K9 Nose Work Classes
Specialty Classes
We are proud to announce as of February 1st, 2012 Cindy C. Smith officially received her CNWI (Certified Nose Work Instructor) Title with N.A.C.S.W. (National Association of Canine Scent Work)!
Interested? Learn more about the sport of K9 Nose Work please check out online: K9 Nose Work & NACSW (National Association of Canine Scent Work)
Please Note: These classes are open both to existing/past students of The Right Steps and to New Clients! For these K9 Nose Work Classes you may be coming to train with us for the first time or have trained with us before, as there is no obedience and all about the fun and searches, these classes are appropriate for both. Sign up now!
Small Class Sizes: 4 Puppies/Dogs Minimum & Only 6-7 Puppies/Dogs Maximum. Our smaller Class sizes allow for more fun!
Prerequisite: Dogs must be able to be crated comfortably and safely inside building and inside vehicles (when cooler weather allows). Dogs not searching will be in crates at all times, out of the search area (in building or out in vehicles when cool enough), until their turn. Owners are required to bring their own soft sided or wire crates to class. If questions regarding this policy please ask before signing up for these classes. 1st preference is always to have dogs in vehicles as it allows for more floor room for searches.
These are fantastic puppies/dogs of all ages (5 months of age to senior dogs). Although we encourage puppies/dogs have a basic knowledge of basic training cues, it is not required for these classes.
These "K9 Nose Work Classes" are structured for puppies/dogs to use their nose and learn how to work without owner instruction. It creates a stress free working environment. See puppies/dogs confidence build with each search. Each set of Classes are 6 weeks. For students that continue on, the next set of classes will begin where the last one left off.
Beginning Classes Puppies/Dogs learn how to scent out their favorite treats or toys (whatever best motivates them/is the highest value reward).
Handlers learn how to read dogs body language of when on odor versus just being a dog, learn how odor works, how to trust their dog. Dogs learn how to tap into their natural hunting and survival skills, have a blast using their nose, and enjoy being rewarded by their handler. Fun for dogs fun for handlers.
Classes work as a support team for each other, celebrate each and every dogs wins, help each other to see what they see as dogs search (dogs body language, how to tell when dogs following odor, and when locate their source.), help each other have fun and success.
For those students who continue, eventually scenting is transferred over to how to scent for different types of Odors (Birch, Anise, & Clove), then the treat or toy become the reward for the final find.
Foundation searches are started in boxes. Taking the time to build a solid foundation and problem solving skills from the start is the most important step in K9 Nose Work to a strong future.
For Classes that advance and continue on, ultimately Field Trips would be used to begin to increase distractions and difficulty of searches.
Examples of Different Levels/Types of Searches: Container Searches, Interior Building Searches, Exterior Building Searches, and Vehicle Searches. Each set of 6 weeks of classes start on basic box searches, then build to other types of searches. To cover all types/levels of searches continuing training classes are needed as there is a lot to learn to do K9 Nose Work Searches properly, whether for fun for to one day to have goal in place to compete/trial.
Check out these 2 great articles about K9 Nose Work: 
&
The Right Steps 1st Quarter "Doggy Digest" 2012_Newsletter (See Page 2 for "Exploring K9 Nose Work Classes" by Cindy C. Smith/The Right Steps
&
Debra Kelley's K9 Nose Work Article
Benefits:
#1: These classes are a great way to make for very happy and mentally tired puppies and dogs!
#2: Great mental activity for those cold wet winter days &/or too hot to go outside summer days! Priortiy is for the puppies/dogs to always have fun!
#3: Also a fantastic compliment to an existing Behavior Modification Program for reactive &/or shy puppies and dogs. Okay for physically challenged dogs (blind, deaf, old/senior dogs, physically limited, etc.). A great confidence builder for those shy puppies and dogs and a way for them to connect and bond with their family! A nice outlet for dogs who otherwise do not have any other options for fun!
#4: Learn how to read your dog's body language and how to start to understand odor.
#5: Our K9 Nose Work Classes allows for Reactive Dogs to participate! These classes will be carefully managed at our Inside Training Facility, so dogs may work without having other dogs in the Training Facility at the same time. All dogs waiting for their turn will be crated outside, in their guardian's vehicles, for safely until okayed by Trainer to exit vehicle to enter the facility. Class times will be scheduled so outside temperature is cool enough, to safely have dogs await their turn, secured (crated) inside their locked vehicles. In weather that is too hot/warm, dogs will be safely/securely crated (with owner provided wire or canvas crates) inside the back of the Training Facility. Only one dog comes/goes at a time. Safety and fun are priorities at all times!
#6: Classes are great whether doing just for fun and/or if you one day have a goal in place to compete! It is all about the fun and taking the time to create a solid foundation. Enjoy the journey of fun and learning with your dog!
K9 Nose Work Classes are Open for Reactive Dogs: For dogs with dog/dog & dog/human reactivity issues (no bite history or aggressive puppies/dogs please) these classes are carefully managed, so dogs may work and come/go without having to worry about other dogs/humans at the same time. All dogs waiting for their turn will be crated outside, in their guardian's vehicles, for safely until okayed by Trainer to exit vehicle to enter the facility. Class times will be scheduled so outside temperature is cool enough, to safely have dogs await their turn, inside their locked vehicles. Dogs will enter through the front door and exit through the back door, dogs coming in may not enter until the inside dog has exited and door has closed. Safety is priority at all times! No dog/dog or dog/people socializing. Please contact us if you are unsure if appropriate for your puppy/dog.
Please Note: Although we allow the opportunity for dog/dog and/or dog people Reactive puppies/dogs to participate; please note The Right Steps K9 Nose Work Classes are not appropriate for dogs with a serious Bite History of (dog or human) Bites/Aggression Issues. Please see Class & Facility Rules for further details. "If concerned, please address with us before signing up".
Classes are open to graduates of The Right Steps Puppy Classes, Adult Dog Classes, Private Lessons, and New Clients to The Right Steps (however it is the Clients responsibility to read and adhere to The Right Steps Class and Facility Rules). Any questions please ask before signing up.
Offered: Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays (based on demand / days and times may vary). Class Schedules & Sign Ups
*Fee:
$185.00 for 6 weeks / Classes are 1.5 Hours / 6-7 puppies/dogs Maximum per Class.
*Please Note: Payment in full is required to reserve/purchase a Class Space (by Pay Pal Online, Check, or Cash). Once Payment has been received a Personalized Class Confirmation and Class Details (including your Class Day/Time/Date) E-mail will be sent by The Right Steps to confirm space has been purchased and confirmed. The Class E-mail Confirmations are sent out only on Wed., Thurs., & Fri. ~ Thank You for your patience and your business.
Week #1 of 6 is Mandatory
Week #1 is mandatory for both Students new to The Right Steps & past or existing students with The Right Steps. Week #1 of 6 is without the dogs. At Trainer's discretion 1st Class may be with the dogs. (In cases where all students are prior Clients with The Right Steps an exception may be made and Week #1 could be with dogs.)Important Information:
Required reading, please visit our Forms Page, before signing up for Classes:#1: Class Prerequisites & Details
#2: Class
Contract & Liability Release
#3: Class & Facility Rules
#4:
Payment, Cancellation, & Refund Policy
#5: Payment Due via Pay Pal (Credit Card), Check, or Cash to purchase/reserve your Class Space
When signing up online direct or by printing and
mailing in, you are agreeing you have read all 5 in full, and agree to their
terms and conditions.
Please click on Class Schedules to see our upcoming Class Dates.
