NOTE:  If the morning event is full, please register for the waitlist. If the list is long enough, there will be an afternoon session.

Nosework is a fun game that any dog can play – all dogs have noses after all! It is a dog-driven activity that encourages the dog to use his innate scenting ability to follow an odor trail to the source. This is a great game for any dog and can be played anywhere with just treats and a few cardboard boxes. 

This will be a 3-hour introductory workshop based on NACSW (National Association of Canine Scent Work) principles. 

The workshop focus will be on introducing the dogs to hunting for a primary reward – for most dogs that will be FOOD! The dog will learn to hunt independently in progressively more challenging scenarios. Your job as handler is to learn to “read” your dog – you should be able to recognize your dog’s search behavior. This workshop will be open to dogs brand new to the game of Nosework and to dogs that have been introduced to the game and are still working on primary reward (food) only. Exercises will be adjusted to accommodate each individual dog.

General Course Guidelines:

Only 1 dog will search at a time, and dogs will need to be crated away from the search area when it is not their turn. Indoor crating will be available, or you can crate from your vehicle. This is a sport that encourages participation of reactive, anxious, and fearful dogs, so even if your dog is great with others, please be respectful and give all the dogs some space.

We will run most of the exercises off leash while the dogs (and handlers) are learning the game. 

Bio:

Kathryn has been training her own dogs in nosework for about 15 years now and has competed successfully in both NACSW and AKC venues. She has attended many workshops and training classes with instructors from across the country and began teaching nosework classes in the Staunton and Harrisonburg areas in 2016. She is currently competing at the Elite level in NACSW with her SportMix Wafel.