K9 Nose Work®
Joseph's Obedience has 3 Amazing CNWI's Certified K9 Nose Work® Instructors: Tracey Costa, Susan James and Maureen Dwyer.
K9 Nose Work® is the fastest growing recreational sport open to ALL dogs, regardless of age, size, physical limitation or level of training. It provides physical exercise and mental stimulation. Dogs work one by one, allowing them to focus and learn. Natural behaviors are encouraged, which build confidence and drive in the game of scenting and searching. This sport strengthens the relationship with our canine companions, as we learn how they experience the world.
K9 Nose Work® Training Cape Cod
K9 Nose Work® is open to all breeds of dogs. Reactive dogs are welcome but if you have a reactive dog, please notify us of your dog’s reactivity. In these “Intro Phases” we work on the dog’s understanding of searching in a given context. We will also begin handling techniques that will be carried through the K9 Nose Work® career.
Intro to K9 Nose Work® is a fun, safe dog sport which creates a deeper bond and mutual enjoyment between you and your K9 companions. Learn the basics of this new immensely popular dog sport. Classes are open to any dog and person of any age or physical ability. This sport provides a fun way to spend quality time with your dog while building confidence for shy and timid dogs. It challenges dogs to use their nose to hunt for the odors we want them to find; in the beginning, it is the “primary” odor of food and then later on in subsequent sessions the search transitions to the desired odors – Birch, Anise, and Clove.
Handlers learn to observe the dog’s body language to determine where the odor is hidden. In the Intro 6-week session we build the dog’s desire to hunt using fun techniques for the dog and handler while building a positive relationship between you and your dog. We train you to read and understand your dog’s unique & subtle behaviors while hunting, problem-solving, and communicating when they have located the source of the hunt. The exposure to different things like, hunting and problem-solving, benefits timid and shy dogs by building confidence while also helping to calm the more energetic and reactive dogs. Subsequent 6-week sessions progress through different levels where dogs learn to hunt in various interior areas, a wide range of exterior areas, on the outer surfaces of different types of vehicles, and different types of containers. One of the goals is being able to compete in K9 Nose Work® trials or just having more advanced fun with your dog. Pre-registration is required as class size is limited to allow each student multiple searches. Classes will have lecture and practical components.
Introduction to K9 Nose Work® – is your first step into the world of scent work. This class will showcase how your dog uses their incredible sense of smell to locate food hidden in a box. K9 Nose Work® will build confidence in your dog, while expending mental and physical energy too! This is an opportunity for you to learn to read your dog’s body language and watch your dog have fun in this obedience-free zone! Working with boxes, builds the foundation that allows you and your dog to solve more complex search problems in the future. **Requirements: A large quantity and variety of treats will be needed to “load” the search box. Small, soft pieces work best.
K9 Nose Work® Introduction to Odor – is a continuation of K9 Nose Work® where essential oils become the target odor. Your dog will learn this by the pairing of primary and scented q-tips. Essential oil of Birch, Anise and Clove will now become valuable! **Requirements: Your dog is now successfully hunting for primary (food) in a variety of situations. They understand the game without the need to work with boxes. Completion of Introduction to K9 Nose Work® is needed or instructor approval.
K9 Nose Work® Level 1 – is a continuation of K9 Nose Work® where your dog recognizes odor and independently hunting in a variety of situations. The K9 team is now ready to pass an odor recognition test or practice skills required to compete at the NW1 level. **Requirements: Completion of Introduction to Odor is needed or instructor approval.
K9 Nose Work® Level 2 – is a continuation of advanced K9 Nose Work® skills. The K9 team has earned their NW1 title and is now ready to prepare for the next level. **Requirements: NW1 title is needed or instructor approval.
For ALL levels of K9 Nose Work® – dogs must be able to tolerate being crated inside your vehicle (when cooler weather allows). Dogs not searching will be in crates at all times and out of the search area. A flat buckle collar or harness (no easy walk harness) and a 6-foot lead or longer (no flexi-leads) is needed. A large quantity and variety of treats will be needed to reward your dog. Small, soft pieces work best. If your dog is toy motivated, bring their favorite toy to class.
What To Bring to the First Class
K9 Nose work® Supplies
- A Hungry Dog – Dogs hunt better when they are hungry for the hunted item.
- Very High Value Smelly Treats – A good quantity of aromatic treats such as hot dogs, smelly cheese, sardines, or other meat, which will stimulate your dog’s hunt drive. A soft treat, one that is worth hunting for and is very special to your dog, is needed.
- Thin Leash – at least 6 feet long. Eventually you will need one around 10 feet.
- Notebook – for any notes you would like to take.
- Video Device – to video your searches if you would like to record your dog’s progress and your own.
More items may be needed at future sessions, such as a special harness or collar only used for K9 Nose Work®. This will be discussed at the first session, so please wait to order until the first class.
Please complete and submit the Pre-Class Questionnaire prior to the first class. Click the link below, answer the questions, save to your computer and attach in an email to: josephsdogtraining@yahoo.com