Discover Scent Work!

The latest AKC training activity that develops your dog’s natural scenting abilities through fun and games.  This class leverages every dog’s amazing sense of smell and their love of performing a task.  Geared for dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages, Scent Work has found enthusiastic participants seeking a lower impact canine activity that offers great rewards for both handlers and their dogs.  SW classes teach basics all the way to competition level of search skills. Scent work builds dogs confidence, burns off mental and physical energy, and reinforces the bond between dog and owner. It is helpful to have taken basic obedience classes prior to enrolling in Scent Work.

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Not all classes are offered every session.

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FOUNDATION: 

No skills are necessary. Dogs should be comfortable in a training space and toy or food motivated. This class teaches the basics of how to handle oils, making hides, and doing simple searches. A hide will be provided for home practice. Necessary items for an AKC Scent Work Kit and other searching equipment will be discussed. 

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INTRODUCTION TO ELEMENTS: 

This class will introduce primary hides and the beginning of pared hides. Applying the principles of Foundation, the team will learn about Interiors, Exteriors, Buried, Containers, and Vehicles. To enroll in this class, dogs and handlers must have completed Foundation or its equivalent, and must have a Scent Work Kit including the 4 AKC approved oils as discussed in Foundation.

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COMPETITION SCENT WORK:  

The teams will expand their skills in searching and handling with the goal of successful competition.  This session will focus on skills and exercises to increase ability to solve thresholds, inaccessible, deep, high, and convergence questions. ​

Odor levels will vary with gains and skills to be able to be used at home.

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SNIFF & GO:

Independent competition style searches offered for teams fluent in all 4 AKC odors.

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EQUIPMENT NEEDED:  Flat buckle collar.  Most Scent Work handlers transition to harnesses for searching as their education progresses.  6-15 foot lead.  Retractable leashes may be used for searches only.  Students must have their own AKC approved scent work kit for the Elements and Competition levels (including birch, anise, clove and cypress). Many SOFT small treats, and a hungry dog.

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