““Inspired by working detection dogs, K9 Nose Work® is the fun search and scenting activity for virtually all dogs and people. This easy to learn activity and sport builds confidence and focus in many dogs, and provides a safe way to keep dogs fit and healthy through mental and physical exercise.
K9 Nose Work® starts with getting your dog excited about using his nose to seek out a favorite toy or treat reward hidden in one of several boxes, expanding the game to entire rooms, exterior areas, and vehicles. As your dog grows more confident with his nose, target odors are introduced, and competition skills are taught.
Prepare for a lifetime of fun with your dog and K9 Nose Work®!” ”
K9 Nose Work® is a wonderful fun sport that any dog can do regardless of age, obedience (or lack of it!), physical ability, shyness, reactivity. Each dog searches alone and as long as they can use their nose they can participate in this game.
This is also a sport for any person, no previous training skills required as long as you can get around the search area you and your dog can participate. Many people do nose work purely to have fun with their dogs while others enjoy the competition aspect.
K9 Nose Work® provides a great mental outlet for dogs so it is an excellent activity for dogs on restrictions or dogs who are physically unable to do much else. It builds confidence in shy worried dogs while providing reactive dogs a job in a positive learning environment. For energetic dogs it is a great way to burn off some of that energy and build focus.
It builds a great bond between dogs and their people. The dogs are in the driving seat here and we have to learn how to be part of that team by reading and trusting our dogs and helping them develop their natural skill.
NW Article:
https://www.nacsw.net/sites/default/files/file/Bark60_Nosework.pdf
