HOTC Scent Work Classes

HOTC offers classes based on AKC Scent Work standards.

Check the class schedule page for dates and times. 

Pre-novice Class - Beginner Dogs
 
You and your dog will be introduced to the sport of Scent Work. You will learn about odor, how it moves inside, outside, in containers, and buried in sand. You will work with your dog as a team,  teaching your dog which odor to search for and the different ways you can train (paired with a treat and unpaired). Three areas will be emphasized in this class: 1) Drive and motivation training, 2) Reading your dog, 3) Introduction to different search types. You will begin to develop a special working relationship and bond with your dog that will continue to grow as you advance through HOTC's Scent Work program.  

When the course is finished, the instructors will advance you to the novice class or ask you to stay a few more weeks depending on your progression in the class.

Prerequisite:  Manners 101/Puppy Class is required for non-members and for members who have not titled a dog.
 

Novice - Dogs on Odor

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Novice or talk with the instructor for advice.

At the Novice level, you and your dog will search for the birch odor in the four elements of containers, interior, exterior, and buried. 

Novice is the first level you must pass in a trial. The instructors will help you with enrolling in trials as needed.   Once you earn three legs in each of the elements at the Novice level, you can go to the Advanced level.

Advanced

Prerequisite: Three Novice legs.

At the Advanced level, you and your dog will search for birch and anise in the four elements of containers, interior, exterior, and buried. You'll have two boxes with odor, either birch and anise, birch and birch, or anise and anise.

Excellent

For information about the Excellent level class contact Mary Gregory, missmkg@aol.com 803-640-8508

All classes meet weekly except skipping some dates as shown on the schedule. If a class is cancelled due the instructors being unavailable, the end-date may be extended.

Class space is limited so please fill out and send the registration form to the address on the form. Please do not come to a class unless you have received an email indicating that your registration for the class has been accepted.

For more information, contact:

Denise Edge, poodlers4@hotmail.com 205-807-4133

Mary Bankich, marybankich@gmail.com 256-651-4000

Beth Fitzgerald, shamrk3@gmail.com 256-503-3831

Mary Gregory, missmkg@aol.com 803-640-8508