This workshop/class is designed to address the unique needs of implementing a K9 Nose Work® program in the shelter environment, rescue group or for special needs dogs. The focus will be on the basic concepts and foundation skills for dogs and handlers as part of a shelter/rescue enrichment program. Live demonstrations with shelter/foster dogs and video will be used. K9 Nose Work & the shelter dog… Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. The activity of K9 Nose Work® is designed to develop a dog’s natural scenting ability by using that desire to hunt and their love of toys, food and exercise. K9 Nose Work® is one of the fastest growing activities in the dog community because it’s a great way for any dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental and physical energy. An area of great promise for the use of K9 Nose Work® skills has been as an enrichment activity and potential rehabilitation tool in the shelter environment. In environments where time, space and resources are often limited the need for low cost and effective activities for the dogs becomes invaluable. For trainers with clients with dogs that have been unsuccessful in other classes or activities, this is an easy to implement activity for just about any companion dog and owner. During this talk, we will cover the application and foundation of K9 Nose Work® and its practical use in the shelter environment, as well as the basics for getting a program started in a facility. We will discuss the potential benefits for dogs in the shelter or rescue environment and challenges that can be addressed with the use of basic K9 Nose Work® skills. Scenting is a natural and often under-utilized activity for dogs; K9 Nose Work® offers dogs both a mental and physical outlet for the stress that can often build from confinement. A key element for a successful enrichment program is that it be designed to encourage kenneled or confined animals to express naturally occurring behaviors. As enrichment programs have become a major component for many shelter and rescue organizations, the K9 Nose Work® shelter program strives to offer dogs an activity that allows them to express their most natural behaviors, scenting, searching & hunting, while giving shelter staff a fun and creative new way to engage the animals in their care. For the human side of the leash, K9 Nose Work® offers a unique opportunity to hone key observational skills that can be applied both within the K9 Nose Work® activity as well as an enhancement to their already existing evaluations protocols for creating the most comprehensive placement and treatment recommendations. K9 Nose Work® is good for both the dog and the human participant.

Sponsor:APDT
Speaker(s):Jill Marie O'Brien CPDT-KA

Contact: Jennifer Franco
 Email: education@apdt.com
 Phone: 185-921-93592
 Web: http://www.apdt.com/