The sport of Scent Work is based on the work of professional detection dogs (such as drug dogs), employed by humans to detect a wide variety of scents and substances. In AKC Scent Work, dogs search for cotton swabs saturated with the essential oils of Birch, Anise, Clove, and Cypress. The cotton swabs are hidden out of sight in a pre-determined search area, and the dog has to find them. Teamwork is necessary: when the dog finds the scent, he/she has to communicate the find to the handler, who calls it out to the judge.” (AKC.org)
Please contact John Krasich at (jkrasich.jk@gmail.com) with any questions or to secure your place in class. Include your dog’s name, your cell number, and full name if texting. Payments will be collected on the first day of class.
When:
Wednesdays
Requirements:
- 8-week courses
- non-members $120
- MOTC Members $72 ($48 for repeating members)
Foundation Class
Topics covered:
- Developing communication and reward system
- Adding value to target odor and pinpointing location
- Increasing motivation and confidence
- Introducing distractions
- Search foundation
- Building commitment to target odor location
- Formalizing the search
- Introducing more complex hide placement
Prerequisites:
Dogs must be able to work around other dogs, on leash, without signs of aggression, and minimal distractions. A flat collar or harness is recommended for this class. Handlers will want to bring plenty of treats.
Nov-Master Class
Our Novice/Advanced Scent Work class is designed for handler and dog teams that are currently trialing at the Novice or Advanced levels. Dogs will learn to work through distractions, including but not limited to food, lights, noise, toys, etc. We will begin to introduce converging odors and raising the height of hides. Dogs will also be introduced to exterior and buried searches. Handlers will continue to build on their handling best practices and learn more about reading their dog’s behavior.
Prerequisites:
A flat collar or harness is reommended for this class. Dogs must have completed the Intro to Scent Work class or have previous Scent Work experience approved by the instructor to register for this class. Dogs must be able to work around dogs, on leash, without signs of aggression and minimal distractions. Handlers will want to bring plenty of treats.