K9 Nose Work Classes

This class introduces the concept of the game, builds handler observation skills and timing, and gets the dogs focused. The first class of the term is primarily an evaluation class, and teaches the overall game. The remaining classes work on building foundation skills to help the handler read the dog and to build the dog’s intensity for the hunting game. We start K9 Nose Work® Classes with just the toy or food rather than odor in order to build the hunting drive first and to sharpen the handlers’ skills. That way when odor is introduced, the dog’s desire to play the game is very strong and the handler has established good teamwork with the dog. The last class of the term may introduce a blind hide to test the handler’s knowledge and ability in reading their dog (NACSW, 2012, pg. M3.P1).