Nose Work Classes

Turn your dog’s natural sniffing instincts into an exciting game!

Nose work is a scent-based activity inspired by detection dogs, where your dog learns to search for hidden odors using their powerful sense of smell. It’s fun, mentally enriching, and suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds, and training backgrounds.

Whether you're looking for a new activity, a confidence booster for a sensitive dog, or a path toward nose work competition, these classes will help you and your dog learn to search together.

Why Nose Work?

  • Serves as a confidence-booster for shy or sensitive dogs

  • Excellent mental enrichment

  • Reactive dog friendly — dogs search one at a time

  • Great for all breeds and ages

Nose work is one of the most accessible activities for dogs who may struggle in typical group classes.

Dogs search one at a time, allowing each dog to have the entire search area to themselves without other dogs present.

Offering…

Level 1:

Intro to K9 Nose Work

Brand new to nose work? Start here!

This class introduces your dog to the exciting game of searching. We’ll build on your dog’s natural hunt drive, teaching them that using their nose to search for hidden food or toys is the best game in town.

Level 2:

Odor Foundations

In this class, dogs transition from searching for food and toys to recognizing and locating the target odors used in the sport of nose work: birch, anise, and clove. We’ll focus on building a strong foundation for odor recognition while introducing simple searches in a variety of environments to help dogs gain confidence and understanding.

Level 3:

Search Elements

Build on your dog's odor foundation by introducing the four search elements: containers, interiors, exteriors, and vehicles. This class also includes ORT (odor recognition test) preparation and continues to develop both your dog's search skills and your handling techniques.

Level 4:

Continuing Nose Work

This ongoing class is designed for teams who want to continue building their skills towards competition readiness. We will build on foundation skill with more complex searches, new environments, and advanced problem-solving.

Private Lessons

Prefer a one-on-one approach? Private lessons are available for teams who want individual coaching tailored to their goals, whether you’re just getting started, troubleshooting challenges, or preparing for competition.

Available in-person or virtually.

What Does Nose Work Look Like?

Exterior Search

Vehicle Search

Interior Search

Container Search

Sign Up Now!

All classes are held at:

Aspire K9 Academy

11405 Bethesda Church Rd.

Damascus, MD 20872

Don’t see a class scheduled for you? Looking for private lessons? Send me an email!