K9You Nosework Academy is training for the professional trainer who wants to add a nosework program to their training menu. Nosework as a sport has come a long way since its beginnings in 2006. There are multiple trial venues, and with the addition of AKC Scent Work, demand for nosework classes is higher than ever. We offer a ten day program where students will learn how to train dogs to find, and indicate target odors, how to successfully introduce, and develop, the various search elements, and how to develop a training program that will work best for the trainer, their available resources, and their students (See the full syllabus below.) . The Nosework Academy will prepare you to offer a nosework training program to your students for fun and enrichment, or to prepare for competitive trialing, or both! Academy students will receive a comprehensive training manual, and the valuable Nosework Training Plans Guide that will include ready-to-teach lesson plans for ease in planning classes and training scenarios (each segment released based on the course level you are attending). K9You emphasizes teaching trainers to be compassionate to both dog and human, knowledgeable, and flexible. Our attention to detail for each handler/dog team, finding what works for them, and helping them fine-tune their team work have been the benchmarks of our success.  

All students of the Academy will receive entry to an exclusive training group moderated by the trainers for continued support, feedback, and learning. Additionally, all students will receive first entry to future advanced skills training courses such as the planned three-day advanced skills classes, and weekend advanced skills building courses or retreats.

Our first in-person Academy for 2020 is scheduled for January 31 - February 3rd, 2020. This will encompass skills in the Week One Syllabus described below. We will have limited spaces in order to maximize the learning experience for each student. Students will be invited to bring up to three dogs to work with while learning the training process.  

(The remaining six days of the two week academy will be scheduled over two weekends for continuing education.)

Additionally, a Virtual Academy is in the works (planned for March 2020) to allow for Distance Learning for students who can not travel to the site, or be away from other duties for a long period of time. The advanced skills classes will also be offered as distance learning classes, as well. We are very excited to be planning these opportunities so we can open up the world of nosework to more trainers and their students.

If you have questions, please use the contact form and we will be happy to talk to you. We understand this is a big investment of your time and money and want you to be completely comfortable when making a decision about joining us.

K9You Nosework Academy four day School - Introduction to Nosework Training (as described in the week one syllabus)

May 22, 2020 to May 25, 2020, Classes run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM $795.00 

Reserve your spot with a $200.00 non-refundable deposit. The balance of $595.00 is due prior to the first day of class. 

SYLLABUS (This syllabus represents the topics presented during the full two week program - the order may be varied from the list below.)

Week One

Nosework overview - Value of nosework to dogs and owners (competition, value of nosework for improving behavior)

Competitive venues overview

Marker/reward system of training and its use in nosework

Ideal rewards and motivation in the nosework dog (use of food and toys)

Motivation and adaptation to the individual dog and handler

The major nosework methodologies

Fostering hunting/searching skills

Training a final response and it's value to the nosework team

Building and using a nosework lab; also introduction to using a scent wall, scent tubes, and alternate methods

Training a systematic search

Building independence from the handler

Building start line routines and pre-cues

Leash handling skills

Choosing nosework equipment to suit the dog and handler

Planning for classes, and ideal class set ups. How to adapt classes to your training space.

Week Two

Using bridges for transitions in nosework

Introduction of nosework elements - Vehicles, Interiors, Exteriors, Containers, and Buried Hides

Advanced Leash handling skills

How to introduce a novel odor

Effective hides placement

Handling odor and building odor kits for the trainer and students

Generalization from the training environment to new environments

Introduction to distractions

Training Handler Discrimination

Troubleshooting - pawing, box smashers, false alerts, fringing, etc . (How to avoid, and how to repair behavior)

Planning class set ups and structure

Effective coaching of the human client

Using the lesson plan book to build your teams skills, and have effortless class planning