The DVDs arrived and I spent lots of time watching them but, oh my… the method of training requires the assistance of another person. Hmm…. what to do??? Talked to more folks and was directed to the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy that offers online classes in quite a few topics including nosework! What did I have to lose? NW 101 – Introduction to Nosework - $65 for a course at the bronze level. It uses marker training which is so ingrained in my training that it would be hard to break me of it even if I wanted to stop using it – which I don’t. Here is what they said about it:
This course is unique in that your dog will NOT learn to search for food; instead, we use the proven training method that produces the nation's top drug and bomb detection dogs! Our backchaining method is effective on almost all dogs, from insecure and unfocused dogs to highly driven and intense workers. The proof is in the pudding; dogs going through only one or two levels of our courses are earning their ORT and NW titles in record time! Even if your dog has failed using other methods, we can help you succeed!
In this class, you will learn about the basic concepts in searching for odor, proper use of equipment, how to handle odor, how to make and place hides, and how to teach your dog the importance of odor obedience. You will also learn how to make the search for scent extremely important to your dog.
The Syllabus seemed like it was very straightforward and it was a course that was being offered right now and I could get started immediately!
Week 1:
- What is Nosework / Explanation of training method
- Preparing/handling odor & avoiding contamination
- Introduction to odor
Week 2:
- Introduction to hunting
- Developing value for odor source
- Emphasizing the importance of rewarding at source
- How to address false alerts
- Generalization of containers
Week 3:
- Building stay at source behavior using games
- Handling & body language - how that can affect your dog's search
- Introduction to mild proofing at source
- Generalization of searching in new familiar locations
- Hunting skill building games / adding more containers and challenges in search area
Week 4:
- Nosework gear and leash handling
- Elevated & High/Low container games
- Adding distractions with containers
- Introduction to the concept of aging your hides
Week 5:
- Startline Routines
- Introduction to Interiors
- Introduction to “ORT” boxes
Week 6:
- Preparing for your ORT
- Mock ORT
