Fun NoZwork!
CATCH THE NOZWORK FEVER! The DogZ NoZ KnoZ!
The DogZ NoZ KnoZ!
Fun NoZwork (5-week class) Introduction/Beginner
TBA 2025
Fun NoZwork Advanced (Packages Available and Drop-in)
Open Enrollment - Start Anytime! (*Pre-Registration Required)
On-Going TBA 2025
WHAT IS FUN NOZWORK?
This fun, new and exciting search and scenting K9 sport was inspired by police and military narcotics and bomb detection dogs. Fun NoZwork taps into dogs' natural scenting and searching abilities. Fun NoZwork is easy to learn for both humans and dogs, and it is a low impact activity. It's great for any breed, any age, any size dog with virtually any ability. We love seeing our former puppy and adolescent dog students (now adult dogs) come back for these fun classes. Fun NoZwork is also an excellent class for senior, shy, reactive and high energy dogs. "Lotsa" fun for humans too! Fun NoZwork will greatly enhance your relationship with your dog, enhance your bond, and it provides your dog with the essential mental stimulation that keeps dogs happy and healthy. Our Fun NoZwork classes are designed for lifelong learning and fun...the possibilities are endless! Dogz'nHarmony offers small group classes for maximum learning and improvement of skills. Our dog/handler teams average 8-10 hides per class with varying degrees of difficulty.
WHAT IS K9 NOSE WORK®?
The term K9 Nosework was developed by Ron Gaunt, Amy Herot and Jill Marie O'Brien. The three founders began the NACSW (National Association of Canine Scent Work) to ensure the highest standard of excellence for competitors in the sport of K9 Nose Work® and to cultivate a community of enthusiastic dog lovers and dog sport competitors. Together, the three founders pioneered the concept of detection-style training and competition for pet dogs, finding great enthusiasm among dog lovers for their unique talents in developing and executing canine sporting events that truly bonded dog and human, and were lots of fun, too. Click on this link for more information about the National Association of Canine Scent Work: http://www.nacsw.net/
MORE ABOUT INTRODUCTION/BEGINNER FUN NOZWORK...
Instructor Patti Walotka coaches humans to encourage and guide their dog's natural scenting ability, to work independently, and to problem solve to find a specific scent/odor. Introduction/Beginner starts off with a hide-and-seek format using treats and cardboard boxes. This class gives your dog a specific task and job to do, providing excellent mental and physical stimulation while building confidence. As your dog gains confidence and ease with various searches, the degree of difficulty is increased, and then dogs are introduced to at least one of three odors (birch, anise, clove). We set up all handler/dog teams for success by varying the level of difficulty based on individual dog/handler teams within the group class environment. Patti helps handlers understand how their dog works, how scent travels, and how to guide their dogs through a search. Handlers also learn to trust their dogs in the searches as they observe body language, targeting and scent indication. Searches may include boxes and containers or various interior and exterior scenarios, and include various heights and conditions... the possibilities are endless!
WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES FOR INTRODUCTION/BEGINNER FUN NOZWORK?
This class does not have any prerequisites, however basic manners are encouraged. This is NOT an obedience class. This is a force-free, reward-based class, and canine sport. There are absolutely NO corrections. Since this class works dogs one dog/handler team at a time, your dog should be able to handle short periods of hanging out. Some dogs may need to be crated or kept in a vehicle during down-times while waiting turns. When a dog is fully engaged in a scent search, the dog is expending a lot of mental energy, so taking breaks in between turns is essential as it helps the learning process as well as recouping energy. This Fun NoZwork class can be retaken many times as the level of difficulty will be adjusted as your dog gains better skills. Dogs are worked in various environments indoors and outdoors (weather permitting) including vehicle searches.
MORE ABOUT ADVANCED FUN NOZWORK...
This is an on-going class for dogs that have already been introduced to odor. The advanced class is designed around the individual dog/handler teams, varying the degree of difficulty. Students in this class don't have to compete, but for those of you who love to compete, instructor Patti Walotka will help you prepare for the new competitive dog sport K9 Nose Work®. The rules for the competition are discussed as well as working toward the NACSW Odor Recognition Tests, trials and titles. Walk-Ins are welcome when class size permits. Advanced registration is required. Call 630-992-9200 for single session walk-in and package rates.
"Shelties need a purpose in life and I think my two boys have found it in Nose Work classes offered by Dogz’nHarmony. After just 1 class my skittish rescue, Laz, was putting his nose all the way into a box. That doesn’t sound like much, but prior to the classes he would pull back and start barking and running away when he saw a box or heard the movement of an aluminum pan. He is now sniffing out his treats nestled in metal pans, colanders, boxes, and even notched in the grillwork of a dog treadmill. And, because this is an “individual” sport with rotating turns at nosing around, I can guiltlessly bring both of my boys and not need a second handler. We are continuing our Nose Work adventures with the expectation that their newfound confidence will grow further!"- Denise, Marik & Laz of La Grange (Birch, ORT - Currently working toward their NW1 titles.)
Call Today! (630) 992-9200
Call Today! (630) 992-9200
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