I've just signed Luca and me up for an all-day seminar with Ron Gaunt, the founder of the relatively new sport of "K9 Nose Work."

Looked like fun, and I think this is something that Luca will enjoy. He loves hunting for toys hidden in the house and can find them even when I hide them in hard places.

So--anybody have any experience with Nose Work?

http://www.funnosework.com/

Does look like fun.....

Hmmmm, maybe I'll contact them about hosting a workshop down here.

The classes my way are always full. I took Roger when he was younger to check it out, but for one reason or another, never did the classes.

There is a member on here that could probably tell you more.

Kindly ask him if there are any books/dvds on scent matching training. I would be very grateful for any pointers.

Our all-day K9 Nosework seminar was yesterday--and it was really fun! There were 10 dogs and handlers participating, and this really seems like a sport/activity that ANY dog can do. Our group included a 12-week old puppy, a 10-year old Beagle, and breeds of all sizes. All the dogs were completely new to any kind of scentwork.

What I liked about it was the instructor's philosophy that scent games (hunting by scent) really allowed the dogs to "be dogs"--do to what they naturally love to do, and without any restrictions on obedience. The games are really a no-obedience zone. Handlers don't give the dog any instructions, cues, or corrections--it's all about letting the dog figure it out on his own.

All the handler does is create an environment for the dog to have fun "hunting." In the beginning steps, this involves "hiding" treats in cardboard boxes and simply releasing the dog to find them. The first few "hides" are easy--the dog can even see you drop the treat in the box. The idea is to make the dog understand that these boxes are fun to explore. As they get the hang of it, the treats can be "hidden" to create more complex puzzles for the dog to figure out--closing the flaps on the box, or creating a stack of boxes that have to be knocked over to get to the treat.

Here's what was so fun to watch: All of the dogs were already conditioned to the idea that the people were the resource (people provide treats, they look to people for "permission" and help). So many of the dogs would easily "find" the treat then look at their handler as if to ask them to help them get it. (I found it--it's under that box. Now pick it up so I can get the treat.) But the handler doesn't help. The dog has to figure out how to get to the treat by themselves---so the entire game becomes self-rewarding. Once they figure out the puzzle on their own, they get the treat!

Seems like such a great way to not only build confidence in a dog, but it was clear that the mental exercise was really engrossing. Once engaged in the "hunt" the dogs would become really focused on solving the problem.

One dog participating in the seminar was a very reactive BC who came into the room very agitated, lots of nervous panting, etc. But once the dog started "hunting" the panting and reactivity subsided. She got in a kind of zone where she was focused on the scent and the game, and forgot about all the other things in the room that were making her nervous.

Anyway--this was just an introductory seminar. Once dogs understand the whole idea of hunting for a hidden target, the treats are first matched with, then replaced by marker scents (birch, anise, clove) which become what dogs search for in a competition setting.

I think this is a fun activity I'm going to replicate at home for all my pups. Couldn't be simpler--all it takes is a dozen or so old cardboard boxes and a handful of high-value treats.

BTW, if you try this at home--this is a one-dog-at-a-time activity. Not for dogs to compete in finding. It's all about setting up an environment for a single dog, then letting him get the pleasure of figuring it out at his own pace.

If you run across one of these seminars--or a Nosework class--give it a try.

Thanks for your posts Tracy- sounds like a great seminar!

Just out of curiosity, did you get a chance to ask about books or dvd's (re: Q above)?

Wow Tracy, that does sound like a lot of fun. Love the idea of just letting dogs be dogs. Sounds like that BC really appreciated the release too.

Did you just take one dog or two or did they all go?

this book was one that another participant brought to the seminar. The seminar leader knew this book, and recommended it. Don't know about any DVDs.

As a "sport" K9 Nosework is pretty new. It started in Southern California in 2006, where it's apparently getting quite popular. The first trial was in 2009. (They are apparently even using these scent games with shelter dogs in LA as a way to provide enrichment and help the dogs learn confidence, burn off energy, etc.)

The sport founders are hosting seminars and training new instructors around the country.

I only took one dog to the seminar (Luca)--mostly because he's not that into agility and I thought this might be something he enjoys more (and he did). But I'm sure any of mine would have enjoyed it. I'm planning to set up some boxes in my basement and play Nosework games with all my hooligans.

One other thing I wanted to add that the instructor stressed was important--when playing these games with a dog at home, keep the sessions short, and always end with the dog finding the reward, and while he is still wanting to continue. Don't wait for him to become bored or burned out. Also--don't make the challenge too great (i.e. hiding the treat so completely that the dog can't find it or get to it.) He'll just get frustrated and quit. You WANT the dog to find the reward--to set them up to succeed without any help from you. If you have to "help" them find it, then that defeats the purpose. As they get good at the game, you can make it more challenging based on thier individual skill and level of engagement.