05/28/2024
We all know our dogs have amazing noses, but did you know that there are Nosework classes and competitive trials that give you and your pooch a fun way to get out and work together for CKC titles?
Any dog can participate in the sport of Scent Detection and Nosework! Handlers trains their dogs to detect a particular scent such as wintergreen, pine, anise, birch, clove, and cyprus using a small drop of scented oil on a cotton swab. In a trial, on-leash dogs are given a specific search area and a scent to follow. Once they find the source of the smell, they must signal to their handler that they have it.
There are five classes or levels of competition, starting with the entry-level Instinct class. Dogs move on from there to Novice, Open, Excellent, and Master classes. Each class tests the dog’s ability at a new, more challenging level, encouraging greater focus, and fine-tuning their olfactory senses.
Within the classes dogs are also divided into height divisions based on their size. Titles are awarded when dogs acquire the required number of qualifying scores for the class entered.
For more information and videos, go to: https://www.ckc.ca/en/Events/Overview-of-Events/Scent-Detection
