Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a dog start nose work training?
Any age! No prerequisite skills are necessary. Lessons are adjusted to suit the individual dog. That said, if you’ve got a puppy, it’s super important that he gets the proper socialization he needs. Nose work class will not provide that, so be sure to find a humane training class to build those skills separately.
Is this an indoor class, or will we be working outside?
Due to COVID, all classes will be held outdoors. We make special arrangements when it’s too cold so that you and your dog can be kept warm and comfortable while waiting for your turn. Classes are cancelled for inclement weather or extreme heat. We simply extend the class another week when we need to cancel.
What does a nose work class look like?
The structure of nose work classes is likely different than other classes you’ve attended. There’s only ever one dog working at a time, for many reasons. First, dog reactive dogs are welcome. That means making sure all dogs feel safe so they can enjoy the benefits of nose work. Second, after each of your dog’s searches, putting him away so he can rest also solidifies what he just learned so that he can better apply his learning on his next search. And finally, observation and a huge part of your learning in nose work. You’ll need to understand why your dog does what he does when he’s searching, and there’s no better way to learn that than watching how the other dogs problem solve in their searches.
Where does my dog go when it’s not his turn?
When it’s not your dog’s turn he’ll need to be crated away from the other dogs. Most clients crate their dogs in their vehicles. While your dog and vehicle can’t be kept right next to the search area, there is plenty of shade and other location options so you can keep your eye on your dog. There are also several crates available in the See Spot Grin classroom if you prefer that option, but understand that your dog will be out of sight while you observe the rest of the class.
What’s the difference between the Intro to K9 Nose Work class and the Intro to Odor class?
The Intro to K9 Nose Work class is a prerequisite for the Intro to Odor class. One focuses on learning the game with food, the other on how to apply the concepts learned to a novel odor.