Scent Work
Scent Work 1:
I. The clicker is introduced and used to shape behaviors while exposing the dog to multiple odors. The dog will learn a passive alert using an odor cocktail (a combination of all 6 competition odors - birch, anise, clove, myrrh, vetiver & cypress). In addition to the alert, the dog will learn to confidently work away from the handler even when mild distractions are present. The goal of this class is to build a "bomb-proof" indication with moderate duration.
II. There is not a required pre-requisite for this class. It is recommended the dog have completed either a puppy kindergarten or basic novice class.
III. To move to Scent Work 2, the dog must consistently exhibit a solid passive indication with mild distractions and moderate distance and duration. The dog also must show signs of being able to work independently from the handler.
Scent Work 2: (Pre-requisite Scent Work 1 or instructor permission)
I. Clicker-based training will be integral to the class work. The dog will continue to strengthen the passive alert using the odor cocktail, while exposed to more distractions. The dog will also be required to work at an additional distance from the handler. The skills needed to begin searches will be introduced. Also, handling skills and strategies will be discussed. The goal is to build value for the odor.
II. The pre-requisite is the successful completion of Scent Work 1, or be able to demonstrate a solid passive alert with value for the odor plus instructor approval.
III. To move to Scent Work 3, the dog must be able to show continued signs of being able to work independently from the handler; must understand the value of odor and be able to maintain a passive alert under moderate distractions and with longer distance and duration.
Scent Work 3: (Pre-requisite Scent Work 2 or instructor permission)
I. The class builds on odor obedience with stronger distractions. The class will work on interior and container searches. Foundation skills will be covered in preparation for Novice-level searches. The goal will be for the dog to successful complete simple container and interior searches.
II. Pre-requisite is the successful completion of Scent Work 2 or instructor approval.
III. To move to Intermediate 1, the dog must be able to work independently of the handler; must be able to successfully complete simple Novice-level container and interior searches with a solid passive alert.
Scent Work Intermediate 1: (Pre-requisite Scent Work 3 or instructor permission)
I. The class will build on previous handler skills and search strategies with an emphasis on the skills needed for Novice competition. There will be a stronger focus on the foundation skills. Searches will increase in complexity. The odor cocktail will be separated into individual odors, with the class concentrating on the Novice-level odor (birch).
II. Pre-requisite is the successful completion of Scent Work 3 or instructor approval.
Scent Work Intermediate 2: (Pre-requisite Scent Work Intermediate 1 or instructor permission)
I. The goal for the Intermediate 2 is to prepare students for competition. The novice buried and exterior searches will be introduced. Trial tips and Novice rules will be covered. Mock trials with blind hides using multiple single odors will be introduced.
II. Pre-requisite is the successful completion of Intermediate 1 or instructor approval.
III. To move to Intermediate 3, the dog must competently perform Novice-level element searches.
Scent Work Intermediate 3: (Pre-requisite Scent Work Intermediate 2 or instructor permission)
I. This class is the continuation of Intermediate 2. The Advance-level search and odor (anise) will be introduced. This includes multiple odor searches. In addition, complex and inaccessible hides will be practiced with distractions. Trial tips, strategies, and Advanced rules will be covered. Mock trials with multiple blind hides including inaccessible and different single odors will be practiced.
II. Pre-requisite is the successful completion of Intermediate 2 or instructor approval.
III. To move to Advance 1, the dog must competently perform multiple odor searches, work increasingly longer and more complex searches.
Scent Work Advanced 1: (Pre-requisite Scent Work Intermediate 3 or instructor permission)
I. This class is the continuation of Intermediate 3. The class will practice more difficult Advanced-level searches. The Excellent-level searches and odor (clove) will be introduced along with converging and inaccessible hides. Trial tips, strategies, and rules will be covered. Mock trials with multiple hides including inaccessible and different single odors will be practiced.
II. Pre-requisite is the successful completion of Intermediate 3 or instructor approval.
III. To move to Advance 2, the dog must competently perform multiple odor searches, work increasingly longer and more complex searches.
Scent Work Advanced 2: (Pre-requisite Scent Work Advanced 1 or instructor permission)
I. This class is a continuation of Advanced 1. The class will practice more difficult Excellent-level searches. The Master-level search and odor (cypress) will be introduced. Trial tips, strategies, and rules will be covered. Mock trials with multiple blind, inaccessible, converging, and unknown numbers of hides with all different single odors will be practiced.
II. Pre-requisite is the successful completion of Advanced 1 or instructor approval.
Scent Work - Drill:
I. The goal of the Scent Work Drill is to prepare the dog/handler teams to compete in Scent Work competitions at all levels. Trial procedures and rules will be covered to provide an overall enhancement of Scent Work skills.
II. To be eligible for the drill class, the dog and handler must have successfully completed an Intermediate 3 class or by instructor approval.