Cost:  $180.00        Class Size: 6

                                                      Trainers: Didi (Dierdra) McElroy, Dina Hagens

Needed supplies for all Classes: 12-foot lightweight leash, optional harness, high-value treats or toy.

Scent Work 101   A fun introduction to scent work for dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments. This 6-week class builds confidence, focus, and teamwork through structured search games and basic training skills. It’s a great starting point for enrichment or future competition.

Scent Work 201  A skills-based class that builds on the basics and strengthens the handler-dog team. You’ll work on odor imprinting, leash handling, reward timing, search strategy, and reading your dog more effectively. Ideal for teams ready to grow beyond introduction.

Scent Work 301  This level focuses on blind searches, clearer indications, and reading subtle changes in your dog’s behavior. Teams will work through more advanced scent problems, distractions, and trial-style challenges. It’s a strong next step for teams building reliability and confidence.

Scent Work 401  Designed for experienced teams; this class introduces multiple odors and more complex search problems. You’ll refine handling, discrimination, search strategy, and performance under pressure. Best for teams actively competing or preparing to compete.

Nose Work 501   An advanced class for competition-tested teams working at the highest levels. Training focuses on complex searches, distractions, endurance, and polishing performance. Instruction is individualized to help each team improve precision and consistency. 

Trainer: Jane Davis

Nose Work
Let your dog do what they do best — sniff! This fun, confidence-building class taps into your dog’s natural scenting instincts with games, searches, and rewarding challenges. Start with food, toys, or target odors like birch, anise, and clove, then work up to containers, outdoor hides, and new scent adventures. Great for dogs of all ages and breeds, and a fantastic way to build focus, confidence, and teamwork.   Reward the search. Build the bond. Have fun doing it. 

Scent Work,  Dogs start learning to identify specific scent, Birch, in simple search areas. The Novice level is great for beginners just getting started, and gives them the experience to show off their skills. Each search includes one hidden scent, placed in areas such as containers, rooms, outdoor spaces, or buried spots, with a two‑minute time limit to find it.

Advanced and Excellent-level – Handler Discrimination – Move beyond simple searches to more challenging ones with multiple hidden scents (three or more). Hides may be placed higher up and in trickier spots, with non-food distractions added to test focus. Dogs continue working with Birch, Anise, Clove, and Cypress oils, while handlers practice good teamwork—using the long line effectively, reading their dog’s signals, and managing time in larger, more complex search areas (about 400–800 square feet)

Master and Detective-level     Teams handle the most advanced searches. Dogs must find multiple hides in more complex areas, often at higher levels, in tighter spaces, and with more distractions. Handlers need strong timing, careful observation, and solid teamwork as they help their dogs work through challenging search patterns and stay focused until every hide is found.