Nose Work

Nose work is a brand new sport created to help dogs learn to use their most significant attribute - their sense of smell! Register for classes online at www.gentlepets.com.

Training begins with simple exercises where dogs search boxes for a treat or toy. Eventually, dogs learn to search for odors (birch, anise and clove) in indoor and outdoor settings, including vehicles. Any breed, old or young, can have fun and be successful in this new sport. Because only one dog searches at a time, fearful or reactive dogs can also safely and comfortably participate.

For those who love to compete, trials sanctioned by the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) offer dogs the opportunity to title at three levels of difficulty (NW1, NW2, NW3).

Introductory Course

This is a 6-week introductory class designed to motivate the dogs to “find” a treat or toy. The training begins with simple exercises where dogs search boxes for a treat or toy. They quickly progress to searching through various objects at different elevations and become more confident and skilled at this sport.

Introduction to Odor

A 6-week class where the dogs learn how to find a specific odor (sweet birch to start). We begin hiding the food and odor together. Before long, the dogs are searching for just the odor understanding that finding the hidden odor will unlock the key to the primary reinforcer - food or toys!

Continuing Nose Work

This is an ongoing class where Clients may purchase a 6-week class card that can be used over a 12-week period. In this class, we build skills and confidence in the dog and help the handler to learn to read and trust their dog. Over time, dogs are doing interior, exterior and vehicle searches for three specific odors (birch, anise, clove).