Scent Work
The scent work path is a great way to help your dog use one of their most powerful, natural tools to compete, work their mind, and have a fantastic time. This path will challenge you and your dog in ways you’ve never thought of, while growing your bond exponentially as you and your dog learn to trust their nose. All NDTC classes require proof of current rabies vaccination for dogs age six months or older.
Beginner Scent Work (Scent Level 1)
Prerequisites
Dogs must be 6 months or older.
Goals
This is the beginning class that covers introducing the dog to the AKC odors as well as introducing containers, interiors, and buried. Some exteriors may be introduced depending on weather.
Scent Work Transitions (Scent Level 2)
Prerequisites
Dogs must be 6 months or older and have completed the Beginning Scentwork Class and competed in trials at the Novice level.
Goals
The goal is to move both dog and handler toward getting ready for the Advanced level of learning and competition.
Advanced Scent Work (Scent Level 3)
Prerequisites
Dogs must be 6 months or older and have completed the Beginning Scentwork Class.
Goals
This is the advanced class that completes the introduction of all AKC odors and introduces the dog to more complex odor problems. Containers, Interiors, Buried and some exteriors (weather dependent) will be covered.
Beginner Tracking
Prerequisites
Dogs must be 6 months or older.
Goals/Information
Tracking classes will meet in the fall and winter quarters. We do not meet during the hot summer months. The class is limited to 6 new (beginner) students.
The class will meet for 8 weeks, but the weeks will not be consecutive, and is weather dependent.
Our Beginner Tracking Class is based loosely on the training schedule outlined in Glen Johnson’s book, Tracking Dog: Theory and Method.
The first class will be held without dogs at the NDTC training building.
Following classes will be held outdoors, in any weather except thunderstorms or icy driving conditions. Any class missed due to weather will be rescheduled. Most of the sites have portable toilets; some have real toilets. Students will need good hiking boots and outdoor/cold weather gear. They will need to bring plenty of high value treats and water for their dog and snacks and drinks for themselves.
Classes start at 8 AM and may run until noon. Dog/handler teams are worked individually but class members are required to watch and walk along behind as the other teams work. For this reason, dogs must be safely contained in their vehicle while other teams are working.
The class utilizes several sites in Middle Tennessee, including Warner Parks, Saunders Ferry Park in Hendersonville, and other locations as available. Prior to each Sunday, the instructor will inform the students as to the location of that week’s class and will ensure that all the students have an address with which to map the directions from their location.
Advanced Tracking
Prerequisites
Dog must be 6 months or older and have completed the beginning tracking class.
Goals/Information
Classes will be held outdoors, in any weather except thunderstorms or icy driving conditions. Any class missed due to weather will be rescheduled. Most of the sites have portable toilets; some have real toilets. Students will need good hiking boots and outdoor/cold weather gear. They will need to bring plenty of high value treats and water for their dog and snacks and drinks for themselves.
Classes start at 8 AM and may run until noon. Dog/handler teams are worked individually but class members are required to watch and walk along behind as the other teams work. For this reason, dogs must be safely contained in their vehicle while other teams are working.
The class utilizes several sites in Middle Tennessee, including Warner Parks, Saunders Ferry Park in Hendersonville, and other locations as available. Prior to each Sunday, the instructor will inform the students as to the location of that week’s class and will ensure that all the students have an address with which to map the directions from their location.