This page has important details about what to have ready for your class, etc.
Please download or view the following:
- How do dogs “see” with their noses?
- Nosework definitions and jargon that will be used in class.
- National Association of Canine Scentwork website for more information about the sport of nosework.
- Ahimsa Dog Training Manual – 100+ page PDF with step-by-step instructions on tips for teaching many of the behaviors we’ll cover in class, in case you need some extra help!
- Directions to the training center
Before class:
- Vaccination records. Email us your vaccination records (a picture is also fine) or contact your vet to have them fax us proof of vaccinations (Distemper, Parvo, Rabies, etc., this is usually a receipt) to (206) 866-6786. Have them write “Ahimsa Dog Training class” on the first page or cover sheet.
NOTE: Dogs will wait in the car until their turn to search. When you arrive at the facility, come in without your dog for a briefing on what we will be doing and for the order the dogs will search.
Bring to class:
- Lots of stinky, non-crumbly treats (you may feed something like 100 to your dog, so small is good).
- Treat pouch – some way to easily access your treats.
- Your dog on a regular buckle/snap collar or martingale collar. If you’re used to using a correction collar (i.e. slip/choke chain or prong collar), please talk to your instructor about whether a harness or regular collar is a safe alternative.
- A regular 4-6 ft leash, preferably soft nylon, cotton or leather. Please don’t bring your dog to class on a retractable leash. Many nylon and chain are painful on your hands and flexi-leashes are often disasters in class.)
- A 8-15 ft long-line leash (optional, we do have long-lines for purchase at the facility for $35).
- Something to occupy your dog while they wait inside your car in between runs
Nosework definitions:
Hide – The thing that your dog is searching for.
Primary – The initial type of hide that the dog is searching for, typically food.
Target Odor – The types of scents used in K9 Nosework or other scentwork trials (examples: birch, anise, and clove) in the form of essential oils.
Source – Where the odor is coming from.
Accessible – The dog can get their nose to the source of the odor.
Inaccessible – The dog cannot get their nose all the way to the source of the odor because it is out of reach.
Scent Cone – an imaginary cone-shaped area that begins at the source of the odor/scent and spreads in the search area.
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Please do NOT let your dog, child, or self greet the dogs without permission of the owner. Some of the dogs in your class may be shy and it would be scary to get too close, even if your dog is the friendliest dog on the planet. When you first come to class, please find a spot to sit, then calmly massage your dog or work on training. The idea is to teach your dog to pay attention to you and relax in the presence of other dogs.
We look forward to helping you and your dog have a wonderful class experience and a great relationship. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Absences & Course Cancellations: If your dog is not feeling well, please do not bring him or her to class. Click here for more info on missing class. You are welcome to attend without your dog to keep up with the lessons so you don’t fall behind!
