Nose Work Classes
Nose Work classes are designed to develop your dog’s natural scenting abilities, similar to the work of detection dogs! Â
By having fun searches and scent activities, your dog will be able to build confidence, burn lots of mental and physical energy, and enjoy working with their handler.Â
This is a safe activity as well as a sport for your dog. It’s for all breeds and ages!
All of the nose work classes are taught by Sue Howarth and are held on Wednesday’s at the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center, on Motor Ave near Pico Blvd, in West Los Angeles.
A current waiver is required for all members and for participation in our classes. Complete the WLAOTC Online Waiver.
Google Map to Cheviot Hills Recreation Center | Map of Training Class Locations Inside the Park
Updated Course Payment Instructions
As of January 2025, the club will no longer be accepting checks as payment for classes. This is to alleviate the time required for the treasurer to track and process tuition payments. Students can pay for classes, on the website, through PayPal or by debit/credit card.
If you are unfamiliar with paying on the website, your registrar can send you detailed instructions. The registrar can also refer you to a club member who can guide you through the process.
We understand that this requirement may be a hardship for some. Please reach out to your registrar and they will help find a solution.
Thank you for your understanding.
WLAOTC Finance Committee
Dogs will search exclusively for their Primary reward (i.e., either food or a toy) during this class, beginning with searching in boxes, but expanding to searching for hides outside of boxes.
No prior nose work experience is required.
Successful completion of one or more Intro to Nose Work classes, and, permission of the trainer.
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This class will continue where the Intro to K9 Nose Work class left off, beginning with Primary only, but at some point transitioning to imprinting the dogs on odor by use of “pairing” (i.e. placing the dog’s primary reward next to the target odor so the dog can self-reward).
Permission of the trainer is required for this class.
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Intended for dogs that have been introduced to all target odors and that are capable of searching for them with or without pairing. Exercises will be adapted as needed to address varying levels of experience. All dogs should be capable of entering an ORT (Odor Recognition Test) and being successful (if the handler is interested in competing).
| Class | Day – Time – Trainer | Session Start Date | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to K9 Nose Work | |||
| Introduction to Odor | |||
| Continuing Nose Work |