Course Details
3 WEEK CLASS - Nose work is such a unique sport, they get to keep playing, even past physical prime. It keeps them mentally working, which can improve quality and longevity of life. As handlers, we often wonder how to help our dogs keep playing at their best, especially when it’s clear they’ve got tons of skills but aware of their new possible limitations. Our senior sniffers have so much experience, but they might need a little extra support now and then.
Over three weeks, we’ll cover the most important things about training and competing with an older dog. Every week, you’ll get a new scent-based activity to help your senior dog keep their nose in top shape. We’ll also talk about super simple ways to help their bodies—like easy fitness and a bit of massage.
There will be a weekly lecture with tips on how to tweak your training or trial plans as your dog’s needs change. You won’t have to make any big changes, just some small ones that can make a big difference in how you and your dog enjoy the sport together.
This class is perfect for scent work teams who are still competing, but maybe your dog isn’t a youngster anymore. Things might seem the same, but a few little things could be shifting and that can feel weird for us. The good news is, it doesn’t take much to keep your dog happy and having a blast! It’s not about having an “old dog,” it’s about supporting our amazing competitors who just need a slightly different kind of help than before.
Teaching Approach:
Lectures will be released on a weekly basis. The lectures are separated into a nose work specific type of exercise, a wellness assignment that addresses your dog’s physical ability for this sport, and finally a few main concepts to help shape your dog’s trial or training experiences to help them as they age.
The assignments will be clear and goal oriented, designed to be included in your dog’s training schedule as a supplement, not a replacement for regular training. The massage/fitness type assignments will be for YOU to learn how you can support your dog as they age. Video examples will be included.
Feedback to video submissions of the homework assignments can be done through time-stamps as well as voice-over feedback. Written feedback will also be used to help explain concepts or answer questions.
