Introduction to Nose Work / Scent Work

Positive reinforcement and a variety of search scenarios are used to introduce the concept of "the game", encourage and build the dog's natural desire to hunt, and increase canine problem solving skills. The handler will become familiar with Nose Work terminology and the factors effecting scent.

The main objective is to build a strong foundation of fundamentals so that when the search for odor is introduced (Intro to Odor course) the dog's desire to play the game is exceptionally strong and you will have established good teamwork with your dog.

Much of the class will be spent on container searches; however other elements may be introduced depending on the skills of teams enrolled in the course.

Introduction to Odor

Already completed the Introduction to Nose Work / Scent Work class and are now ready for odor? Are you working towards your ORT (Odor Recognition Test)?

This course introduces three NACSW & AKC odors (Birch, Anise, Clove) paired with primary reward and builds on the fundamental foundations taught in the Introduction to Nose Work / Scent Work course to advance your dog's scent discrimination skills and sharpen your handling. The handler will grow their observation skills and learn to "read" their dog's most subtle scent communication signals.

Much of the class will be spent on container searches; however, curriculum progression is dependent on the skill level of those enrolled in the class.

The final class will include a Mock Odor Recognition Test.

Nose Work / Scent Work Elements

Using target odors (Birch, Anise, Clove) teams will increase their proficiency in trial elements: Vehicles, Exteriors, Interiors, Containers, Buried. Additionally, management of thresholds, corners, channels, and other areas where odor is more easily accessed will be explored, in addition to techniques for building team work between handler and canine.

Advanced Nose Work / Scent Work

Focus will be on handler skills, technique and increased difficulty of hides (i.e. bigger search areas, higher hides, search stamina, final responses, speed and accuracy, blind and timed hides). Additionally, we will add Cypress and other desired odors (used in sport venues).

Handler Discrimination

In this course the target scent is the handler’s scent, rather than the odor of an essential oil.  The handler is required to provide the scented article for Handler Discrimination Classes.   For the Novice class, the required scented article is a cotton glove or cotton sock.  For the Advanced, Excellent, and Master classes, the required scented articles may be cotton balls or cotton swabs.