Scent Work Classes
Get started in the sport your dog has been waiting for.
Conveniently located near Asheville, Greenville, and Spartanburg.
Training covers all the elements of AKC Scent Work and NACSW Nose Work.
Competition, confidence, and fun; it’s all the same effective training.
Group Classes
Our classes focus on building a strong HANDLER as well as a strong DOG. We understand that scent work is a TEAM sport and that our dogs are infinitely superior in expertise.
A strong HANDLER knows how to read and interpret their dogs searching behaviors, recognize what the dog tells us odor is doing, and learns the effects of enviornmental influences so they can make better handling decisions. They are aware of the impact of their movement and how to use this to enhance their dog’s success in trial searches.
A strong DOG hunts independently, maintains solid focus and determination for the target odor in the presence of distractions, has enthusiasm and confidence to push through difficult problems, and a desire to stay at and communicate source.
Training Methods and Philosophy
Our primary goal is to cultivate a positive, uplifting and supportive environment for all humans and canines that join us. Classes are conducted according to ethical guidelines of humane practices defined and embraced by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. We believe that physical corrections are not necessary to communicate with our canine partners. As such, when the dogs are working we do not allow choke collars, slip collars, prong collars, or any other devices designed to control, modify, or impact behavior through discomfort, pain, punishment, or negative reinforcement. Shock collars are not allowed anywhere on the property. I will be happy to discuss this with you in advance of class and find alternative methods for controlling your dog.
Who are classes appropriate for?
While the K9 Nose Work philosophy of training is amazing at building confidence in dogs, our classes are focused on teams looking to achieve a high level of sport detection skills in their dogs and themselves. While we have long term students who don’t compete, our program is best suited for dogs and puppies who:
- Are between 10 weeks and 10 years old. Your older retired sports dog can also play!
- Are stable in novel environments. This means they will confidently enter new interior and outside public locations and are still able to follow requests such as Sit, Attention, tricks. Dogs don’t need obedience skills to participate in scent work, but if they are too distracted in novel locations this is a sign of a dog that is NOT environmentally stable. Dogs should be comfortable on different flooring surfaces.
- Dogs don’t have to love humans, but they must be comfortable being in small rooms with strangers.
- Dogs also don’t need to love strange dogs, but they need to be comfortable and non-reactive walking around other dogs outside.
- Dogs are kept in their cars between searches. Your dog should be comfortable waiting in your car. We prefer dogs be CRATED, but having the dog tethered inside the car is also acceptable.
- PUPPIES!!! Yes we know your puppy is still learning skills and all about the world, and we would LOVE to use scent work to help you build an even more resilient, focused and confident dog! Puppies are at the prime age to learn detection skills, and the teams who have started out as young (under 5 months old) puppies are some of the best. We will also bear with you while you teach your dog calm crating and car waiting skills. Please be sure to be aware of any fear periods your puppy is going through and let your instructor know.
- HUMANS: Modeled after real-life detection work, our classes are held at our farm along with off-site opportunities. Training areas are held in many different locations, with a variety of terrain, under varying weather conditions. Dogs and handlers need to be able to safely negotiate a variety of surfaces, including, but not limited to, linoleum, gravel, asphalt, and uneven surfaces.
Not sure if our classes are right for your dog? Email us at: allison@foothillscanineacademy.com
Foundations – The ABC’s of Scent Work
These classes focus on laying strong scent work foundation skills for dog and handler. These skills are essential building blocks that will set you up for success. Your dog will be building enthusiasm for the hunt, independent problem solving, and confidence. You will be learning to read your dog and interpret the scent picture, along with handling basics.
Teams complete two rounds of Foundations before moving on to competition prep skills.
Class is 6 weekly sessions, and are held at our farm right off of I-26. Conveniently located to Asheville, Greenville, and Spartanburg.
Cost: $175
*Dogs search one at a time. Dogs are kept in their cars between searches*
Contact me for an application to be added to our wait list and found out about future classes.
allison@foothillscanineacademy.com
Because of my class schedule and weekend scent work events, I have limited office hours. I typically respond within 5-7 business days.
Online Training Options
Can’t join an in-person class? No need to miss out on the fun. You can continue to prepare for trials through online options. Since an essential skill in Scent Work is observation, elevate your skills by recording your training sessions and have them reviewed in detail with our experienced eye.
Video Review
This option is great for:
- Trial videos: Discover WHY you didn’t qualify. Improve your handling skills and your ability to read your dog. Learn tips to improve your searches.
- Training videos: Get coaching with handling, learning to read your dog working, and setting up better search scenarios.
For all levels of NACSW or AKC Scent Work.
Video Review: File of your search narrated and notated. Videos turned in using Google Drive or Drop Box. Review is typically 30 minutes long.
Cost: $25 (typically a 3-minute search).
Video Conference + Video Review: A 30 minute consult live while we go over your video review.
Cost: $50 (typically a 3-minute search).
Online Private: 45 minutes of virtual one on one to cover handling, reading your dog, training exercises and training plans.
Cost: $75 for 45 minutes.
Email Allison@FoothillsCanineAcademy.com to schedule.
Advanced Classes
Once your dog is working the three competition odors in all the elements, you will join our Advanced classes. Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll have waiting for you.
Training Community
You’ll be invited to our private Community training page. Here we share extra tips, training exercises, video reviews and more. Students can share their training and trial videos for instructor feedback.
Search Class Access
You’ll be eligible to join our on-the-road search classes. These drop-in sessions are held at off site locations, mimicking real trial type searches.
Special Events & Workshops
As an FCA Alumni, you’ll recieve first dibbs on tickets for special events, workshops and mock trials.
