C.L.E.A.R K-9

InBark is excited to offer Nose Work classes with Cathie Laber! Cathie lives in Boring, OR (near Mt Hood) with her husband and three dogs, a senior Pembroke Corgi, Echo; and two Belgian Sheepdogs, Lexus & CH Poppy. She has been professionally training dogs for 35 years in the private and service dog fields. Cathie is a CA state licensed Guide Dog Mobility Instructor and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed. She recently passed her written and practical examination, and is now officially a Certified Canine Nosework Instructor. She enjoys all types of positive training and working with dogs and has competed and titled in freestyle, agility, retriever hunting tests, herding, obedience, rally, & tracking. Cathie recently has become addicted to teaching and training for competition in the newest dog sport, K-9 Nosework (urban, detection style hunting). When she is not actively training, you can find her RV-ing with her family at the beach.

Turn your dog's innate (and sometimes annoying) tendency to sniff everything into a directed FUN activity and new official dog sport! Nose Work is a great way to let your dog be a dog. Also to excel in an activity that they’re already naturally good at (sniffing, exploring and hunting). At the same time, you, as their handler, will learn more about your companion's behavior and body language communication and admire their scenting skills. You and your dog will build a stronger relationship built on mutual trust and communication, by enjoying a fun and "no pressure" activity together.

"The purpose of K9 Nose Work™ is to engage the dog in the game of nose work and to teach the handler how to read their dog and build a team relationship all while having FUN! Nose Work is a great skill to develop in the dog that can build the dog's confidence, reduce environmental sensitivity, and provide mental and physical exercise through teamwork with their handler."

(Ron Gaunt, Jill O'Brien, Amy Herot -founders of www.k9nosework.com)

Each exercises during the nose work classes are customized to each individual dog and will motivate your pooch to search for and "find" their treat or toy. Initially, cardboard boxes are used as hiding containers. Later progressing to other environmental objects.

Individually tailored progression to exercises on accessibility, elevation, patterns and indications of hides and adding increasing distractions. The instructor will coach the handler, how to correctly reward and recognize your individual dog's signals. As your dog becomes more proficient, advancement to more challenging inside and outside environments as well as teaching the dog to work the exterior of any vehicles.

In the more advanced “odor” classes, the hide is paired with your toy, or preferred treat, with an essential oil aroma progressively, (Birch, Anise, Clove) so the dog learns to associate these select odors with their favorite treats or toys!

Finally, your dog will be searching for these odors on their own, and only rewarded by you, when they find, indicate, and stays as close as possible at the odor’s source.

No prior "obedience" training is required! No clicker experience needed. No addition equipment required. No age restrictions for handlers or dogs. Nose Work is a low-cost activity with minimal planning and set-up requirements.

Nose work is a great activity for all dogs and people anytime and anywhere:

• ALL breeds and breed mixes

Every dog has his/her own hunting and sniffing style, and their sense of smell is by far superior to the human ability to detect odor (approx. 220 million scent receptors vs 5 million in the human nose) All dog sizes; from Yorkies to Great Danes, from Pugs to Pulis, Canines love and naturally excel at this activity!

• Fearful dogs or Reactive dogs

Triggering stimuli (e. g. new environment, scary objects, strangers, noises) are paired with a fun activity and a food or toy reward Safe and controlled environment Exercises customized to your dog’s needs Builds confidence as the dog ALWAYS succeeds in this activity

Minimal to no interaction with other people who observe from a distance

Only one dog is worked at any one time; no other dogs "in your face"

Hunting may become more rewarding than reacting to a triggering stimulus

Sniffing physically tires the body and calms the mind

• Active dogs or Younger dogs

Dogs can move freely off-leash in enclosed safe environments

Dogs are encouraged to make their own choices

Sniffing is a highly self-rewarding activity

Short training sessions ensure focused attention

Exploring is a fun as well as physically and mentally tiring activity for puppies and adolescent dogs

Builds confidence in new environments and situations

A great socialization tool

• Dogs with Physical Restrictions and Geriatric dogs

Maximum mental stimulation with minimal physical movement

Deaf, blind, restricted & recuperating dogs only need their sense of smell to be successful

Safe and controlled environment

Exercises customized to suit your dog

Nose work builds confidence and stamina

• People with physical limited restrictions

Minimal movement needed from handler

Other students and instructor can work your dog

Dog will be tired physically and mentally at the end of each class

"Lazy" people... Enjoy watching your dog just like you watch TV; although you will have to get up and "change channels" from time to time (here: go to your dog and reward at source)

• Owners of reactive or fearful dogs

Learn to relax in safe and control environment

Gain confidence as your dog works successfully through nose work challenges

Be in a "support group" with other dog handlers

Be proud of your dog's achievements in a supportive class

Learn to apply nose work in other environments

• Anytime and Anywhere

Work inside in any room or building – from bathroom to barn, from living room to garage

Work outside on any surface (e. g. concrete, gravel, grass, sand, dirt)

Practice in Urban, suburban, rural areas

Try your luck at vehicle searches

Work in any weather (if so inclined) and any time of day or night

Work with no, low, moderate and maximum distractions

• Other benefits

No to low cost activity; no expensive equipment required

Short training sessions that fit in anyone's busy schedule

You can use your dog's daily meals as hides

Up the ante according to your dog's successes and experience