K9 Nose Work ®
. So what exactly is SEEKING ? Dr Jaak Panksepp, a neuroscientist at Washington State University, defines seeking as “the basic impulse to search, investigate and make sense of the environment” It’s a combination of things we usually think of as different concepts “wanting” something good, “looking forward” to something good, and curiosity. Both Dr Panksepp and Temple Grandin speculate that SEEKING may be a type of “master emotion”. SEEKING is about looking forward to something good, not having something good. Our K9 Nose Work ® training is based on the NACSW (National Association of Canine Scent Work) methodology. Which is the organic SEEKING a dog is naturally born with. We feel it is important the dog enters a secured area with no other dogs and encouraged to Seek, explore and search for their favorite treat or toy. In our training it is important the dog rests between searches in the comfort and safety of its car. The beauty of this training is the handler takes a back seat, while the dog does what it does best, use its nose to find food. We do not introduce obedience training as we feel that interrupts the natural flow and joy of the dog. All interactions are positive and non threatening. Your dog will come away happy satisfied and often tired.
Transparency in Training. We use food rewards , toy rewards, gentle touch and of course praise in conjunction with the reward. A reward is a paycheck for a dog (or any animal-even you)! We reward the dog for getting it right or performing the behavior we like. A dog will repeat what is rewarded. If I consistently reward a dog for sitting s/he will repeat the sit to get a reward.
Alice in Wonderland inspired sniffing event. The dogs had a blast. Creekwalker photography.
We have added Cyber Scent Work games to our classes as our trainer is a certified Cyber Scent Work Evaluator.
Building a solid foundation.
We use an organic methodology born out of the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW). The originators of the K9 Nose Work® game sweeping the world. By allowing the dog to use his/her innate hunting ability s/he was born with, the dog is allowed his or her brilliance in independent thinking and problem solving. We teach the handler to be the dogs assistant working towards team effervescence. Many of our clients do not compete as they just love the enrichment it provides their companion. Our training methodology can be applied in any competition venue. Teams who have come to us from other methodologies with a desire to just pass in competition are now bringing home placements and enjoying spending time with their companion in a trial environment.
Classes
Intro to Nose Work Series.
We are taking a waitlist for the next intro series or experienced students who would like to join our classes.
Waitlist started: Intro to Nose Work Series. We do not have a start date yet.
Intro Series :One session runs 4 weeks. We work on foundation building for 3 (three) sessions. $120 per session, paid in advance to reserve your seat. Your dog should be able to quietly wait alone in the car while other teams work. In class: each dog runs independently. S/he waits in the car (without owner) in between runs. Dog must be able to wait patiently in car alone. Dogs should be human social.
Experienced teams :We are evaluating new experienced teams to join our existing classes. Fill out the registration(scroll down and click on registration button). Our sessions are sold as a 4 week package. We may have a space in an existing class or waitlist.
The founders of K9 NoseWork based the sport on detection handling and have evolved the training over the years to compensate dogs of all ages, temperaments and behavior concerns. Start with building a solid foundation of seeking and learning how to be a gold standard team. Build a love of searching, enhance handler observation and leash skills . Your dog will build confidence and independence. We can prepare teams to compete at any venue or just have fun allowing your dog to do what they were born to do-hunt.
We train in a heated 2000 sq foot facility with rubber floors as well as other locations in the community.
Campfire photography (Chihuahua). Creekwalker photography below.
ABOUT: Sarah discovered K9 Nose Work® in 2011 while searching for an appropriate activity for her troubled foster fail. After seeing her dogs focus and concentration grow, Sarah began teaching nose work. In 2015 she took the 6 month program to become a CNWI (certified nose work instructor)in 2016. Her passion for this game led her to become an NACSW Trial and ORT Judge as well as USCSS Judge and Cyber Scent Work Evaluator.
In late 2023 Sarah was accepted into the Certifying Official program for NACSW and is currently in the training program.
Sarah not only learned from all of the founders of the sport, she continues to log hundreds of hours in education units (in scent work and behavior) yearly, she feels the NACSW is constantly evolving in favor of the dog. Volunteering, judging , observing and setting search puzzles for 80+ teams a week gives her the skill to set learning problems that create answers.
Sarah’s extensive history working behavior cases, training all breeds and temperaments, and living with different dog personalities, has taught her to be a skilled trainer and observer. She creates scent puzzles that give dogs the tools to solve problems and bring out the motivation to get to source. The human student learns to read the dogs communication while solving the puzzle.
Sarah is also an active competitor. She has competed with different size and temperament dogs. Mr Pickles, a formerly unsocialized, Chihuahua who loved the game. He earned many placements as well as a second place in a vehicle search as a blind/deaf competitor before retirement. Little Debbie, a border collie mix with behavior problems since puppy hood. Scent Work taught her to slow down and process in our world. LD has logged numerous first place awards for accuracy in the game. She is slowly retiring from Elite competition. Pono is a Golden Pitt from Kauai. He is a surfer dude at heart. And Pee Wee, another troubled foster fail, Chihuahua that loves hunting for food/odor. He jumps between training in life and playing nose work. Being in a competitors shoes helps Sarah teach students how to be confidant and successful in their own training.
Our trainer judges, competes, volunteers and holds events regularly.
K9 Nose Work®. A fun sport or game that any dog can play. You can train to compete or just enrich your dogs life.
The training goals are the same, sharing joy with your dog.
Finding a “hide” in competition. Creekwalker photography
ABOUT: Our classes run 4 weeks on and one week off. To reserve a space in class, payment is made thru invoice sent in advance of 1st class of 4 week session online via Pay Pal or Square.
All dogs must be current on distemper, Parvo, and rabies vaccinations (bring proof of vaccinations or titer to class.) We understand dogs can have compromised immune systems or be a senior and have vaccination concerns . Talk to us in advance.
All dogs must be tolerant of strangers being in the same room. If your dog is worried and unable to take treats in the presence of strangers, or barks, lunges, growls, freezes, shows teeth at humans, this class is not the place for your dog. We can always meet your dog in advance to be sure if Nose Work class is a good fit. We will refer dogs in need to a qualified trainer.
Dogs are to wait quietly in the car. Dogs who bark in the car may need to train the dog outside of class to wait quietly. Dogs that continuously bark and or are disruptive to the class and neighbors or dogs with true “separation anxiety” that cannot be alone in a car would do best with private training before Nose Work classes. We will refer you to a trainer.
The team handler must be able to walk, potty and have control of their dog.
Dogs are to attend class wearing a flat buckle or snap collar, a limited slip (no chain) or a well fitted harness with a back clip (that is not designed to pinch or tighten ). Dog should be on a strap leash that is 6 - 10 ft long (handler choice). Flexi or Retractable leashes are not appropriate (unless handler has a disability ).
At their discretion Sea Change Canine llc has the right to refuse admission or expel a dog/owner from class.
Click on the link to access the registration form.
Dogs of all sizes love it!
Kate Schottman photographer
Sea Change Canine LLC, does not allow the use of training tools like choke chains, prong collars, slip leads, shock / E collars, bark or citronella collars, star mark collars and martingale collars with chains or head collars not correctly used, on our property. We feel a dogs neck is not a training tool. This is a personal business decision based on liability and 18+ years of working behavior cases. We are happy to offer the names of credentialed, experienced trainers (local and online) to teach you using methods that build trust, optimism and a loving bond with your dog.