SCENT WORK

 

Exciting New Scent Work Class Launching Soon.  Check out our calendar for next class details.
This immersive six-week course will kick off with a dynamic overview of scent-sport fundamentals, essential equipment, and key rules across multiple venues. On the very first day, dogs will be introduced to the odor of birch, beginning their journey with confidence. Handlers and their dogs will build teamwork, ignite drive to odor, and learn effective strategies for success in a supportive environment.
Our welcoming, low-stress environment is ideal for beginners, making it easy to start your scent work journey. Experience hands-on training, watch your dog’s confidence and skills blossom, and see firsthand what makes this activity so enjoyable for both dogs and handlers. Whether you’re aiming to compete or simply enrich your dog’s life with meaningful mental stimulation, our Scent Work class offers the perfect opportunity. We keep class sizes small to ensure every participant gets personalized coaching and plenty of interactive learning.
One of the most common questions we receive is about dog-to-dog interaction during class. For everyone’s safety and comfort, dogs are kept in their handlers’ vehicles when not actively participating. Each dog comes in individually for their turn to train, ensuring a calm and focused environment. Your dog’s well-being and the safety of all participants remain our top priorities. We look forward to providing you with a secure, positive experience.
No prior experience is required—every dog is welcome to join our scent work class!

 

Scent Work classes run in a 6-week series for $210. Drop-in classes are also available, subject to space, except for Intro to Scent Work.  

Please review the Calendar tab. We offer multiple Intro, Novice, Intermediate, Excellent/Master, and Handler Discrimination classes during the week and on weekends. Our calendar is the best place to find the most up-to-date information

If you do not see a class time that fits your schedule, please contact us to be added to our waitlist. We start new classes all the time to accommodate interest.

PRIVATE CLASSES AVAILABLE

Classes are divided into small groups of no more than 6 students, giving you plenty of time to practice with your pup. You will also have plenty of time to ask questions and cheer each other on during the learning process. Each class works on a different lesson plan tailored to the students’ level. Odors vary, and we search inside and outside, as well as in buried vehicles and containers. We aim to keep the classes fresh and exciting for both students and their pets. Theory is also discussed in class, covering topics such as odor movement, blank areas, temperature effects on odor, elevated hides, inaccessible areas, and distractors.

Introduction: Scent Work begins with a presentation on gear, basic rules, and a time for questions. In the first class, we will introduce your dog to odor and pair it with a food treat. The series follows a specific program designed by your trainer to teach your dog to work with odor. We train for a focused alert starting on day one.

Novice Scent Work begins by exploring the various elements of AKC and NACSW competition. We break down the search areas, introduce different components into the search process, and conduct extensive practice. Students should expect to repeat this class several times to build confidence and skills, as we cover a lot of information.

Intermediate and Master  Scent Work delves into theory, paired with practical application. It discusses how odor moves and adds the challenges of inaccessible hides, elevated searches, and multi-hide searches.