We have a couple openings to join our more advanced classes on Tuesday evenings at 6:30. Dogs need to be on odor but may be paired. Please use the form below for inquiries.
Interested in something fun and stimulating for your dog that requires minimal equipment? K9 Nose Work is all that and more. Handlers will learn how dogs use their natural hunting and searching instincts to learn how to search for a specific odor or odors and find the source of the odor. Dogs begin the process by initially searching for their favorite food or toy reward hidden in a variety of environments. We increase the challenges and add new search skills as the dog progresses as well as teach the human partner handling and behavior observation skills.
Classes are located in the High Desert town of Phelan, CA and will be directed by Terry Fisk K9NW™ CNWI (Certified Nose Work Instructor). Terry has over 40 years of combined dog training and instruction experience and competed successfully in various dog sports (conformation, agility, rally obedience, obedience, Schutzhund, tracking, Barn Hunt, Nose Work). She has been involved in Nose Work for the past 10 years competing with and titling four different dogs to numerous titles. Terry currently has two young German Shepherds in training and competing.
Benefits of K9 Nose Work include:
Intro to K9 Nose Work Class - Class forming February 13, 2025 - Thursday afternoon at 4 PM, complete the form below to be placed on our list.
Please note that all on-site search areas and off-site locations are selected with the utmost care to ensure the comfort and safety of handlers, dogs and instructor.
This class typically runs an hour to and a half hour classes depending on the number of students. Dogs and handler need not have previous experience and this is a great class for dogs and/or handlers with physical restrictions or temperaments that prevent them from participating in other disciplines. Class size is limited to a maximum of 8 students and dogs.
This is a foundation class introducing the handlers to the principles of K9 Nose Work, introduce the concept of the "game", build handler observation skills and timing, and get the dog focused and build intensity on the work/hunt drive. During this class the dog will be searching for the primary reinforcement which will be will be food or toy beginning with simple exercises and introducing more complex exercises and distractions as the class progresses. After the initial five weeks student may opt to continue on to K9 Nose Work. Dogs are not introduced to odor until they are searching well and the handler develops observation and handling skills. We typically introduce odor after ten weeks.
Equipment necessary for the first night: crate (where your dog will rest between runs), a favorite toy and/or variety of high value* food treats cut small (1/4 " nothing crunchy or crumbly) placed in a tupperware type container, a treat bag or pouch, a six foot leash in a width easily managed and non restricting (I like 1/2" or less), flat buckle or quick release collar, water bowl, water and something for yourself to drink, a hungry and motivated dog, copy of current rabies certificate. Do not feed your dog immediately prior to class or feed a reduced meal so they are willing to take treats during class. Dogs will be crated (no exceptions) between turns to allow the handlers to watch and the dogs to relax and contemplate on their lesson.
Intro to Odor - Inquire about our upcoming class.
Introduction to the target odor by pairing and working in different trial elements and environments (interior, vehicle, containers, exterior). Dogs must be eagerly and independently searching for food or toy and have completed an intro to Nose Work class with us, a workshop or class with a NACSW instructor to be eligible for class. Students will receive a small container of cotton swabs infused with the target odor, a tin and magnet to practice outside of class.
Continuing Odor - Ongoing class Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30. Occasional field trips Satudary mornings. Contact us for schedules.
Continuing with the three target odors. Skills will progress from pairing odor with food, including non-paired, elevated hides, inaccessible hides, multiple hides, blank searches in various locations. We work with the dog and handler's skill level and frequently take short field trips to expose dogs and handlers to different environments. Drop in's are welcome for dogs currently working on odor paired or not. Contact us for the weekly schedule and location as we take field trips to various locations.
We look forward to having you and your dogs in class. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me at 760-868-0676 or complete the inquiry form below.
Nose Work Supplies and resources
Interested in something fun and stimulating for your dog that requires minimal equipment? K9 Nose Work is all that and more. Handlers will learn how dogs use their natural hunting and searching instincts to learn how to search for a specific odor or odors and find the source of the odor. Dogs begin the process by initially searching for their favorite food or toy reward hidden in a variety of environments. We increase the challenges and add new search skills as the dog progresses as well as teach the human partner handling and behavior observation skills.
Classes are located in the High Desert town of Phelan, CA and will be directed by Terry Fisk K9NW™ CNWI (Certified Nose Work Instructor). Terry has over 40 years of combined dog training and instruction experience and competed successfully in various dog sports (conformation, agility, rally obedience, obedience, Schutzhund, tracking, Barn Hunt, Nose Work). She has been involved in Nose Work for the past 10 years competing with and titling four different dogs to numerous titles. Terry currently has two young German Shepherds in training and competing.
Benefits of K9 Nose Work include:
- Dogs easily burn lots of mental & physical energy performing searches
- Searches can be done anywhere you can take your dog
- No prior training or handling skills necessary
- Minimal equipment necessary for class and home practice
- Dogs work one at a time in class and rest crated or safely in a vehicle between searches
- Even reactive, shy or fearful dogs may participate
- Dogs build confidence and overactive dogs put their energy into fun searches
- Develops a stronger bond between dog & handler
- Handlers develop observation skills as they understand and rely upon his dog
Intro to K9 Nose Work Class - Class forming February 13, 2025 - Thursday afternoon at 4 PM, complete the form below to be placed on our list.
Please note that all on-site search areas and off-site locations are selected with the utmost care to ensure the comfort and safety of handlers, dogs and instructor.
This class typically runs an hour to and a half hour classes depending on the number of students. Dogs and handler need not have previous experience and this is a great class for dogs and/or handlers with physical restrictions or temperaments that prevent them from participating in other disciplines. Class size is limited to a maximum of 8 students and dogs.
This is a foundation class introducing the handlers to the principles of K9 Nose Work, introduce the concept of the "game", build handler observation skills and timing, and get the dog focused and build intensity on the work/hunt drive. During this class the dog will be searching for the primary reinforcement which will be will be food or toy beginning with simple exercises and introducing more complex exercises and distractions as the class progresses. After the initial five weeks student may opt to continue on to K9 Nose Work. Dogs are not introduced to odor until they are searching well and the handler develops observation and handling skills. We typically introduce odor after ten weeks.
Equipment necessary for the first night: crate (where your dog will rest between runs), a favorite toy and/or variety of high value* food treats cut small (1/4 " nothing crunchy or crumbly) placed in a tupperware type container, a treat bag or pouch, a six foot leash in a width easily managed and non restricting (I like 1/2" or less), flat buckle or quick release collar, water bowl, water and something for yourself to drink, a hungry and motivated dog, copy of current rabies certificate. Do not feed your dog immediately prior to class or feed a reduced meal so they are willing to take treats during class. Dogs will be crated (no exceptions) between turns to allow the handlers to watch and the dogs to relax and contemplate on their lesson.
Intro to Odor - Inquire about our upcoming class.
Introduction to the target odor by pairing and working in different trial elements and environments (interior, vehicle, containers, exterior). Dogs must be eagerly and independently searching for food or toy and have completed an intro to Nose Work class with us, a workshop or class with a NACSW instructor to be eligible for class. Students will receive a small container of cotton swabs infused with the target odor, a tin and magnet to practice outside of class.
Continuing Odor - Ongoing class Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30. Occasional field trips Satudary mornings. Contact us for schedules.
Continuing with the three target odors. Skills will progress from pairing odor with food, including non-paired, elevated hides, inaccessible hides, multiple hides, blank searches in various locations. We work with the dog and handler's skill level and frequently take short field trips to expose dogs and handlers to different environments. Drop in's are welcome for dogs currently working on odor paired or not. Contact us for the weekly schedule and location as we take field trips to various locations.
We look forward to having you and your dogs in class. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me at 760-868-0676 or complete the inquiry form below.
Nose Work Supplies and resources