Nosework

How to start?

Does anyone have any online resources on how to start? Keeva's breeder actually used to teach classes in it, so I'm going to talk to her too. I'm honestly just looking to do some search work to keep her busy. It's been SO hot here that we can only do outside things for short bursts and she's getting really, really bored. And she's really really starting to get annoying. LOL I've found some general guides but I was wondering if anybody knows of anything more step by step.

Any help?

Well, it seems I actually did find a step by step format... Nevermind! But if people would like to discuss nosework here, feel free!

Would you please share where you found a step by step? Thanks! It's been miserably hot here in PA, too

I have nothing to add other than UKC is potentially adopting a titling program for nosework!

I know, how fun!

I have the link saved on my personal computer at home, so when I get off work I'll post it.

Thank you so very much! It's exciting to know the UKC may title...we have a club in town!

AWESOME!!!
We've been taking classes froma NACSW certified instructor for almost a year now. Both Caleb & I love it. The only thing stopping us from trialing is money. Dog AND handler have to be registered with National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW). Dog's registration is for life, but the handler has to register every year! That really bugs me. I've been hearing the AKC is thinking about approving Nosework, too.

Oh wow - the AKC would be even better!

I would LOVE to see it become a titling event with the more popular venues. It's by far Frodo's most favorite sport ever.

I emailed the Nosework association about an instructional book and they said they didn't have one, so I'd be very interested in something instructional.

Is nosework something you can get into with a human aggressive dog? Like do the other dog owners or class instructors have to be hands on with your dog at all? I've always thought I'd find it boring, but with Cujo here I'm sort of limited and I really do want to do something with him eventually. And boy does he have a nose on him. I've also found the nosework classes to be cheaper than a lot of other classes, which is nice.

I've been considering taking a NW class because we offer it at my work but i don't know that I want another sport on my plate, are you going to just tinker at home?

Oh and you can do K9nosework with any dog, that's its allure really. Only one dog worked at a time and we have a few HA dogs in our classes.

Yeah, that's exactly what I'm going to do, lol. I figure I'll do it in a format that lines up with a titling venue just in case I want to play for more than fun, but really I'm thinking that it sounds like a great way to keep Keeva busy when the weather isn't cooperating.

That's awesome, I feel bad for him because I'm getting afraid to take him to the park even, where he loves to play with other dogs, I mean it's so easy for a mistake to happen. So being able to do something fun with him would be great, but it'll have to wait until next summer.

Wanted to bump this up-
Do you mind posting where you found instructions?

I want to do this with Jackson, but think I'd rather spend money for an agility class & dock diving vs. nosework class (all nosework classes I've found are between $150-$165 for six weeks). But I'd like to try to do it properly at home.

NACSW has kept training instructions close to the heart. Your best bet is to search for videos on youtube and in blogs. Basically, you classically condition the dog to see a box and think "great, soft edible treat". When the dog becomes anxious to engage in the game, you hide the treat when he can't see where you put it so he learns to "hunt" for it. Add more boxes and use more area. The dog learns to use his nose rather than his eyes. You gradually increase criteria keeping the game interesting by making it slightly more difficult to find....throw in elevations and other containers. The dog always wins. Hope this helps!