N101S: NW101 - Introduction to Nosework

Prerequisites: Open to All. 

These supplies are what you will need for the class... however, don't fear!  These supplies will last you and you won't need to buy much more in the future.  I will also teach you how to make new Qtips.

You will need:

- Odor Kit (either pre-assembled or make your own)

- Tins or other vessel to put the Qtips into

- A "container" that we will use for imprinting

- Cardboard Boxes that will be used towards the end of the class in preparation for an Odor Recognition Test

Intro to Nosework Supply list:

1. Odor Kit containing:

• Scented q-tips
• Tweezers to move qtips from jar to containers
• Small metal tins with 3 holes that can fit in your hand (will come with a starter kit).
• Birch oil (or your starter oil), comes with some kits**

SOURCES FOR PRE-MADE ODOR KITS:

At http://k9nwsource.com/product-category/containers/odor-kits/ - the minimum you would need is the "student starter kit". The "plus" kit includes a round and slider tin plus a heat strip sleeve and Centrafuge Tubes (may be used end of class and in NW120). The "deluxe" kit includes 1 dram bottle of oil and more qtip containers. You will eventually need to refresh your jar in about 3-4 months so do not need the oil for this class.  If you are going to do NACSW, you might want to consider getting Birch, Anise and Clove prepared Qtips (optional), otherwise the first odor is fine (see note on odors below). This is the very fast shipping Nosework company.  You can ask Jane to expedite your order if necessary. 

At http://www.paws4fun.net/target-odor-kit - the minimum you would need is the "labeled jar". This kit only comes with 5 scented qtips. The "target odor kit" includes the dram bottle of oil, more scented qtips and a cute case! With this kit you must indicate you want a tin slider with holes if you want holes (holes aren't necessary but they can be helpful)

At http://www.thek9nose.com/ - the minimum you would need is the "starter travel kit". The "Beginner Starter kit" includes a bottle of oil and some additional qtip holders. 

NOTE: If you buy from Leerburg, be aware that the Qtips are not shipped pre-scented, so you will have to make them yourself.  (which is not hard and I will be teaching you to do that regardless!)

ABOUT YOUR TARGET ODOR:

** Birch is the starter oil for NACSW, AKC, UKC, PSD, C-Wags, K9 ABC Games, and K9SD. Wintergreen is the starter oil for SDDA and CKC (Canada).

**NOTE: Starting in 2020, NACSW will be testing on Birch, Anise AND Clove for NW1.  You can earn an ORT (Odor Recognition Test) title when you pass all 3 tests.  Prior to 2020, NACSW only tested on Birch at the first level.  We WLL be teaching you how to "cocktail" if you want to introduce all 3 odors at once.  I would NOT suggest cocktailing more than 3 odor together.

Birch (“Sweet Birch” aka Betula Lenta)

Anise (“Aniseed” aka Pimpinella Anisum variety – NOT Star Anise, Illicium Verum)

Clove (“Clove Bud” aka Eugenia Caryophylatta or Syzgium Aromaticum)

** AKC adds the oil Cypress for Master Level.  UKC adds Myrrh for Master and Vetiver for Elite.

** SDDA requries Wintergreen for Started and adds Pine and Red Thyme for Advanced and Excellent, respectively

** CKC uses Wintergreen and Pine, and then later adds Birch, Anise, Clove, and Cypress at various levels

** If you are in Europe or Australia & New Zealand, please check your regional organization. The European organizations can vary country by country. I have taught in person in Norway, Sweden and Denmark and can answer some questions that are organization specific.

In the Canadian organization, SDDA, the odor recognition test is called a Designated Odour Test (DOT).  In the Canadian Kennel Club, CKC, the Instinct level is optional.

Essential Oils used in SDDA trials:

• Started Level: Wintergreen (Gaultharia procumbens) 
• Advanced Level: Wintergreen and/or Pine (pinus pinaster or sylvestris) 
• Excellent Level: Wintergreen and/or Pine and/or Red Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

In the Canadian Kennel Club, CKC, the following odors are used:

• Instinct and Novice: Wintergreen (W) (Gaultharia procumbens)
• Open: Wintergreen (W) and/or Pine (P) (Pinus sylvestris)
• Excellent: Wintergreen (W) and/or Pine (P) and/or Anise (A)(Pimpinella anisum)
• Master: Birch (B)(Betula lenta) and/or Anise (A) and/or Clove (CL)(Eugenia caryophyllata) and/or Cypress (CY) (Cupressus sempevirens)

MAKING YOUR OWN Q-TIPS:

Even though your kits come with pre-scented Qtips, you will need to know how to make more later on!  It's super easy.

1. Put a cotton ball in a GLASS jar
2. Add about 3 drops of oil to the cotton ball
3. Put about 20 half Q-tips in the jar
4. Shake well and let sit for 24 hours

When you handle your Q-tips make sure you use tweezers and don’t touch the scented Q-tips with your fingers otherwise you are going to transfer scent to surfaces around you which can confuse your dog

NOTE: AKC is a bit different.  For AKC Qtips, you will be applying 2 drops of oil directly to the tip of the swab and then store the Qtips in a glass container for at least 24 hours before use.  When using AKC Q-tips, you will only use ONE.  When using the Qtips as prepared above, you will use THREE.  

Sometimes dogs act aversely to the amount of odor on AKC Qtips initially.  I STRONGLY suggest that you prepare the Qtips in a batch as laid out above instead of using AKC prepared Qtips at least initially, even if you are only going to trial in AKC.

2. Tins or other vessels to put the Qtips into

You will need a tin or other vessel to contain your Qtips when you train.  You can buy these from Nosework suppliers or simply get clean lip balm containers from Amazon!  You can also use Altoid tins, however make sure you put them through the dishwasher first.  We want to make sure there is zero mint odor left in the tin.  Keep in mind that this is always a possibility so Altoid tins are the least desirable choice.

(If you buy your tins from a Nosework supplier, they will likely come with Rare Earth Magnets.  These are GREAT because then your tin will stick to any metal surface!)

It's recommended to have several of these vessels.

ALSO HELPFUL...  Definitely get some of this stuff!

This is Earthquake Putty or Museum Putty...  it's reusable and is helpful for sticking your tins onto non-magnetic surfaces.

https://www.amazon.com/Quakehold-88111-Museum-Putty-Neutral/dp/B0002VA9NA/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2CY72E5LA4025&keywords=quake+hold+earthquake+putty&qid=1563903449&s=gateway&sprefix=quake+hold%2Caps%2C1128&sr=8-3

3. A "container" that we will use for imprinting

Your Game Containers...  Select Option 1 or Option 2.  I HIGHLY recommend OPTION 1 because they are heavier and you can avoid "box hockey" with dogs who have a tendency to use their paws.  If you can't find Electrical Switch Boxes, you can use Option 2...  but you might be better off with something else that your dog can put his nose into.

OPTION 1: A set of Electrical Switch boxes.  I would suggest a total of 6 sets.  Each set consists of a 4 inch square electrical box and a 4 inch mud ring.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RACO-4-in-Raised-Ground-Welded-Square-Electrical-Box-8232/100578083?MERCH=REC-_-SearchPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-100578083-_-N

https://www.homedepot.com/p/4-in-4-3-cu-in-Pre-Galvanized-Steel-Square-Mud-Ring-5-8-in-Raised-52C3-25R/202590483

These screw together with the round portion pointing down.

OPTION 2: Relative to your dog's size and personality with interacting with containers, select appropriate 6-8 plastic containers. Smaller dogs will do fine with sandwhich size plastic containers. Rough/large dogs would do better with more sturdier containers that lock and can't be opened. Put enough holes on the top to vent the container (1/2" diamater holes shown below). If you make the holes too big, you will constantly have food dropping in! You will need venting on the hot box and a few cold boxes (for when putting distractions in it).

NOTE: THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!  Mark your Electrical Switch Box or your Plastic Container that is being used for odor.  We consider this to be "HOT"...  plastic especially absorbs odor...  Once Hot Always Hot.... You always want to use the very same container for your tin...  once it's been exposed to odor, it can no longer be considered to be "COLD".

4. Cardboard Boxes that will be used towards the end of the class in preparation for an Odor Recognition Test

Optional (but useful): Regulation ORT White cardboard boxes (approximate size used for ORTs and NW1 containers is 11-1/8" x 8-3/4" x 4 but slightly smaller is often used - I usually buy the 3" high ones). These can be purchased on Amazon at:

9 x 6 1/2 x 2 3/4:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D9T2G3M/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?pd_rd_i=B01D9SZNF6&pd_rd_w=ZuymM&pf_rd_p=8a8f3917-7900-4ce8-ad90-adf0d53c0985&pd_rd_wg=Fb9zp&pf_rd_r=DB7J7DWQ8345V4TTMMZV&pd_rd_r=2cf0197e-9a29-11e9-ab2b-6576650e2f66&th=1. 

OTHER SUPPLIES:

5. Tasty treats that don’t fall apart. Non-crumbly!  Use HIGH VALUE!!  We won't have to wean the dog off a reinforcer so the higher value the better.  Kibble is not a great option.  Bring out the REALLY good stuff!

6. Harness and leash. Gear will be discussed in more detail in week 4. Here are some suggestions:

10' leash  (I do NOT suggest a 6 foot line... it's way too short, putting too much body proximity pressure on the dog.  I don't personally like longer lines although some people do)

Leash information:

For lighter dogs or dogs who do not pull, Biothane is an excellent choice.  You can get any color you would like at www.palominelines.com

For heavy pullers or strong dogs (your dogs WILL kick their drive in gear in this sport!), I usually suggest a Gripper Leash (www.gripleash.com).  Redline K9 has similar lines for sale on Amazon

Non-Restrictive Harness  (You can use any that your dog likes.  Popular choices are Brilliant K9, K9 Julius, ComfortFlex...  NO front clip or martingale harnesses.)