Introduction to Nosework

New six week classes beginning November 2022 and January 2023 
Maximum four dogs
1.5 hour class
Starts Saturday, November 19 @ 12 pm (break over holidays, class resumes in January) 
Starts Saturday, January 7 @ 2 pm 

Graduates of our Introduction to Nosework class, April 2022
From left to right: Natasha and Uno, Heather and Bree, Brenda and Tucker 
​

​"I recently adopted a young dog named Uno and was looking for various ways to tire him out and learn new skills. Sandy's Introduction to Nosework class was great! She is knowledgeable, thorough and enthusiastic. She is good at reading the dogs in order to tailor problems to each individual dog to help them learn and build confidence.  It was satisfying to see Uno learning new skills in a way that he clearly enjoyed. He was excited each time we came to class and couldn't wait to get started. In spite of being a young, active dog, he was tired after many of the classes. I'm glad I have something to build on that can tire him out. I would recommend Sandy's class to anyone who wants to learn something new and fun with their dog!'  Natasha Broznitsky

My duck toller and I have recently completed Sandy's Introduction to scent work class and are soon to start the next level where the dog learns to use the foundation skills to locate a specific scent.  It has been a wonderful opportunity to learn how dogs "see" the world through their noses.  We all know dogs love to sniff, but to become aware of how smell moves and responds to environmental factors and how the canine nose responds to these complex factors is amazing.  In nosework the dog is not responding to handler commands which (to me)  encourages development of confidence.  Sandy is very perceptive at noticing when the dog needs a bit of help and educating the handler how to offer aid and encouragement.  Every dog is an individual and Sandy is able to adapt the exercises so that each participant is successful.  Mostly, it's just fun to watch the dogs be so excited and happy to be working. Maggie Davis

In nosework your dog searches for essential oils. These oils are placed on cotton swabs and hidden. This is called the “hide”. Your dog searches for the “hide” and lets you know when he finds it – the “alert”. Searches take place inside buildings, out in the open, in containers such as boxes and luggage, on vehicles, and even buried in the ground.

Nosework is wonderful for building a bond with your dog, and for creating focus and confidence in your dog. After all, your dog already has a Ph.D. in sniffing!  When you do nosework with your dog, she is doing what she loves to do and does best – use her amazing nose!

Nosework is for all dogs no matter their age, size, breed, energy level, or level of physical fitness. Even dogs who are uncomfortable with or reactive to other dogs, can participate in nosework. In nosework classes, the dogs take turns coming into the search area and wait in the car between turns. Dogs must be comfortable being left unattended in your car between their searches. Dogs must also be comfortable with people. 

If you want to try something different with your dog, and have a lot of fun, try our beginning nosework class! Register here. 

Watch Bree find a hide under a cone in our Introduction to Nosework class. Being a border collie, she lifts the cone herself to access the hide!  Watch Bree work here.