Nosework
| Class Descriptions | Driving Directions | Class Schedule | Workshops |What is Nosework?Have you ever seen search and rescue or drug/bomb sniffing canines work and been in awe of their skill at following and detecting odor? Well, thanks to three wonderful dog trainers from Southern California, now your dog can also experience the excitement of using their keen natural scenting abilities while developing a greater bond working with you! Jill-Marie O’Brien, Amy Herot and Ron Gaunt all work certified detection dogs. Four years ago they began developing K-9 Nosework for family dogs using birch, anise and cloves for the search scents so family dogs could participate in the exciting experience of the search! They have since developed a training program for instructors and an organization to provide trials for those who wish to title in the sport. Nosework exercises can be conducted in your basement, garage, back yard, at the local park or wherever you and your dog decide to play – indoors and out! |
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Who Can Participate?
This sport is a low impact activity that builds confidence and burns lots of mental and physical energy in 10 minute exercises and your dog can stay on leash the entire time. Since all exercises can be done on leash and only one dog is present in group classes at a time, dogs anxious about people and other dogs can participate as well as champion athletes. The instinctive nature of the sport encourages nervous dogs to refocus on the task rather than the environment. The sport is a great confidence builder for all dogs participating.
Neither age nor physical abilities come into play for this sport (in either the dog or the handler). Searches are conducted indoors and outdoors in up to 1000 square foot areas. You can choose flat terrain so people and dogs with structural challenges do not need to worry about footing. If your dog has a nose, he can succeed at this sport every time he plays!
All dogs are born with the natural prey instinct to search and follow scent. It is their strongest survival instinct. Nosework simply FINALLY allows dogs to use those impressive skills and shapes them into a low impact sport that we can share with them. There is a new puzzle for the dogs to solve on each search and the dogs win every time! They are in charge of the search, not us! What could be more fun??!!
To participate in Seattle Agility Center Nosework classes dogs must be either cookie or toy motivated. Dogs must stay in crate or behind barrier held by owner between working turns. Handlers must have on leash control of their dog (“normal” pulling is not a problem). No aggressive dogs please. Class size is limited to 5 dogs. Pre-registration is required. All Nosework Classes are held at the Obedience Training Center.
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Are You Intrigued???? |
- Canine Nosework
The website of the founders of this amazing sport - National Association of Canine Scentwork (NACSW)
The website for the competition side of the sport - A Must Checkout Article and Video
By Sandia Mannion, The Bark, Issue 60, Summer 2010
The following articles are very in depth and interesting if you are now hooked!
- The Dog's Nose Knows This Is a Blast
By Maryanne Dell, OC Register, Feb 27, 2009 - Sniffing Out a New Level of Nose Work
By Maryanne Dell, OC Register April 27, 2009
Nosework Class Descriptions
All dogs must be either cookie or toy motivated. Dogs must stay in crate or car between working turns. Dogs must be leash trained (“normal” pulling is not a problem). No aggressive dogs please. Ages 6 months to Seniors.
Class is 7 weeks for $135.00 – LIMIT 5 DOGS – Pre-Registration Required - Registration Form
All nosework classes are held at the Obedience Training Center - Driving directions
Level 1 Nosework
Introduction to Nosework…dogs learn to find cookies/toys in boxes – Boxwork. This teaches them to play the game. The first odor, Birch, will be added if dogs are ready. Outdoor searches are introduced.
Level 2 Nosework
Odor Work…dogs learn to find birch odor in new places both indoors and outdoors as well as in box drills. Car searches are introduced.
Level 3 Nosework - Ongoing
Searches become more complex…more distractions, different heights and depths. Additional odors are introduced as dogs are ready. Nosework Fun Days off sight will be scheduled in addition to class time at this level. This class prepares for competition for those interested.
Click Here for Nosework Class Schedule