Nose Work Classes
Introduction to Nose Work
Wednesday Class
starting at 4.30 pm
Class Dates:
April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 4, 2025
Level 1
Introduction to Nose Work / Foundation Course
Introduction to the Concept of searching
Canine Nose Work is a class for ALL DOGS.
Any breed that wants to have fun can participate. Older dogs, shy dogs, and reactive dogs are welcome to come to class to “use their nose”. In these classes your dog can use their “sniffing” instinct, gain confidence, and build a positive outlet for energy.
These classes are fun and positive for you and your dog.
No previous training experience is needed to get started in Nose work.
Introduction to Odor
Wednesday evening Class
starting at 6.00 pm
Class Dates:
April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 4, 2025
Level 2
Introduction to Odor / Foundation Course
In this class, we will introduce the dogs to the first odor, the essential oil of Birch. We begin by pairing Birch with the dog’s primary reward of food/treats to create a positive association between the odor and the reward. During this course we will introduce the dogs to simple Container searches. Handlers will learn how to read their dog’s body language when working scent.
PRE-REQUISITE
for this course is completion of the Intro to Nose work Level 1,
or prior experience with instructor approval.
Continuing Odor
Wednesday evening Class
starting at 7.30 pm
Class Dates:
April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 4, 2025
Level 3
Continuing Odor / Foundation Course
In this class, we will introduce the dogs to the remaining odors used by the NACSW and AKC (Anise , Clove and Cypress).
We begin by pairing the new Odors with our anchor odor (Birch) and the dog’s primary reward of food/treats to create a positive association between the odor and the reward. During this course we will utilize the dogs knowledge of simple Container and Interior searches and expand to exterior and vehicle searches. Handlers will continue to learn how to read their dog’s body language when working scent.
PRE-REQUISITE
for this course is completion of the Intro to Odor Level 2,
or prior experience with instructor approval.
Advanced Nose Work
Monday afternoon at 4.30 pm and 6.00 pm
Class Dates:
April 28, May 5, 12, 19, and June 2, 9 2025
NO CLASS May 26, 2025
Level 4
Advanced Nose Work
Advanced Nose Work is designed for the experienced teams and will expand both the handlers' and the dogs' understanding of the target odors used by NACSW and AKC. This class is geared towards tactics, advanced handling and off-leash work. Teams will learn to navigate more intricate and challenging training scenarios.
PRE-REQUISITE
for this course is completion of the Continuing Odor Class (Level 3)
or prior experience with instructor approval.
Travel Classes
updates on our Facebook page
Tuesday evening Class
Travel Class will simulate Trial like searches
Teams should be ready to compete and have passed the ORT to participate.
The link to the signup for the weekly Travel classes is posted on our Facebook page
Competitive Nose Work 1
Monday evening Class
starting at 7.30 pm
Class Dates:
April 28, May 5, 12, 19, and June 2, 9 2025
NO CLASS May 26, 2025
During this class we will start to introduce time limits, blind searches and some blank searches.
PRE-REQUISITE
for this course is completion of Advanced Nose Work AND at least one of the following:
- An AKC Excellent Interior or Exterior title
- A NACSW NW1 Title
or with instructor approval.
Competitive Nose Work 2
Monday morning class
starting at 11.30 am
Class Dates:
April 28, May 5, 12, 19, and June 2, 9 2025
NO CLASS May 26, 2025
This class will focus on more advanced odor problems, i.e. elevated hides, converging and moving odor, close proximity hides, suspended hides, corner hides.
PRE-REQUISITE
for this course include the completion of Competitive Nose Work 1,
-An AKC Master Interior or Exterior Title
- A NACSW NW 2 or higher Title
or with instructor approval.
Building Drive
Monday morning
starting at 10.00 am
Class Dates:
April 28, May 5, 12, 19, and June 2, 9 2025
NO CLASS May 26, 2025
In this class we will focus and building "drive" towards the odor, work on independent searching and problem solving, all hides will be paired during this class.
PRE-REQUISITE
for this course is completion Introduction to Odor
or prior experience with instructor approval
Confidence in Container Searches
Wednesday morning Class
starting at 10.00 am
Class Dates:
April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 4, 2025
This class builds teams' confidence and precision in container searches through progressively complex setups. It strengthens dogs' odor obedience and helps handlers better interpret canine body language to confidently call alerts during searches.
PRE-REQUISITE
for this course is completion of Continuing Odor, our Level 3 course
or prior experience with instructor approval
Foundations and Beyond
Wednesday morning Class
starting at 11.300 am
Class Dates:
April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 4, 2025
This class advances dogs' scent work and handlers' skills across container, interior, exterior, and vehicle searches. It uses safe, practical methods to build confidence, precision, and teamwork, with weekly progressions in complexity. The course concludes with a mock trial, offering hands-on preparation for real-world applications or trials.
PRE-REQUISITE
for this course is completion of Advanced Nose Work ( Level 4)
NEW!!! LOCATION
Facility in Culpeper, VA
15510 Montanus Drive, Suite B, Culpeper VA