K9 Nose Work® (Scent Work) Information
What is K9 Nose Work®?
K9 Nose Work® (K9NW), also informally known as “scent work” or “sport detection” is the specific term used to describe the canine scent detection activity developed by Ron Gaunt, Amy Herot & Jill Marie O’Brien. The activity of K9NW was created out of the three founders’ desire to share with companion dogs and their people the joy they got from searching with professional detection dogs. It was the benefits seen in dogs working as professional detection dogs that inspired the K9 Nose Work® founders to develop an activity that could allow pet dogs to access these benefits.
The activity of K9 Nose Work® was designed without target odours or competition, to enrich dog’s lives and give the humans who love them a channel to learn, spend time and have fun together.
The sport K9 Nose Work® was inspired by the scenarios professional detection dog teams might encounter in the field. The emphasis is on searching for a target odour in potentially novel and different environments. Ultimately the goals set forth in competition include the skills and challenges students will encounter in K9 Nose Work® classes and training. The sport involves training your dog to search & alert, just like the detection dogs you’ve seen working at airports, with the police, and on TV.
K9 Nose Work® unleashes your dog’s natural ability as a hunter by providing them a safe, fun and exciting opportunity to use their amazing sense of smell. It is one of the best ways to build confidence and trust where they may be lacking, while building a great bond, understanding and trust between you and your dog.
What are some of the benefits?
Mental stimulation, physical exercise, self-control, confidence, trust, focus, reduction in reactivity to other dogs**, and acceptance of new/novel environments.
**K9NW classes are not an alternative for specific dog reactivity/aggression classes. They are also not intended to work specifically on dog/dog or dog/human issues. While we have seen benefits for many reactive dogs in K9NW classes, it is not a “blanket fix”, and we do not guarantee any results with regards to reactivity issues in general.
Who can participate?
K9 Nose Work® can be enjoyed by any dog. Shy, nervous, dogs with disabilities, and dogs of any age can play!. Dogs with reactivity issues especially love K9 Nose Work® as they are able to work in a stress-free environment without pressure or force. One dog at a time is worked, allowing the focus of the instructor to be on that specific dog and handler team. No previous training or experience is required on the part of the dog or owner (handler)!