Intro to K9 Nose Work

• We begin building foundations by encouraging 'hunt drive' using boxes. 

• Each team works individually with the trainer to maximum safety and learning for the dog. 

• The dog’s work one at a time - work, rest, work pattern. 

• Students are encouraged to watch the other teams working. This helps develop observation skills for better understanding of scent theory.  Everyone learns from each other, and this creates a supportive environment community for all.

• We will work the four elements: Interiors, Exteriors, Vehicles and Containers

• Dogs will be kept in their cars or crated in a separate area allowing each dog to feel safe and free from distractions. 

Intro to Odor

• We build upon the skills learned in the Intro to K9 NW foundations.

• Teams will refine skills with their dog. Pairing primary (food) with target odor. They will begin to search for a trained target odor (birch).

• We will build odor obedience and ensure dogs are driving to source.

• Dog will continue to learn how to use their nose and to work independently to find the target odor.

• Handlers will learn about scent cones (odor movement) and how the environment effects odor..

• We will discuss the use, handling, preparation, storage, and disposal of odor. 

Continuing Odor

• Continuation of skills from our Intro to Odor.

• Teams will go to various locations. (Feed and Fuel stores, Pet Food Stores, Schools and more!)

• Handlers will gain more knowledge about how they influence searches.

• We will discuss preparing handlers for taking the Odor Recognition Test

• Complexity will be added to searches:

  • Converging odor

  • Elevation

  • Pooling Odor 

  • Lingering Odor