Foundational Training Descriptions
All Virtual Foundational Classes are 6 week sessions. Each session costs $190.Permission is needed in order to advance or participate in a Level other than Level 1.Once you register, the instructor will contact you with your starting date.
LEVEL 1
Introduction to Hunting(Reward Food/Toys)
We build the dog’s desire to hunt using modern methods of positive reinforcement while simultaneously training the handler how to read their dog’s unique hunting behaviors and to pick up on those subtle signals that communicate to the handler that the dog is “working scent.”
LEVEL 2
Introduction to Different Search Venues(Reward Food/Toys)
We continue to build the dog’s desire to hunt using modern methods of positive reinforcement while introducing the dog to different search venues. We also will continue to train the handler how to read their dog’s unique hunting behaviors and to pick up on those subtle signals that communicate to the handler that the dog is “working scent.” Dog teams enrolled in Level 2 must have completed Level 1.
LEVEL 3
Introduction to Odor-Birch(Pairing Reward/Odor
We not only strengthen the dog’s natural hunting abilities and the working relationship developing between you and your canine partner but we also communicate to the dog that one of the three specific target odors, essential oil of birch, is what we want the dog to hunt for. As many of the handlers participating in our K9 Nose Work™ Classes will want to go on to compete with their dogs, the three target odors that we will be using are the essential oils of anise, clove and birch. Dog teams enrolled in Level 3 must have completed Level 2.
LEVEL 4
Introduction to Odor-Anise/Clove(Pairing Reward/Odor
We introduce the dog to the remaining two target odors, essential oils of anise and clove. Additionally, we will continue to work on your handling skills and the dog’s ability to independently and reliability hunt for all three target odors. Dog teams enrolled in Level 4 must have completed Level 3 and must exhibit certain minimum proficiency skills in finding the initial target odor.
LEVEL 5
Different Scenting Venues(Odor)
We continue to increase both the dog’s “dedication” to hunting for the target odors and the handler’s and the dog’s ability to work together as a team in solving progressively more challenging search problems. Dog handling techniques for on- and for off-leash work as well as search strategies will be discussed in these classes. Dog teams enrolled in Level 5 must have completed Level 4 and must exhibit certain minimum proficiency skills in finding the remaining two target odors.
Virtual Foundational Training
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