Scent Foundations

An introduction to scent training! This class will begin teaching the skills needed to succeed in scent work and will also build a solid foundation for dogs to take into barn hunt training or other scent sports. Dogs will search for food or toys during this class, and will work on building search drive, searching and sourcing skills, problem solving and motivation, and teamwork between dog and handler. This class is a prerequisite for Intro to Scent Work and will be an excellent start for dogs looking to compete down the road. The games in this class will also be easy to play at home – scent training is a great mental stimulation activity! No prerequisites, dogs of all ages are welcome!

6-week class – $180 non-member / $162 member. Check Schedule >
(Members receive a 10% discount) 

Intro to Scent Work

The next level of scent training! This class will pick up where Scent Foundations left off and continue building dogs’ searching skills. Dogs will begin their introduction to odor – essential oils of birch, anise, clove and cypress – and will continuing honing their skills. Handlers will begin learning skills to help support their dog during a search, as well as reading their dog’s body language to call the alert. Prerequisite: Scent Foundations or instructor approval

6-week class – $180 non-member / $162 member. Check Schedule >

Intermediate Scent Work

In this class, the dog and handler team will continue honing their scent work skills and practice with more challenging searches. We will work on transitioning away from pairing and onto odor only, and will continue solidifying an indication/alert behavior. We will introduce new types of searches and will discuss and practice trial preparation. This class will focus on continuing to build dogs’ confidence, problem-solving, and odor obedience in increasingly-challenging searches, and building handlers’ skills at reading, teaching, and handling their dogs in these searches. Prerequisite: Intro to Scent Work, or equivalent training and instructor approval.

6-week class – $180 non-member / $162 member. Check Schedule >

Advanced Scent Work

This is an ongoing, monthly class. This class is designed to continue building dog and handler confidence and skills with a variety of searches. We will practice searches in multiple elements with multiple hides and target odors, as well as work on challenging teams’ skills to improve their teamwork and trial success. This class is appropriate for dogs Novice through Master level and can be tailored to each individual team. Prerequisite: Intermediate Scent Work or instructor approval.

Ongoing – $100 non-member / $90 member. Check Schedule >