Nosework and Scentwork Classes

Dogs have a sense of smell that’s between 10,000 and 100,000 times more acute than humans! The sport of scentwork and nosework celebrates the joy of sniffing and asks a dog to sniff to their heart’s content; turning your dog’s favorite activity into a rewarding game. It is a terrific sport for all kinds of dogs, and is a wonderful way to build confidence in a shy dog.

In so many dog sports the handler is in control, but this isn’t true in scent work. Neither the dog nor handler knows where the target odor is hidden. The handler has to rely on the dog, and follow the dog’s nose to success. In scentwork/nosework, it is the canine who is the star of the show. ​The sport of scentwork/nosework is based on the work of professional detection dogs (such as drug sniffing dogs), employed by humans to detect a wide variety of scents and substances. 
Intro to Nosework 
Harness the power of your dog's nose in this fun, smart, contemporary twist on canine scent detection. Build handling and observational skills while teaching your dog to use his or her natural instincts to find specific odors amid distractions. This sport is designed for ALL types of dogs and will provide you with an overall understanding of scent detection/discrimination, the basic concepts involved in searching for a specific odor, the use and handling of equipment and odors, as well as learning how to develop the desire to search.

​Prerequisite: Completion of Canine Manners or similar class, or approval by Training Director.
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​Intro to Nosework 2 - Elements
Take the next step in learning Nosework by introducing your dog to interior, exterior, and vehicle searches! Intro to Nosework Elements will also introduce teams to new odors (Anise and Clove) and will start to prepare you for taking your Odor Recognition Test / Target Odor Test.

Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to Nosework class.
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Intermediate Nosework
If your dog already knows how to search for an odor and you want to progress your training, this class will get you ready for all of the trial elements and will prepare you to take your Odor Recognition Test (ORT), Target Odor Test (TOT), NW1, or NW2. Gain confidence in handling and reading your dog, work elements including multiple hides, inaccessible hides, and luggage. Foundational skills will be addressed.
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Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to Nosework.

Advanced Nosework
Take your Nosework and Scentwork training to the next level. Whether just for fun or if you are starting to trial, the advanced nosework series will explore more difficult hides, additional odors, and teach greater concepts, skills, and strategies to becoming an effective scent detection team. Teams will continue to explore searching interior, exterior, and even off-site fun "field trip" locations.

Prerequisite: Completion of Intermediate Nosework.
Learn more about our other classes - agility class descriptions, manners plus family dog and puppy class descriptions.
    If there is a class you are interested in that is NOT currently offered please submit this form to the training committee. Thank you for your interest in Kruisin' Kanines dog training classes!