About these Classes:

NOSE WORK 1:

Nose Work,  a relatively new detection-style sport develops a dog‘s natural scenting abilities by using the dog‘s curiosity, desire to hunt, and love of toys, food, and exercise.   Scent work is  fun for the dog and handler! Your dog will get to use his natural instincts to sniff and chase while being physically and mentally challenged. Since the dogs work one at a time, while the other dogs are crated or behind a pod, this class is good even for shy or reactive dogs. Part 1 is Intro to Search; Part 2 is Intro to Odor. You can continue through the levels and compete along the way. Eventually, you and your dog can compete in Odor Recognition Trials and Titles, but you can do fun nose work at home using minimal supplies.

NOSE WORK 2 – SEARCHING EXTERIORS/VEHICLES

The focus your dog learned in Nose Work 1 pays off when we go outside with noises, smells, and other distractions. Your dog will also work with different types of containers and different set-ups. Prerequisite: Nose Work 1.

NOSE WORK 3 – INTRO TO ODOR:

After associating the odor of birch with yummy treats, we go back outside to revisit exteriors and vehicles with odor. We slowly increase the number of hides that are odor only. The last two classes, we add the type of scenario you would find if you took an ORT (Odor Recognition Test).  In these tests, 12 identical boxes are set out in front of the judges. You have 3 minutes to take your dog through them to find the ONE box that has the odor in it. Prerequisite: Nose Work 2.

NOSE WORK 4 – CONTINUING ODOR, BIRCH:

In Nose Work 4, your dog will be challenged with more odors, and the hides will be harder to find! Prerequisite: Nose Work 3.

ADVANCED NOSE WORK:

This advanced class is reserved for current Your Dog’s Friend students who have instructor approval.

TRAVEL NOSE WORK:

Take part in Nose Work searches outside at different locations in and around Rockville, MD.  Complexity of searches and additional odors will be based on the dog’s experience level.  Class will be rescheduled if weather makes travel unsafe. Prerequisite: Nose Work 3.

Instructor:

• Jacqueline Reardon, CNWI

Fee: 

• Nose Work 1-4 and Advanced: $200: Six sessions, 60 minutes each
• Travel Nose Work: $110: Three sessions, 60 minutes each

Upcoming Classes

Please check Schedule at a Glance for days off and the last date of class.

Registration

Class fees help support the free programs and services provided by Your Dog’s Friend, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and supporting dog parents.

Join the Notification List

Not ready to sign up? Waiting for a better day to fit your schedule? Join the Nose Work notification list to receive an email we schedule new sessions of this class.