Carla Simon, K9 Nosework Trainer & Scent Work Videos

Carla Simon, K9 Nosework Trainer & Scent Work Videos Carla trains bombproof detection dogs, reliable service dogs, and eager partners for dog sports.

From bed bugs to birds, from narcotics to nosework, Dr. Carla Simon, MD, BSc, MBA has trained thousands of students around the world. Since 1999, she has bred and trained hunting and sniffer dogs for Hunter’s Heart Kennels. Hunter’s Heart provides bed bug inspections, and has been featured in the Pointing Dog Journal, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants Journal, Dogs in Ca

nada, and Clean Run magazines. Carla is a Contributing Editor for the American Brittany Magazine, and a sought-after speaker who drew a sold-out crowd of more than 600 at UBC’s Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. Learn more at https://scentdetection.huntersheart.com/about_hunters_heart_scent_detection_classes_calgary

Bed Bug Inspections: https://scentdetection.huntersheart.com/bedbug_inspections_calgary_sniffer_dogs

Scent Detection Classes: https://scentdetection.huntersheart.com/store

Brittany Puppies: https://scentdetection.huntersheart.com/our-brittany-puppies-huntersheart_calgary-2021-litter

02/15/2025

Join Us for Scent Detection Class | Hunter's Heart, Calgary
• Learn from the pros with the same motivational techniques used to train certified wildlife conservation detection dogs, service dogs, and nosework champions.
• All levels are welcome - No experience necessary.
• Advanced teams practice searches, try new skills & troubleshooting.
• Wednesdays from 7 - 8 pm
• At the Beast Boutique, 4 – 6115 4 St SE, Calgary
• $275 + GST for 6-week class
• Choose your target odor, e.g. CKC nosework competition, handler scent, (lost items to find your phone or introduction to tracking)
• Instructor: Dr. Carla Simon, professional detection handler & nosework judge. Questions? Email [email protected].
• Maximum 6 students per class
• Classes must be prepaid and are non-refundable.
• Register (587) 317 – 5404 or [email protected].

Seeker at the start of a trail with Jessica Tuomela & True North Discriminant Scent Trailing
02/11/2025

Seeker at the start of a trail with Jessica Tuomela & True North Discriminant Scent Trailing

SCENT DETECTION HARNESSES 2025 REVIEW – The Neoprene Hero Harness by Red Line is one of my favourite harnesses for scent...
02/06/2025

SCENT DETECTION HARNESSES 2025 REVIEW – The Neoprene Hero Harness by Red Line is one of my favourite harnesses for scent detection and tracking. Purchase from DogSportGear in BC, and it’s buying Canadian:
https://www.dogsportgear.ca/products/neoprene-hero-harness?_pos=11&_sid=13b592a52&_ss=r

While the attachment is Velcro, it’s about 6 inches of industrial-strength Velcro on each side of the dog. It’s never detached during hours of deployments for me. I’ve never needed to replace one yet. In comparison, I tried the Yurkiw leather harness with metal Cobra Buckle and it fell off while tracking, so I got rid of it in the first month.

For Service Dogs and SD’s in Training, opt for a harnesses with Velcro attachments and SDiT reflective labels instead.

If you have time to purchase internationally, my favourite for deployments working daily in extreme conditions is Non-stop Dogwear’s Line Harness Grip WD. I love the handle, metal buckles, and padding for the dog’s comfort and durability. Other solid harnesses by this manufacturer are the Line Harness 5.0, Line Harness 5.0 Rachel Pohl, and the Ramble Harness, which feature padding and plastic buckles. I own them and use them, but they don’t have quite the same durability so I wouldn’t use them on deployments. Non-stop Dogwear is in Europe, but I’ve found their service has been very fast, delivering to Canada and the USA. Another pain in the butt is their sizing. Their ranges are so huge that your dog could fall within multiple sizes, so it can be helpful to email them for recommendations if you’re unsure. Returns are very generous if you guess incorrectly. I also love their booties, t-shirts for dogs, hands-free belts, long lines, safety collars, and leashes.

Do NOT use a harness with a tightening portion for scent work. For example, the Freedom No Pull Harness is a better fit for obedience. When you use the front clip, so the dog is pulled to the side when it reaches the end of the leash: https://www.amazon.ca/Hounds-Design-Freedom-No-Pull-Training/dp/B005OPZXZ8/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8WbhTEC7aQ4i0v7M_7GUSDoFIxGhEV2VPxiUeMePlbNmm3WoqyV1379YhW6yzACfIk1fpcGeoP1cqqM8LPhhnsFF32G1diMbZ2mQAJ0N62oGDujQnVFUei583AEEETOAXzg-u_pNm7Wzu-lWEpCg2KA2r9nicrooOi9C-TUpcB8pS6KgZx8_yvqdt8OODndpdH3rfg5pz2oO7Q7q8xDAe_2FoNOvlw78KVlYxWDCeAjOAxcCbYACSAW_sgyitn0kOJkr3A_MMdhgpWqdwur6u24Bn9yyNvkZYRnoG9NLVQxQjuTj4_574wV74_Le9VJ5LMhnBFDLUpaiKArH6zCYU9dTV7kRR9XtlDspAeBCtrsfeqX0A0GXFkuidIC1NcOm3_vBHoHkEM4r8Sf09uC96XP8peNHUAX9h3jCKrwNObBn1Ck-k-aaDR4zsP_XffvM.Pj28idBiU1ZYxL1NARt_5HZ07n6853OUH5SwUPsMu4M&dib_tag=se&hvadid=670871484188&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9001310&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14808502710390911254&hvtargid=kwd-298742832650&hydadcr=3431_13701893&keywords=freedom%2Bno%2Bpull%2Bharness&qid=1738881477&sr=8-5&th=1

If you purchase the matching leash with clips on both ends, you can attach one clip at the chest, and the other at the dog’s back. Then you steer the dog much like a horse.

Note: these are NOT affiliate links.

Looking Back on 2024 | Hunter’s Heart – Part 2Now that BB is retired from bed bug inspections, Rickard is enjoying the s...
01/21/2025

Looking Back on 2024 | Hunter’s Heart – Part 2

Now that BB is retired from bed bug inspections, Rickard is enjoying the status of my top bed bug dog. After he alerted to the scent of bed bugs in one hotel room, housekeeping, maintenance, and I could not find any bed bugs. I rewarded Rickard but left feeling frustrated. A week later, housekeeping called to tell me they found one egg. Good Rickard! That's why my detection dog's nose beats my eyes any day.

Rickard's day job is scent detection, but he loves to run tracks! We finally got confirmation of Rickard’s TD (CKC field tracking) and UTD (urban tracking) titles. Here's a short video of tracking through a corner at a sports complex:

https://vimeo.com/huntersheart/trackingacutecorner?share=copy =0

01/19/2025

LAST CHANCE: Hunter’s Heart Scent Detection Class Starts tomorrow (All Levels)

Scent Detection BEGINNERS
• Try a new adventure
• Learn using motivation and rewards (food or toy)
• Indoor exercise and enrichment
• Build a stronger bond
• Reactive dogs welcome - only one dog in the room
• No experience required

ADVANCED
• Learn to read your dog
• Practice searches at the next level with hides set by a judge
• Or play new games: Fanorama, Highs and Lows, Long Distance, Air Fryer, Goldylocks, Uber Number, or Super Surprise.
Class Info
• Wed. 7 - 8 pm
• Location: At the Beast Boutique, 4 – 6115 4 St SE, Calgary
• Classes continue for 6 weeks (Jan 8 to Feb 12, 2025)
• $275 + GST
• Instructor: Dr. Carla Simon, professional detection handler
• Learn using the same motivational techniques used to train certified wildlife conservation detection dogs, medical detection dogs, and nosework champions.
• 1 spot left for Jan 8 - Feb 12 class
• Taking reservations for Feb 19 start
• Maximum 6 students per class
• Classes must be prepaid and are non-refundable.

REGISTER
(587) 317 – 5404 or email [email protected]
Questions?
Email Carla at [email protected]

Looking Back on 2024 | Hunter’s HeartLooking back, a highlight of 2024 was spending several months in the field with Bea...
01/19/2025

Looking Back on 2024 | Hunter’s Heart

Looking back, a highlight of 2024 was spending several months in the field with Bear and Andre, searching for bats and birds on wind farms. Both boys were certified for wildlife conservation scent detection in the central USA.

Crops reached my chest height, and I jokingly thought of the dogs as my “forest bunnies” since they’d bounce up so their head would be visible above the field for a second and then sink into the foliage again, up and down, to their heart’s content. Having searched outdoors in Calgary’s winter, working all day through the summer heat wave was a novel challenge. Bear came in to bop me with his nose to request water from my pack. He’d stand still under the shady leaves and start bounding through the search area a few minutes later. That is a convenient addition to rotating the dogs and timing the searches!

The brothers are good friends, mostly. When Andre drove Bear crazy, he’d retire to sleep under the seat in the truck. The first time I couldn’t find him, it scared me. I haven’t seen that since finding Vite sleeping under the bed and behind the sofa. They are always ready to spring into action, no matter how comfortable their appearance.

Thankfully, we only experienced civil defence sirens for warnings, not tornados. But an impressive hail storm driving through Saskatchewan certainly rearranged my truck. After driving all those miles, I was glad to be home.

What happens at this early stage of a puppy's life determines their concept of what is normal in their world. They are t...
05/29/2024

What happens at this early stage of a puppy's life determines their concept of what is normal in their world. They are trusting and curious, open to learning, following and exploring. Every blade of grass is fascinating, and each visitor is a new friend in the making.

05/27/2024

The sun was shining so the puppies got to explore outside for the first time.

HAPPY BAT APPRECIATION DAY from bat scent detection candidates, Andre and Bear. Bats are an important part of our natura...
04/17/2024

HAPPY BAT APPRECIATION DAY from bat scent detection candidates, Andre and Bear.
Bats are an important part of our natural world: they eat their weight in insects daily and pollinate some of the plants we eat. Scent detection dogs can help wildlife conservation scientists to save more endangered bats. Learn more at https://www.albertabats.ca/wind/

04/06/2024

Are you interested in therapy dog visitation or service dog training? Do you want a well-mannered dog that’s a pleasure to travel with? Our CGN PREPARATION COURSE uses a rewards-based approach to take your obedience skills to the next level and help you eventually take the CGN test (a standard step towards more advanced training like therapy dogs). We’ll show you how to fade food rewards, leashes, and harnesses without sacrificing motivation. You’ll get answers to your questions and troubleshoot challenges. You’ll build confidence around distractions and become a stronger team.

The next set of classes runs from Saturday, April 13 to May 18, 2024 (6 weeks) from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm. Your instructor is Dr. Carla Simon (Hunter’s Heart), a CGN Evaluator and service dog trainer with 20+ years of experience.
Location: The Beast Boutique, 6115 4 St SE Unit 4, Calgary, AB T2H 2H9
Price: $250.00 + GST
Prerequisites: CGN classes are for puppies and dogs that already understand basic obedience skills like sit, down, recall, loose-leash walking and stay.
Information: https://thebeastboutique.ca/training-seminars
Training questions? Email [email protected]
Please call 587 317 - 5404 to register.

It can feel awkward if you’re unsure how to behave around a service dog handler and their dog. I recommend smiling at th...
04/03/2024

It can feel awkward if you’re unsure how to behave around a service dog handler and their dog. I recommend smiling at the handler and ignoring their service dog. The handler might be too busy to notice your smile, but if they do, it could make them feel welcome or even make their day. And they’ll appreciate it if you don’t distract their working dog while it's performing a life-saving task.

Not all disabilities are visible, but service animals always have essential jobs and the right to access public places where pets aren’t allowed.

Service dogs must attend to their handler to perform their jobs properly, so please avoid approaching, petting or photographing them. So, SMILE AND IGNORE.

Learn more in the top 10 FAQs about service animals from the CAPDT at https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7181387916458295296

May you find all of the eggs this holiday weekend! Thanks to Victoria Vic Thiessen for the lovely photo, and the corresp...
03/31/2024

May you find all of the eggs this holiday weekend! Thanks to Victoria Vic Thiessen for the lovely photo, and the corresponding fun with Bear!

Congratulations to our Canine Good Neighbour graduates. What a pleasure it was spending time with you and your dogs at t...
03/19/2024

Congratulations to our Canine Good Neighbour graduates. What a pleasure it was spending time with you and your dogs at the The Beast Boutique!

Global TV News interviewed me about Medical Alert Service Dog Training with Hunter’s Heart at the Beast Boutique today. ...
02/23/2024

Global TV News interviewed me about Medical Alert Service Dog Training with Hunter’s Heart at the Beast Boutique today. Watch for me, students Sheila Watson and Tilley and Ellen Scharf on the news on Fri. Feb. 23 (likely at 5 & 6 pm newscasts), possibly on the 11 o’clock news and maybe also on the morning news on Sat. Feb. 24, 2024.

Learn more about our medical alert seminars at https://thebeastboutique.ca/training-seminars/

Address

Classes At The Beast Boutique
Calgary, AB
T2H2H9

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 5pm
Tuesday 1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 1pm - 5pm
Thursday 1pm - 5pm
Friday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+1 403-813-9831

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NEW Scent Detection Class | Hunter's Heart, Calgary
NEW Scent Detection Class | Hunter's Heart, Calgary

Join Us for Scent Detection Class | Hunter's Heart, Calgary • Learn from the pros with the same motivational techniques used to train certified wildlife conservation detection dogs, service dogs, and nosework champions. • All levels are welcome - No experience necessary. • Advanced teams practice searches, try new skills & troubleshooting. • Wednesdays from 7 - 8 pm • At the Beast Boutique, 4 – 6115 4 St SE, Calgary • $275 + GST for 6-week class • Choose your target odor, e.g. CKC nosework competition, handler scent, (lost items to find your phone or introduction to tracking) • Instructor: Dr. Carla Simon, professional detection handler & nosework judge. Questions? Email [email protected]. • Maximum 6 students per class • Classes must be prepaid and are non-refundable. • Register (587) 317 – 5404 or [email protected].

LAST CHANCE: Hunter’s Heart Scent Detection Class Starts tomorrow (All Levels) Scent Detection BEGINNERS • Try a new adventure • Learn using motivation and rewards (food or toy) • Indoor exercise and enrichment • Build a stronger bond • Reactive dogs welcome - only one dog in the room • No experience required ADVANCED • Learn to read your dog • Practice searches at the next level with hides set by a judge • Or play new games: Fanorama, Highs and Lows, Long Distance, Air Fryer, Goldylocks, Uber Number, or Super Surprise. Class Info • Wed. 7 - 8 pm • Location: At the Beast Boutique, 4 – 6115 4 St SE, Calgary • Classes continue for 6 weeks (Jan 8 to Feb 12, 2025) • $275 + GST • Instructor: Dr. Carla Simon, professional detection handler • Learn using the same motivational techniques used to train certified wildlife conservation detection dogs, medical detection dogs, and nosework champions. • 1 spot left for Jan 8 - Feb 12 class • Taking reservations for Feb 19 start • Maximum 6 students per class • Classes must be prepaid and are non-refundable. REGISTER (587) 317 – 5404 or email [email protected] Questions? Email Carla at [email protected]

The sun was shining so the puppies got to explore outside for the first time.

We've been introducing the puppies to a new scent every day since 2 days of age. Use what you have; it doesn't need to be anything fancy. The video shows a week old Brittany puppy smelling a balsam scented candle. Introducing a new scent only takes 3 to 5 seconds. When your puppy wants to leave, let them. Make sure you don't let the puppy eat the scented object. The sense of smell is a dog's primary sense, so this is an important part of normal development for all puppies. And if you have a puppy who might be using their nose as a detection dog, a working dog, a medical alert service dog, a tracking dog, a mantrailing dog, a hunting dog, a nosework dog or any dog that uses their nose, it's even more important to take advantage of neuroplasticity at an early age. Their brains are like sponges ready to absorb new experiences in the world around them. And of course, it's fun. Some of the scents our puppies enjoyed include feathers, breath, cow's milk, basil, lavender, men's Roma cologne, shaving cream, bed bugs and suntan lotion. What are your puppy's favorite scents?

Are you interested in therapy dog visitation or service dog training? Do you want a well-mannered dog that’s a pleasure to travel with? Our CGN PREPARATION COURSE uses a rewards-based approach to take your obedience skills to the next level and help you eventually take the CGN test (a standard step towards more advanced training like therapy dogs). We’ll show you how to fade food rewards, leashes, and harnesses without sacrificing motivation. You’ll get answers to your questions and troubleshoot challenges. You’ll build confidence around distractions and become a stronger team. The next set of classes runs from Saturday, April 13 to May 18, 2024 (6 weeks) from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm. Your instructor is Dr. Carla Simon (Hunter’s Heart), a CGN Evaluator and service dog trainer with 20+ years of experience. Location: The Beast Boutique, 6115 4 St SE Unit 4, Calgary, AB T2H 2H9 Price: $250.00 + GST Prerequisites: CGN classes are for puppies and dogs that already understand basic obedience skills like sit, down, recall, loose-leash walking and stay. Information: https://thebeastboutique.ca/training-seminars Training questions? Email [email protected] Please call 587 317 - 5404 to register.

5 Days Left! MEDICAL ALERT SEMINAR, By Hunter’s Heart Scent Detection Sat. March 23, 2024, from 2:15 - 5:15 pm, at the Beast Boutique (Calgary). Get started training your dog to alert you to a medical target odour (e.g. food allergy, diabetes, epilepsy, migraines, PTSD or anxiety) by using their sense of smell. No previous experience is required. (We’ll focus on scent detection training only, not other skills required by service dogs.) Our motivational protocols are suitable for puppies and dogs of all ages. Info: https://thebeastboutique.ca/training-seminars Questions? Email Carla at [email protected]. REGISTER at (587) 317-5404.

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About Carla Simon

From bed bugs to birds, from narcotics to nosework, Dr. Carla Simon BSc MD MBA's motivational training has helped hundreds of K9 scent detection teams to reach their potential.

Carla is a Certifying Official for UKC Nosework (the world’s second largest kennel club) and Past President of Sniff Alberta. She has bred and trained hunting dogs for Hunter’s Heart since 1999, as featured in the Pointing Dog Journal, Dogs in Canada, Clean Run and American Brittany magazines. She is a Contributing Editor for the American Brittany Magazine, and a sought-after speaker who drew a sold-out crowd of more than 600 at UBC’s Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.

Carla breeds occasional litters of purpose-bred Brittany Spaniel puppies, for scent detection, hunting, and athletic partners for families that enjoy an active lifestyle. Carla’s Brittany Spaniels have completed UKC Masters Nosework with High in Trial wins, K9 ABC Games Triple Odor Games title, and qualified in Iron Dog (California, USA). In addition to field and scent titles, Hunter’s Heart Brittanys have won gold at AAC Alberta Agility Championships, National High in Trial Agility Brittany and Best in Specialty Show at the Canadian National Brittany Specialty. Her Brittanys have consistently achieved Top 5 national rankings in agility, conformation and obedience competition. For example, Hunter’s Heart Brittanys dominated the 2017 CKC national agility rankings: Boo finished 2nd, Vite 3rd and BB finished 4th.

Additionally, Carla conducted Behavior Assessments for the Calgary Humane Society, onboarding junior assessors. In her capacity as a Canine Good Neighbor Evaluator, she organized Alberta’s first CGN test, and has evaluated PALS prospects, service dogs and pets at events such as Pet Expo. She chaired the American Brittany Club’s Performance Committee (AKC) and was appointed to the Health & Genetics Committee of the CKC.