In our Introduction Class, you will learn the fundamentals of how dogs use their noses to locate scents, how environmental factors affect scent movement, and how to read your dog's body language. Rather than introducing specific target odors right away, we focus on teaching your dog to locate a scent's source. While this skill comes naturally to some dogs, others require learning, practice, and patience. As the first stage in our six-level program, this course sets the foundation for your dog to become an outstanding searcher.​

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Level 1 Core Skills

• Building Confidence & Problem-Solving: By working through shallow boxes and simple search environments, dogs develop focus, drive, and independent problem-solving skills.

• The Search Foundation: Dogs are taught to seek out high-value food rewards autonomously, without relying on handler guidance.

• Handler Observation & Body Language: Handlers learn to identify subtle shifts in their dog’s posture, movement, and respiration as the dog detects a target scent.

• Rewards Only: This introductory level relies exclusively on food rewards; target odors are introduced at level 3.

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Bring to class:

• Lots of small, high value (moist) treats your dog loves.

• Favorite toy

• Flat collar, martingale or harness. (no prong, choke or e-collars allowed)

• 6ft leash or longer (no retractable) - some exercises may be off-leash

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Vaccination requirements:

Proof of one DHPP vaccine 

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There are no make-up classes.

For dogs 16 weeks or older

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Class Duration/Cost:

• 5 weeks 

• 4 students per class.

• Average of 3 searches of max 5 minutes per dog per search

• Dogs take turns searching. Dogs not searching remain either in the owner's car or in our office (if dog is friendly with other dogs.

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$295

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Dates and Times:

Saturday, October 10 - November 7 at 11:30am​​​​​​​​

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