K9 Nose Work Classes

What is K9 Nose Work?

K9 Nose Work is a scent detection game for dogs, and a fun, fast-growing dog sport.

Inspired by the work of professional scent detection dogs, Nose Work consists of sniffing games that let every dog engage their superpower – their nose!

Nose Work is also…

  • Easy at-home dog enrichment
  • Naturally fulfilling
  • Confidence-building
  • A powerful supplement to training plans for fearful or anxious dogs
  • A great way to get to understand your best friend better and spend quality time with them

FAQ

We start by encouraging your dog to seek out a favorite toy or treat reward using their nose. As your dog grows more confident, the game expands to sniffing out hidden “target odors” or essential oils, and alerting you in order to get their reward.

As you and your dog progress, you will hone your searching skills and teamwork together through indoor, outdoor, container, and vehicle searches.

Learn about how your dog sees the world, and be amazed at what your dog’s nose can do!

Any dog and anyone can play!

  • Every dog can experience the joy of Nose Work. Dogs of all breeds, sizes, and personalities are welcome.
  • Shy, fearful, and reactive dogs all love K9 Nose Work. Dogs work one at a time; all other dogs are kept out of sight while a dog searches. Each dog is encouraged to grow their skills and confidence at their own pace.
  • No prior obedience training or dog sport experience is required. Whether you’re a total beginner, or a dog sport veteran, we’ll help you and your pup have a great time.
  • Dogs search one at a time
  • While one dog searches, other dogs wait their turn away from the search (in their cars or a crating area)
  • Your dog will have several turns or “runs” each class (Each run may be ~1-5 minutes long)
  • You, the handler, are encouraged to observe other teams perform their runs. Tons can be learned by watching and supporting others!
  • Exercises are tailored to let each individual dog experience success at their own pace
  • Early on, we place the biggest emphasis on helping your dog 1) feel safe and 2) have fun! This low-pressure approach allows dogs of all kinds to trust their own abilities and tap into their “nosey” talents.
  • In more advanced classes, we focus more on how you can play a more active role in the search as your dog’s partner

JoyDog Trainer Mara and K9 Ciara working together to find the odor in a K9 Nose Work trial.

K9 Ciara performing a vehicle search. (Photos by Marcella Winslow of Pawprintz)

Why K9 Nose Work?

Bond Together

Nose Work is all about fun and partnership with your pup. Step into your dog’s world, foster clear communication, and learn to interpret what your dog is telling you. Navigate searches together as a team, developing a truly special relationship along the way.

Bust Boredom

Give your dog the mental stimulation they need to be their happiest, best-behaved self. Dogs young and old often crave having a job to do. Nose Work fulfills your dog’s need to hunt and explore. Playing scent games leaves your pup happier, calmer, and ready to relax on the couch with you.

Grow Confidence

Watch your timid, shy, or fearful dog blossom. Unlike other sports, in Nose Work, your dog takes the lead. This skyrockets their confidence and lets their amazing talents shine. Playing Nose Work allows your fearful or anxious pup to have positive experiences with new people and environments in a gradual and safe way.

Photo by @arcane.photographs
Photos by @arcane.photographs

Class Details

Classes led by a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) with NACSW (National Association of Canine Scent Work).

Locations

Lake Forest:

  • Clickstart Dog Training Academy 22485 El Toro Rd. Lake Forest CA

Requirements

  • For dogs 6 months and older
  • No prior training required
  • Dog must be comfortable being crated away from you in your car while other dogs search
  • Dogs with severe fear or aggression towards people may require private lessons or instructor approval. Please contact us to discuss your dog’s needs with our trainer.

Join K9 Nose Work Class:

VIEW CURRENT CLASSES ➝

We host Nose Work classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced. New beginner classes (Lvl 1: Beginner Sniffers) open periodically.

Join our waitlist, and you’ll be the first to know when new classes open.

Submit our Waitlist Form to be notified of new classes!

Join the Waitlist:

Don’t miss your spot – We’ll email you with details and a registration link when new classes are available.

By joining our notification list, you’ll receive monthly updates on new class opportunities and dog training tips, which you can change your preferences for at any time.