S.T.A.R. Puppy Manners Matter Obedience Scent Work Rally Agility CGC Private Lessons
AKC Scent Work
The sport of Scent Work celebrates the dog’s amazing nose and is based on the work of professional detection dogs. In AKC Scent Work, dogs search for cotton swabs saturated with the essential oils of Birch, Anise, Clove, or Cypress. The cotton swabs are hidden, and the dog/handler team has to find them. Teamwork is necessary: when the dog finds the scent, s/he has to communicate the find to the handler, who calls it out to the judge.
Scent Work classes are fun and a wonderful way to build a dog’s confidence. Bring lots of treats but, please, no soft cheese!
Beginner
Introduction to scent work. Appropriate for all socialized dogs at least 6 months of age. No prior experience required. Focus is on building foundational scent work skills for long-term success.
Intermediate
Development of dog and handler skills for participation in AKC scent work competition. Dogs should be imprinted on at least Birch and Anise and be able to independently work basic search areas – Interior, Exterior, Container, and Buried. Classes will focus on increasing drive, communication, and the team’s ability to find a variety of hides.
Advanced
Development of dog and handler skills needed to participate in AKC Excellent and Masters level scent work competitions. Dogs should be imprinted on all 4 AKC odors. Classes will include complex hides such as converging odor and hides up to 60 inches. Teams should be actively competing and progressing in scent work.
Advanced+
Development of dog and handler skills at the Masters and Detective levels. Teams should have at least one Excellent level element title. Time and place of classes will vary based on participant’s location and schedule. If interested, email Melinda Cline at melindacline@comcast.net
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