K9 Nose Work (NACSW)
See below the schedule for the complete class descriptions.
K9 NOSE WORK® COURSES
Cost for Each 6-Week Course: $210.00
Who can participate?
❖ Any dog or puppy 4 months old and up. Handlers 13 years old and over are welcome with parent supervision.
❖ Retired dogs or dogs with physical limitations (as long as they are mobile) are welcome.
❖ Dogs who are fearful of other dogs and/or reactive toward other dogs can participate! We create a safe environment where only one dog at a time is working in class and the others are crated out of sight in a separate area.
❖ Dogs with aggression issues toward people or dogs who have caused serious injury to other dogs are not suited for group nose work sessions.
About the classes:
❖ Each dog will be worked individually during the class
❖ Dogs will need to be crated and/or kept in your vehicle (during nice weather) between working times (indoor climate-controlled crating area available) - If crated, dogs must be able to rest calmly in a crate.
Cost for Each 6-Week Course: $210.00
Who can participate?
❖ Any dog or puppy 4 months old and up. Handlers 13 years old and over are welcome with parent supervision.
❖ Retired dogs or dogs with physical limitations (as long as they are mobile) are welcome.
❖ Dogs who are fearful of other dogs and/or reactive toward other dogs can participate! We create a safe environment where only one dog at a time is working in class and the others are crated out of sight in a separate area.
❖ Dogs with aggression issues toward people or dogs who have caused serious injury to other dogs are not suited for group nose work sessions.
About the classes:
❖ Each dog will be worked individually during the class
❖ Dogs will need to be crated and/or kept in your vehicle (during nice weather) between working times (indoor climate-controlled crating area available) - If crated, dogs must be able to rest calmly in a crate.
Sept/Oct 2024
At this time all Nose Work classes are full.
DO NOT PAY FOR CLASS UNLESS YOU RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION / YOU WILL BE INVOICED
Class Cost is $210 for 6 weeks 9/19, 9/26, 10/17, 10/31, 11/7, 11/21
NOTE: DO NOT PRE-PAY. Students will be invoiced after they have received confirmation into the class. These classes are in high demand so dont assume you have a spot just because you registered, wait to receive email confirmation.
1:00pm-2:30 pm Advanced Nose Work (limit 6 teams) CLASS FULL
2:30pm-4:00pm Advanced Nose Work (limit 6 teams) CLASS FULL
4:00pm-5:00pm Intro to Nose Work (limit 6 teams) CLASS FULL
INTERMEDIATE NOSE WORK - For dogs that have completed Intro to Nose Work 1 & 2 and Intro to Odor 1 & or instructor permission. Additional target odors (Anise and Clove) are introduced in this class and handlers are challenged to learn new skills and the searching challenges are increased. Handlers interested in entering Nose Work competition trials with their dogs will learn trial rules and build skills to help them be successful in earning their first titles.
Class Cost is $210 for 6 weeks 9/19, 9/26, 10/17, 10/31, 11/7, 11/21
NOTE: DO NOT PRE-PAY. Students will be invoiced after they have received confirmation into the class. These classes are in high demand so dont assume you have a spot just because you registered, wait to receive email confirmation.
1:00pm-2:30 pm Advanced Nose Work (limit 6 teams) CLASS FULL
2:30pm-4:00pm Advanced Nose Work (limit 6 teams) CLASS FULL
4:00pm-5:00pm Intro to Nose Work (limit 6 teams) CLASS FULL
INTERMEDIATE NOSE WORK - For dogs that have completed Intro to Nose Work 1 & 2 and Intro to Odor 1 & or instructor permission. Additional target odors (Anise and Clove) are introduced in this class and handlers are challenged to learn new skills and the searching challenges are increased. Handlers interested in entering Nose Work competition trials with their dogs will learn trial rules and build skills to help them be successful in earning their first titles.
Class Discriptions
INTRO TO NOSE WORK 1 & 2 - (Two 6-Week Courses) The foundation work for getting your dog using his or her natural hunting and scenting abilities. No prerequisite for Intro to Nose Work 1. The prerequisite for Nose Work 2 is Intro to Nose Work 1 or instructor permission. High food motivation is beneficial for this class. No prior training of any kind is required.
INTRO TO ODOR 1 & 2 - (Two 6-Week Courses) Prerequisites: Intro to Nose Work 1 & 2 or instructor permission. These courses are for those who are already having fun working with their dogs in the basics in scent detection and want to take the next step. Dogs are introduced to the first target odor, Birch, a natural essential oil used in K9 Nose Work® trials.
Dogs/handlers must have completed both Intro to Nose Work 1 & 2 (and Intro to Odor 1 if signing up for Odor 2) and be able to demonstrate skill proficiency with box hides, elevated hides, and various environmental hides. The first target odor is introduced in this class.
INTERMEDIATE NOSE WORK - For dogs that have completed Intro to Nose Work 1 & 2 and Intro to Odor 1 & or instructor permission. Additional target odors (Anise and Clove) are introduced in this class and handlers are challenged to learn new skills and the searching challenges are increased. Handlers interested in entering Nose Work competition trials with their dogs will learn trial rules and build skills to help them be successful in earning their first titles.
ADVANCED NOSE WORK - Designed for the experienced teams who have earned titles with their dog. Advanced level training will expand both the handler's understanding of the concepts of Nose Work and expand the dog’s level of experience in problem-solving more difficult searches. This level, which is offered on an ongoing basis, is geared towards tactics, advanced handling, off-leash work, and trial preparation. The teams will learn to navigate more intricate and challenging training scenarios to prepare them for NW3 titles and beyond.
INTRO TO ODOR 1 & 2 - (Two 6-Week Courses) Prerequisites: Intro to Nose Work 1 & 2 or instructor permission. These courses are for those who are already having fun working with their dogs in the basics in scent detection and want to take the next step. Dogs are introduced to the first target odor, Birch, a natural essential oil used in K9 Nose Work® trials.
Dogs/handlers must have completed both Intro to Nose Work 1 & 2 (and Intro to Odor 1 if signing up for Odor 2) and be able to demonstrate skill proficiency with box hides, elevated hides, and various environmental hides. The first target odor is introduced in this class.
INTERMEDIATE NOSE WORK - For dogs that have completed Intro to Nose Work 1 & 2 and Intro to Odor 1 & or instructor permission. Additional target odors (Anise and Clove) are introduced in this class and handlers are challenged to learn new skills and the searching challenges are increased. Handlers interested in entering Nose Work competition trials with their dogs will learn trial rules and build skills to help them be successful in earning their first titles.
ADVANCED NOSE WORK - Designed for the experienced teams who have earned titles with their dog. Advanced level training will expand both the handler's understanding of the concepts of Nose Work and expand the dog’s level of experience in problem-solving more difficult searches. This level, which is offered on an ongoing basis, is geared towards tactics, advanced handling, off-leash work, and trial preparation. The teams will learn to navigate more intricate and challenging training scenarios to prepare them for NW3 titles and beyond.
INSTRUCTORS
Andy Sperber,CNWI
Andy first discovered K9Nose Work in 2012 when he was looking for an activity his energetic 2-year-old Golden Retriever “Maho” could participate in. After the first 6 week class, he was immediately "hooked” and intrigued by the activity.
His love for nosework has lead him on a wonderful journey! Andy&Maho have achieved the titles of NW1, NW2, NW3, NW3Elite, ELT1, ELT2, ELT3 and the coveted ELTCH a long with several Element Specialty titles. They were invited and competed with some of the top nosework teams in the country at the NACSW National Invitational competition in Loveland, CO in 2015 and in W. Springfield ,MA in 2017. They competed in the first Summit League trial July 2018.
Andy likes to say that we never stop learning from the dogs.
Andy first discovered K9Nose Work in 2012 when he was looking for an activity his energetic 2-year-old Golden Retriever “Maho” could participate in. After the first 6 week class, he was immediately "hooked” and intrigued by the activity.
His love for nosework has lead him on a wonderful journey! Andy&Maho have achieved the titles of NW1, NW2, NW3, NW3Elite, ELT1, ELT2, ELT3 and the coveted ELTCH a long with several Element Specialty titles. They were invited and competed with some of the top nosework teams in the country at the NACSW National Invitational competition in Loveland, CO in 2015 and in W. Springfield ,MA in 2017. They competed in the first Summit League trial July 2018.
Andy likes to say that we never stop learning from the dogs.
In teaching K9 Nose Work® Andy & Dara concentrate on learning from the dogs perspective by forming a solid foundation program. They teach the dogs to work independently, create team work, motivation, by using high value reinforcements while building confidence at each team’s own pace. The dogs are encouraged to become independent hunters through self-discovery and exposure to various environments. We believe that the handlers become a true team with their dogs through observation. Teams are encouraged to leave all assumptions at the door and be a willing student of the dog.
Dara & Andy are both Certified Nose Work Instructors (CNWI). CNWI are graduates of the instructor certification program and follow the teaching philosophies set forth by the National Association of K9 Nose Work. NACSW™ was formed to ensure the highest standard of excellence for competitors in the sport of K9 Nose Work® and to cultivate a community of enthusiastic dog lovers and dog sport competitors.
Graduates of the certification program have dedicated 1-2 years on average to the study of K9 Nose Work, attending courses and lectures, and logging over 75 hours of training and teaching.
Dara & Andy are both Certified Nose Work Instructors (CNWI). CNWI are graduates of the instructor certification program and follow the teaching philosophies set forth by the National Association of K9 Nose Work. NACSW™ was formed to ensure the highest standard of excellence for competitors in the sport of K9 Nose Work® and to cultivate a community of enthusiastic dog lovers and dog sport competitors.
Graduates of the certification program have dedicated 1-2 years on average to the study of K9 Nose Work, attending courses and lectures, and logging over 75 hours of training and teaching.
Dara Sperber, CNWI
Dara has been a keen observer of K9 NoseWork since 2012 and was fascinated from the beginning watching Andy & Maho develop as a team. Coming from a scientific back ground the science of olfaction really piqued her interest. Not having a dog to work for those first few years she spent her time honing her skills of observation by volunteering at as many K9 NoseWork trials as possible. She became an approved Score Room Lead at all levels to participate in the sport of K9 NoseWork, sans dog.
December 26, 2015 Dara & Andy brought home the newest member of the family “Kira”, who was to become Dara’s K9 NoseWork teammate. Much fun is being had a long the journey. Kira earned her NW1 title with a Pronounced overall, NW2, NW3, NW3 Elite and her L1E, L1I, L1V, L1C, L2E, & L2I titles.
Dara has been a keen observer of K9 NoseWork since 2012 and was fascinated from the beginning watching Andy & Maho develop as a team. Coming from a scientific back ground the science of olfaction really piqued her interest. Not having a dog to work for those first few years she spent her time honing her skills of observation by volunteering at as many K9 NoseWork trials as possible. She became an approved Score Room Lead at all levels to participate in the sport of K9 NoseWork, sans dog.
December 26, 2015 Dara & Andy brought home the newest member of the family “Kira”, who was to become Dara’s K9 NoseWork teammate. Much fun is being had a long the journey. Kira earned her NW1 title with a Pronounced overall, NW2, NW3, NW3 Elite and her L1E, L1I, L1V, L1C, L2E, & L2I titles.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT K9 NOSEWORK!
Discover K9 Nose Work®, this exciting dog sport is designed to develop dogs’ natural scenting abilities by using their curiosity, desire to hunt, and their love of food, and exercise. The sport combines every dog’s amazing sense of smell and their love of performing a task. Geared for dogs of all shapes, breeds, sizes, and ages, K9 Nose Work® is perfect for those seeking a lower impact canine activity that offers great rewards for both handlers and their dogs. By utilizing basic, intermediate, and advanced search dog skills, the sport builds confidence, burns off mental and physical energy, and reinforces the bond between you and your dog. No obedience training is required - it’s strictly ALL fun! Train just for fun or test your dog’s awesome scenting ability in a competitive Nose Work trial and earn formal titles. For dogs & puppies 16 weeks and older.
The 6-week Intro to Nose Work Class is designed to start the foundation skills and get your dog using their natural scenting abilities. Cost: $165 per 6-Week Class. Introductory through Advanced Classes offered! Instructors are CNWI (Certified Nose Work Instructor) with the National Association of Canine Scent Work.
About the classes:
- The classes meet once a week for either 60 or 90 minutes
- Class is limited to 4 - 6 dog/handler teams
- Each dog will be worked individually during the class
- Dogs will need to be crated (or otherwise contained) and/or kept in your vehicle (weather permitting) between working times (indoor climate-controlled crating areas are available).
- Any dog or puppy 4 months old and older!
- Retired dogs or dogs with physical limitations (as long as they are mobile)
- Dogs with fear or dog-aggression issues can participate!
- If your dog has fear and/or aggression issues toward people, group classes are not appropriate.
Benefits of K9 Nose Work:
- Recognizes and works with your dog’s natural talents and instincts. The percentage of the dog's brain that is devoted to processing scent is 40 times larger than that of a human! It's been estimated that dogs can identify smells somewhere between 1,000 to 10,000 times better than humans can. Why not allow them to take advantage of their gifts?
- Builds confidence in shy, timid, or fearful dogs. The sport of K9 Nose Work has been truly transformational for so many dogs!
- Enriches your dog’s environment and stimulates him mentally. Many of our dogs living in urban and suburban environments don’t always get the chance to make their own choices and explore to their heart’s content. Nose Work lets dogs be dogs!!
- Exercises dogs that can’t be physically active. K9 Nose Work can be a good activity for dogs in recovery or senior dogs because it’s not very strenuous. Most of the exercise comes from working the brain and the nose. Dogs are surprisingly (and happily) exhausted after a Nose Work class.
- Exercises dogs whose people can’t be physically active. Nose Work is probably the easiest, least strenuous sport of all for the owner! Mostly, you sit back and marvel at your dog’s amazing talents – and jump in and reward your dog – it’s WIN-‐WIN for both dog & the human part of the TEAM!
- Allows dogs to have a ton of FUN, without worrying about obedience. Dogs in Nose Work class are not required to perform any obedience exercises at all – it’s strictly about giving your dog permission to have fun and do what they were born to do! Don’t worry, your obedience training won’t suffer!
- Exercises your dog when the weather isn’t cooperating. K9 Nose Work can be done indoors.
- Gives “reactive” dogs a chance to participate in dog sports. Dogs are brought out one at a time and other students in the class do not interact with or distract the dogs while they’re searching.
- Progresses at the pace of your dog. The Nose Work Instructors work with each dog individually and designs the search environment specifically for that dog’s strengths and challenges to help them grow and have the most success possible.