I read a story about a growing dog sport, K9 Nose Work, which was described as a sport for any dog- even those fearful or nervous.   I was thrilled to find Silke, a certified Nose Work instructor.  After our first class, we were hooked.   A little over one year since we started classes, Celt competed in his first trial and earned the NW1 title.  K9 Nose Work has given Celt the confidence he needed to get out, explore, and experience the world.   Through Nose Work, Celt and I have built a deeper relationship which has given both of us more self-assurance.  With Silke’s help, Celt found the job and the life he was looking for.  We are grateful to Silke for sharing her enthusiasm for the sport of Nose Work with us.

I was fortunate to work with Silke while she lived in Georgia. My goal was to be more skilled in nose work with my dogs. During the time I worked with Silke, I learned much more than how to be a better nose work handler,  Silke taught me how to be a better partner for my dogs in all aspects of our lives together. Silke is a knowledgeable, creative, and empathic teacher who can help you become more proficient in nose work, but her goal is for you and your dog to enjoy the journey together.

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Silke as a  NACSW CO and seminar instructor. Silke is thoughtful and organized as a CO. She is supportive of the host, volunteer coordinator and all of the volunteers. As an SRL, she makes sure that I have all the information I need and is always willing to help in the scoreroom. She goes out of her way to make sure the trial runs smoothly and the competitors have the best possible experience. Attending her workshops, whenever she is in the area, is a must do! Silke structures her workshops around the abilities of the dogs that are attending. She gives individualized attention working at the level that the dog is at. Her background in canine behavior helps her adjust to the needs of the dog and handler that is in front of her. She is willing to give the advice that is sometimes hard to hear. Each time I’ve done a seminar with Silke I’m adjusting to a new dog that searches differently and needs different levels of support. She always gives me helpful advice to help the dog that is with me. I have developed better relationships with my dog and I credit that to the advice and direction I have received from Silke.

I got the opportunity to work with Silke when she came to the Lycoming County SPCA to donate her time and held a K9 Nose Work class for staff and volunteers to participate in with the shelter dogs every Wednesday for several weeks. We all chose a shelter dog, several who had been at the SPCA for awhile and worked through the class up until they were adopted. Silke made the class a lot of fun, and a great learning experience for everyone (including the dogs & a potbelly pig! J) Silke also helped us create fun videos of the dogs participating to post online as well as printed up a certificate for the dogs to hang on their kennels in order to help make them appear more adoptable! She worked with each us one on one and gave us an opportunity to learn a new way to help stimulate the dogs minds during their stay at the shelter!

I’ve known and worked with Silke Wittig since 2014, primarily in the sport of Nose Work. Her training is exemplified by kindness, knowledge, enthusiasm, and humor. She is not afraid to tell you what you need to hear, but it is always said with empathy and understanding.

Her energy level is amazing – it is obvious she loves what she does! She has given me excellent instruction in Nose Work with 3 very different dogs I have worked – she individualizes her training for each dog (some trainers are “one size fits all”). And she is aware of what I need to change as a handler for each dog’s temperament. 

She is patient when I sometimes need time to process what she is advising (sometimes I act like “one size fits all” as a handler!). I hope you take advantage of being able to train regularly with her – my biggest problem with Silke is that she moved so far away from us here in Indiana!😫