Since the timing wasn't right to get Thor a puppy brother for his 12th birthday he had to settle for Nosework classes. It is a six week introduction to the sport and we started last Friday.
It has been years since he was in a group class environment but I have to say it went really well.

A few things which made this a good option for us is that the youngest dog was five, so all the dogs are pretty well behaved, crating will be required beginning next week when the dog is not working and it is much more about brain than brawn so no stress on joints (fabulous for an older dog).

There are absolutely no corrections just encouragement and praise, even when your dog destroys the scent box after the 5 other dogs left it undamaged before him. Usually I would hang my head in shame for such a trangression but Thor got high praise for his actions, held up as an example of what you can expect to see when the dog makes the connection to what the point of the game is. Thank you God, for a trainer who owns Shepherds.

And of course I have the LB site to thank for finding out about this sport and am looking forward to the upcoming DVDs.

So awesome! I am really looking forward to the LB DVDs since there are no nosework classes nearby.

 Quote: Melissa Hoyer

So awesome! I am really looking forward to the LB DVDs since there are no nosework classes nearby.

I second that!

I just wish there were more classes and trials in the US. none near me :-(

I did an all-day seminar with Luca and we both loved it. I wish there were more opportunities to do it, other than our homemade nosework games.

Nosework- Lots of fun...Something new, what a great boost for Thor!

Happy 12th Birthday!

NW is awesome! My pup has done classes with Sirius Dog Training, who he started with, and is now working with Andrew Ramsey! I know it's grown exponentially in the last year alone, so I'm certain come to your area really soon! The biggest plus - the start up costs are inexpensive and you can do it anywhere! No training facility needed!