About this class:
In this 6-week session we will teach the dogs to hunt independently for a target reward (usually high-value food) within a designated search area. All training is done in a positive manner, giving dogs the freedom to learn and hunt at their own speed while handlers learn how to read their dogs’ unique body language. Nose work is a fun enrichment activity that dogs already know how to do! Giving dogs permission to use their innate skills can be very empowering for dogs who lack confidence. And for dogs who are confident but overly energetic, the nose work game provides a great outlet for all that energy and enthusiasm.
Learn more about K9 Nose Work here.
Although it is a group class, each dog will work individually. This allows the dogs to focus on their work without being distracted or worried about other dogs nearby. Because of this, your dog must be able to be wait in a secured area — either in your vehicle or secured in a crate elsewhere in the building — when not working in the search area. Ideally, handlers will remain in the search area, watching other dogs work (this is part of educating the human teammate). Since this is an evening class in the winter, we will plan to work inside. There is plenty of crating space available inside the building.
Prerequisites:
Formal obedience is not required, but dogs must be under basic control when entering and leaving the search areas. Dogs that are aggressive to humans or who have a problem with resource guarding (i.e. dogs who will growl if you place a hand near their food/toy to take it away) are not good candidates for this class. Dogs should be OK with being away from you for periods of time when not working their turn.
What to bring:
– A 6-foot or 8-foot leash (dog will work both on-leash and off-leash, depending on the search)
– A flat collar or harness for your dog (prong collars are fine for coming in/out, but your dog must be searching on either a flat collar or harness)
– High-value treats that have a strong odor to them (examples: hot dogs, sausage, meatballs, salmon or fish treats, tripe treats, etc.)
– A hungry, motivated dog! (If you normally feed your dog dinner around this time, I recommend feeding only half.)
About the instructor: Hi, I’m Anne Steciw, CNWI. I have been a member of the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) since 2010, when I first started taking classes in K9 Nose Work. Since then, I have trained and titled 5 different dogs in the sport of K9 Nose Work, have attended dozens of workshops related to scent detection, and hosted dozens of official and unofficial events at a variety of locations around New England. I am a Certified Nose Work Instructor, a trial host for NACSW and USCSS, and a certified Score Room Lead for NACSW trials. I have also trained and competed in additional dogs sports including Flyball, Rally Obedience, Dock Diving, and Disc Dog. By day, I am a copy editor for an IT publisher.
