Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. Through the use of food (primary reward) in boxes we tap into this desire. Dogs will learn to search all areas independently and build strong problem solving skills which will create a solid foundation prior to going onto odor. One thing that will help us accomplish this is by making Nose Work an obedience free zone.

Nose work is a sport that any dog can do, whether young or old, fast or slow, building a good foundation of scent detection skills will enable them to successfully face new and greater challenges within the sport. This class provides mental stimulation, gives dogs a job, helps build confidence in dogs that may be more worried or environmentally sensitive and creates an amazing bond between the dog and handler. Whether you want to compete in the sport of nose work or just play the game, we will take you on a path of preparing you and your dog for competition.

Prior to moving on to the next level of class, your dog will be exposed to all elements which include, Exteriors, Interiors, Vehicles and Containers. Also keep in mind, that we will move along at your dogs’ pace, meaning it may take several sessions of Intro to Nose Work before moving them on to the next level.

Age Requirements: This class is designed for dogs ages 6-months or older.

Vaccination & Health Requirements: Click here to view our vaccination requirements.

Cost: $215

Duration: 6-Classes / 60-Minutes Each

Please note that in order for your dog to participate in this class they will need to be crated in-between turns on the course.

Class Schedule:

Sundays at 11:45am
Instructor: Sharon Cierniak
Upcoming Class Dates: 5/10, 5/17, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14 & 6/28 (No Class 5/24 & 6/21)
Link to register: https://app.punchpass.com/org/8136/series/48201

Mondays at 3pm
Instructor: Robin Taylor
Upcoming Class Dates: 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1 & 6/8 (No class 5/25)
Link to register: https://app.punchpass.com/org/8136/series/47764

Mondays at 6pm
Instructor: Rebekah Reynolds
Upcoming Class Dates: 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1, 6/8 & 6/15 (No Class 5/25)
Link to register for this class: class link for students not currently in the class will be posted on 4/14

Mondays at 7:15pm
Instructor: Rebekah Reynolds
Upcoming Class Dates: 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1, 6/8 & 6/15 (No Class 5/25)
Link to register for this class: class link for students not currently in the class will be posted on 4/14

Tuesdays at 4:15pm
Instructor: Robin Taylor
Upcoming Class Dates: 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2 & 6/9 (No class 5/26)
Link to register: https://app.punchpass.com/org/8136/series/47779

Tuesdays at 5:30pm
Instructor: Robin Taylor
Upcoming Class Dates: 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2 & 6/9 (No class 5/26)
Link to register: https://app.punchpass.com/org/8136/series/47780

Tuesdays at 8:30pm
Instructor: Sharon Cierniak
Upcoming Class Dates: 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5 & 5/12
Link to register: https://app.punchpass.com/org/8136/series/47881

Wednesday at 2pm
Instructor: Rebekah Reynolds
Upcoming Class Dates: 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20 & 5/27
Link to register: https://app.punchpass.com/org/8136/series/47306

Thursdays at 7:15pm
Instructor: Sue Sentowski
Upcoming Class Dates: 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14 & 5/28 (No Class 5/21)
Link to register: Link to register for this class: class link for students not currently in the class will be posted on 3/20.

Notes: Dogs need to be able to be crated during class. Class is sometimes held at an offsite location near our facility.

How to Register: To begin the process of joining our training programs please fill out this Training Intake Form. Once you complete the form our training team will review and reach out to you with training and scheduling options.

This class allows us to continue to develop the strong foundation skills we have built in the Level 1 – Intro to Nose Work Class. Your dog will be introduced to its first target odor through the use of pairing that odor with your dogs’ primary reward. We do this by going back to boxes. This should not be seen as taking a step back. Boxes are a main focal point throughout your dogs’ nose work journey and will be revisited from time to time. The boxes stimulate the dogs desire to find the target odor and increase drive.

At this level we will also focus on handling skills, handler strategies and observation skills within all elements.

Included at this level is preparation for an ORT (Odor Recognition Test) and starting your dog on their journey towards their NW1 title.

Age Requirements: This class is designed for dogs ages 6-months or older.

Vaccination & Health Requirements: Click here to view our vaccination requirements.

Cost: $215

Duration: 6-Classes / 60-Minutes Each

Please note that in order for your dog to participate in this class they will need to be crated in-between turns on the course.

Class Schedule:

Sundays at 8am
Instructor: Sue Sentowski
Upcoming Class Dates: 3/29, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10 & 5/17 (No Class 4/5)
Link to register: https://app.punchpass.com/org/8136/series/47018

Sundays at 9:15am
Instructor: Sue Sentowski
Upcoming Class Dates: 3/29, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10 & 5/17 (No Class 4/5)
Link to register: https://app.punchpass.com/org/8136/series/47019

Mondays at 4:15pm
Instructor: Robin Taylor
Upcoming Class Dates: 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1 & 6/8 (No Class 5/25)
Link to register: https://app.punchpass.com/org/8136/series/47765

Thursdays at 6pm
Instructor: Sue Sentowski
Upcoming Class Dates: 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14 & 5/28 (No Class 5/21)
Link to register: https://app.punchpass.com/org/8136/series/47609

Notes: Dogs need to be able to be crated during class. Class is sometimes held at an offsite location near our facility.

How to Register: To begin the process of joining our training programs please fill out this Training Intake Form. Once you complete the form our training team will review and reach out to you with training and scheduling options.

This level is for dog/handler teams preparing for their NW1. In this class we will continue to build on the foundation skills learned in Levels 1 and 2. A stronger emphasis will be given to handling skills, handler strategies and observation skills.

In addition to this, we will prepare the team for what to expect on the day of competition.

Classes will be held at Urban Pooch Training and Fitness Center or at a convenient location in the area.

Pre-requisite: All dogs must have had exposure to all the elements during the Level 2 – Building Skills with Odor class and be ready to compete in an Odor Recognition Test or instructor approval.

Age Requirements: This class is designed for dogs ages 6-months or older.

Vaccination & Health Requirements: Click here to view our vaccination requirements.

Cost: $215

Duration: 6-Classes / 60-Minutes Each

Class Schedule:

Thursdays at 8:30pm
Instructor: Sue Sentowski
Upcoming Class Dates: 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14 & 5/28 (No Class 5/21)
Link to register: https://app.punchpass.com/org/8136/series/47610

Notes: Dogs need to be able to be crated during class. Class is sometimes held at an offsite location near our facility.

Pre-requisite: All dogs must have had exposure to all the elements during the Level 2 – Building Skills with Odor class and be ready to compete in an Odor Recognition Test or instructor approval.

How to Register: To begin the process of joining our training programs please fill out this Training Intake Form. Once you complete the form our training team will review and reach out to you with training and scheduling options.

Sue Sentowski

Our Nose Work instructor, Sue Sentowski, brings the knowledge and experience she’s gained from training her own dogs to compete in dog sports like Agility, Rally, Dock Dive and Nose Work to her classes each day.

Sue is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) with the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) and participates in Nose Work competitions with her dogs, Splash and C.J., both of whom are NW3 level.

Sue knows that participating in a training program that uses positive reinforcement is not only the best way to succeed in competition but is also essential to building a productive human-canine relationship.

Robin Taylor

Robin got started in dog training 10-years ago when she adopted Dylan from the Anti-Cruelty Society. Because Dylan’s energy and drive needed an outlet, she got started in agility and nose work.

Her second dog didn’t have the same drive for sports but loved people, which took them down the path of therapy dog work at grade school reading programs and in hospitals.

Today Robin is continuing her agility and nose work competition with her newest rescue dog, Kaiden, and is just starting to compete in agility with her young dog Raze, a border collie.

Robin believes that all dogs are individuals and need to be treated as such. Her objectives as a dog trainer are to teach her human students how to communicate clearly with their dog partners, be consistent in their communication, and enjoy the journey.