Group Classes
INTRODUCTION TO CANINE NOSE WORK
2-Week Group Class | All Breeds Welcome!
Fulton Strong K9 | Homosassa, Florida
Workshop Details
Dates: November 12 & 19, 2026
Time: Thursdays | 4:00–5:00 PM EST
Location: Fulton Strong K9 Ranch | Homosassa, FL
Cost: $115 per dog/handler team (includes both classes)
Duration: Two weeks | One hour per week
Experience Required: None! Beginners welcome.
Breeds: Open to all breeds and ages.
Discover the World Through Your Dog’s Nose!
Dogs experience the world through scent in ways that humans can only begin to understand. Their incredible olfactory abilities allow them to gather information about their surroundings, identify specific odors, and solve problems using one of their most powerful natural abilities.
At Fulton Strong K9, we’re introducing a fun, beginner-friendly, two-week group class designed to help dogs and their owners explore the foundations of canine nose work.
Whether you have a young puppy, an energetic working breed, a retired sport dog, or a companion who simply needs something new and exciting to do, nose work can provide an enriching outlet for almost any dog.
This class is designed to be enjoyable, educational, and accessible to handlers of all experience levels. You do not need previous scent detection experience, advanced obedience, or a working dog to participate.
Our focus is on helping dogs develop confidence, independence, problem-solving abilities, and enthusiasm for using their noses while teaching owners how to recognize and encourage natural searching behavior.
What We’ll Be Learning
Week 1 — November 12: Building the Foundations
During our first class, we’ll introduce the fundamental concepts behind nose work and help each dog begin developing confidence and motivation for searching.
Topics include:
Understanding how dogs use their sense of smell
Introduction to scent detection and odor recognition
Building motivation through food and toy rewards
Introducing box searches and simple search exercises
Encouraging independent problem-solving
Understanding search behavior and canine body language
Developing handler observation skills
Introducing the concept of odor association
Understanding reinforcement timing and reward placement
Our goal during Week 1 is to create a positive learning experience where dogs begin to understand that searching is both rewarding and enjoyable.
Week 2 — November 19: Developing Search Skills
During our second class, we’ll begin building upon the skills introduced during Week 1.
Topics include:
Increasing confidence during search activities
Introducing simple search patterns
Working with birch, anise, and clove target odors at an introductory level
Understanding odor placement and accessibility
Introducing basic odor discrimination concepts
Observing changes in behavior when a dog encounters target odor
Understanding the beginnings of odor indication
Improving handler timing and reward delivery
Discussing how to practice nose work at home
Each dog will work at an appropriate level based on their confidence, motivation, and progress. Dogs will not be expected to demonstrate advanced detection skills after only two lessons.
The purpose of these introductory classes is to establish a foundation for continued learning.
Why Nose Work Is Beneficial for Dogs
Nose work is an excellent activity for dogs because it encourages them to use natural behaviors in a structured and rewarding way. Unlike some physical dog sports, scent work does not necessarily require tremendous strength, speed, or athletic ability.
Mental Enrichment and Problem-Solving
Searching for odors encourages dogs to concentrate, make decisions, and work independently. It provides opportunities for mental stimulation and engagement beyond traditional obedience exercises.
Confidence Building
Nose work can be particularly beneficial for dogs who need opportunities to develop independence and confidence. Appropriately designed searches allow dogs to explore their environment and discover successful outcomes without unnecessary pressure.
Healthy Behavioral Outlets
Many dogs, particularly those with high energy or strong working instincts, benefit from activities that provide meaningful opportunities to engage in species-typical behavior. Nose work can offer an enjoyable outlet that complements daily exercise, obedience training, and other enrichment activities.
Supporting Behavioral Well-Being
Scent-based enrichment may support overall behavioral well-being by providing dogs with opportunities for exploration, choice, and rewarding mental activity. Although nose work is not a replacement for behavioral treatment, it can be a valuable addition to a dog’s daily routine.
Preparing for Future Scent Work Activities
For owners interested in exploring canine scent sports, our introductory class provides exposure to foundational skills used in civilian nose work and odor detection competitions.
Dogs and handlers who enjoy this activity may choose to pursue more structured scent detection training in the future.
What to Bring to Class
Please bring the following equipment for your dog:
Search and Scent Supplies
One cardboard box approximately the size of your dog
High-value food rewards or training treats
Favorite toy rewards
Birch, anise, and clove scent-work odors
Cotton-tipped swabs
Disposable latex or nitrile gloves
Dog Training Equipment
Regular leash and appropriately fitted collar
Comfortable, properly fitted harness
Any additional training equipment you normally use
Secure crate inside your vehicle for your dog to rest between sessions
Handler and Comfort Supplies
Fresh drinking water for yourself and your dog
Waste bags for cleaning up after your dog
Folding chair for sitting during instruction and while other teams work
Weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable outdoor footwear
Please keep all target odors sealed and separate from food, toys, and other training supplies until instructed. We will discuss appropriate scent handling and storage during class. Essential oils and scented materials must remain secured and away from dogs’ mouths and skin.
Group Class Structure and Expectations
Classes will take place outdoors at our private training ranch in Homosassa, Florida.
Dogs will work individually during designated search exercises, allowing each team the opportunity to learn without unnecessary distractions from other dogs.
When not actively working, dogs must remain safely secured in their vehicles in properly ventilated crates with appropriate temperature control, or in another designated secure area approved by the instructor. Owners should plan accordingly for Florida weather.
All dogs must remain under handler control, and dog-to-dog greetings will not be part of the class. Our focus will be on learning, confidence, neutrality, and creating a positive environment for every participating team.
Handlers should be prepared to observe other teams, ask questions, and participate in discussions about scent work and canine behavior.
This is a fun, introductory education course—not a competition or evaluation. We want every dog and owner to leave feeling encouraged and excited to continue learning.
Interested in Continuing Beyond the First Two Weeks?
If there is enough interest in our introductory nose work class, we would love to continue developing an ongoing group learning opportunity at Fulton Strong K9.
Future classes may explore:
Advanced odor recognition and discrimination
More challenging search environments
Indoor and outdoor search exercises
Expanded target odor training
Introduction to small article searches
Developing reliable odor indication behaviors
Increasing search independence and duration
Foundational tracking and trailing activities
Recreational scent work challenges
Preparing interested teams for civilian scent work competitions
Future class topics and dates will be determined by participant interest and the progress of our group.
Our goal is to create an enjoyable place where owners can continue developing new skills, exploring their dogs’ natural abilities, and sharing their enthusiasm for canine behavior.
Registration — November 2026
Introduction to Canine Nose Work
November 12 & 19 | Thursdays, 4:00–5:00 PM EST
$115 per dog/handler team for the complete two-week course
All breeds welcome. No prior nose work experience necessary!
Join us at Fulton Strong K9 in Homosassa, Florida, for two afternoons of learning, enrichment, and discovering what your dog’s nose can do.
Registration & Questions:
FSK9info@gmail.com
Location:
Fulton Strong K9
Homosassa, Florida
We look forward to welcoming you and your dogs to the ranch for something fun and a little different!