K9 Nose Work®

At this level, you and your dog will learn the basic concepts and foundation skills of K9 Nose Work®, using primary rewards like treats and toys. We start to build the dog’s motivation, independence, drive and problem-solving skills while we sharpen the handler’s observation skills.

Dogs are being worked one at a time, and exercises are adapted to each handler/dog team. All sessions will be held inside (“interior searches” and “box drills”).

At this level, we will introduce exterior and vehicle searches and further refine the skills of the dog/handler teams, improve on-leash management techniques and work in more distracting environments. We will discuss factors affecting vehicle and exterior searches and continue to build the dog’s focus and confidence in different environments with and without boxes present. We will be working outside most of the sessions – please dress accordingly.

NOTE: Prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Level 1.

At this level, we will introduce the dogs to the essential oil of Birch (Betula lenta),  Anise/Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum, NOT to be confused with Star Anise (Illicium verum)) and Clove (Eugenia caryophylatta/Syzgium aromaticum) during their searches in all four elements (containers, interiors, exteriors, vehicles). We will pair the scents with the dog’s primary reward (food or toy), in order to create a positive association between the odors and the reward.

NOTE: Prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Level 1 and 2. Handlers must disclose any allergy or intolerance to birch, wintergreen, aspirin and methyl salicylate.

At this level, we will be preparing the teams for the Odor Recognition Test (ORT), NW1 and Level 1 Element Specialty Trials by creating trial-like searches.  Hide placements and search areas will become more complex, and we will continue to expand on the problem-solving skills of both dog and handler.  For more information about NACSW-sanctioned events, please go to www.nacsw.net.

NOTE: Prerequisite for this course is the successful completion of Level 1 – 3. It is NOT a requirement to be a trial competitor to attend this level.

At this level, we will broaden the dog/handler skills to successfully navigate NW2, NW3 and Level 2 and 3 Element Specialty Trial-style hide placements, challenges and searches while continuing to strengthen the foundational training.

For more information about NACSW-sanctioned events, please go to www.nacsw.net.

NOTE: Prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Level 1 – 4.  It is NOT a requirement to be a trial competitor to attend this level.

In this course, we will build on the skills needed to reach the Elite and Summit levels as well as introduce new problem-solving exercises and scent challenges that you may encounter during Elite and Summit searches, while maintaining drive and focus.

NOTE: Prerequisite for this course is successful completion of level 1-5, or admission at instructor’s discretion. It is NOT a requirement to be a trial competitor to attend this level.

• Every dog has his/her own hunting and sniffing style, and their sense of smell is by far superior to the human ability to detect odor (approx. 220 million scent receptors vs 5 million in the human nose)
• All dog sizes and weights from Yorkie to Great Dane, from Pug to Puli Canines love and excel at this activity!

• Triggering stimuli (e. g. new environment, scary objects, strangers, noises) are initially paired with a fun activity and a food or toy reward
• Safe and controlled environment Exercises customized to your dog
• Builds confidence as the dog ALWAYS succeeds in this activity
• No social pressure from other people and dog
• Sniffing tires the body and calms the mind

• Minimal to no interaction with other people who observe from a distance
• Only one dog is worked at any one time; no other dogs “in your face”
• No leash pressure from handler
• Sniffing/hunting can become more rewarding than reacting to a triggering stimulus
• Safe and controlled environment
• Sniffing tires the body and calms the mind

• Dogs can move freely off-leash in enclosed environments
• Dogs are encouraged to make their own choices Sniffing is a highly self-rewarding activity
• Sniffing tires the body and calms the mind

• Short training sessions ensure focused attention
• Exploring is a fun as well as physically and mentally tiring activity for puppies and adolescent dogs
• Builds confidence
• A great socialization tool

• Maximum mental stimulation with minimal physical movement
• Deaf dogs and blind dogs only need their sense of smell to be successful
• Safe and controlled environment
• Exercises customized to your dog
• Nose work builds confidence

• Enjoy watching your dog just like you watch TV; although you will have to get up and “change channels” from time to time (here: go to your dog and reward at source)

• Minimal movement needed from handler
• Other students and instructor can work your dog
• Dog will be tired physically and mentally at the end of each class

• Learn to relax in safe and control environment
• Gain confidence as your dog works successfully through nose work challenges
• Be in a “support group” with other dog handler
• Be proud of your dog’s achievements in class Learn to apply nose work in other environments

• Work inside in any room or building – from bathroom to barn, from living room to garage
• Work outside on any surface (e. g. concrete, gravel, grass, sand, dirt)
• Urban, suburban, rural areas
• Try your luck at vehicle searches Work in any weather (if so inclined) and any time of day or night Work with no, low, moderate and maximum distractions

• No to low cost activity; no expensive equipment required
• Short training sessions that fit in anyone’s busy schedule
• You can use your dog’s daily meals as hides
• Up the ante according to your dog’s successes and experience

K9 Nose Work® is NOT a substitute for behavior modification.  If your dog has exhibited aggressive behaviors towards people or other dogs, please contact Silke at [email protected] to set up a private consultation first, in order to determine whether a K9NW class or event may be right for you and your dog.

We reserve the right to decline working with a dog and/or asking a dog to leave the class without refund if we feel s/he is inappropriate or dangerous to the instructor or other students, or if the experience is detrimental to the dog’s emotional well-being.  Handlers are required to disclose full information as it pertains to any level of aggression.

Dogs must also be able to stay quietly in their cars or crated out of sight from their owners between their runs.