HOTC
ColorAngleBar

HOTC Scent Work Classes

AKC Scent Work Classes:

HOTC will offer Novice and Advanced AKC Scent Work Classes in 2023. 

Check the class schedule page for dates and times.  Please note, for beginners that the first 3 classes are a progression.  Cycle 1 will be the Foundations level, Cycle 2 will be Skills 1 and Cycle 3 will be Skills 2

 
Foundations, Skills 1, and Skills 2 are not currently being offered.

Scentwork Foundations:
 
Description: 
You and your dog will be introduced to the sport of Scentwork in the first of a three class series. Three areas will be emphasized in this class: 1) Drive and motivation training, 2) Reading your dog, 3) Introduction to different search types. You will begin to develop a special working relationship and bond with your dog that will continue to grow as you advance through HOTC's Scentwork program.
 
Goals:
- Drive and motivation: Learn techniques to build your dog's motivation and drive for the sport and to work for you
- Reading your dog: Be able to understand the difference between 'working' and 'not working' body language from your dog
- Introduction to different search types: Successfully complete Interior, Container, and Exterior searches.
 
Prerequisite: 
Manners 101/Puppy Class is required for non-members and for members who have not titled a dog
 
Skills 1 Scentwork:
 
Description:
This is the second class in a three class series to introduce you and your dog to the sport of Scentwork. We will continue to emphasize three areas in this class: 1) Drive and motivation training, 2) Reading your dog, 3) Introduction to different search types. This class will help to take your new skills to the next level!
 
Goals:
- Drive and motivation: Continue building your dog's motivation and drive for the sport and to work for you by learning how to work through more complex situations
- Reading your dog: Refining the difference between 'working' and 'not working' body language from your dog and start learning what each dog's search style is
- Introduction to different search types: Successfully complete more complex Interior, Container, and Exterior searches.
 
Prerequisite: 
Successful completion of Scentwork Foundations
 
Skills 2 Scentwork:
 
Description:
This is the third class in a three class series to introduce you and your dog to the sport of Scentwork. We will continue to emphasize three areas in this class: 1) Drive and motivation training, 2) Reading your dog, 3) Introduction to different search types. This class will help to teach you how to introduce odor to your dog and how to progress their training further.
 
Goals:
- Drive and motivation: Continue building your dog's motivation and drive for the sport and to work for you by learning how to work through more complex situations. 
- Reading your dog: Understand what your dog's search style is and how to work with it. Learn to identify when the dog needs help and techniques to do so
- Introduction to different search types: Successfully complete more complex Interior, Container, and Exterior searches. Complete a beginning Buried exercise
 
Prerequisite: 
Successful completion of Skills 1 Scentwork

For any questions about the Foundation/Skills 1 and Skills 2 classes you can contact Mackenzie Ferguson, mackenziekferguson@gmail.com 
 

----------------------------------


 
Novice and advanced classes will be on Tuesdays.
 
Prerequisite for Novice Class – successful completion of Skills 2 or approval of instructor.

Prerequisite for Advanced Class– dogs must be on odor (at least Birch) for this class.  

These are weekly classes. There will be 6 classes for Novice and Advanced in each cycle and 8 classes for Foundation in each cycle. If a class is cancelled due the instructors being out of town at trials, the end-date will be extended.

The cost of the Novice and Advanced Classes is $50 in advance for 6 weeks or $10 per class.

Class is limited so please fill out and send the registration form to the address on the form. Please do not come to a class unless you have received an email indicating that your registration for the class has been accepted.

For more information about Novice and Advanced, contact Denise Edge,
poodlers4@hotmail.com or text 205-807-4133.