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AKC Licensed Obedience and Agility Club · Est. 1952
Home › Nose Work

🐶Nose Work

K9 Nose Work starts with the “box game”, using your dog’s favorite food or toys to encourage your dog to begin searching boxes. The game then expands to searching entire rooms, exterior areas and vehicles, and essential oils are introduced as target odors as your dog progresses.

WherePDTC Training Center
219 Blackhorse Lane, Suite B
North Brunswick, NJ 089025,600 sq ft training facilityMatted training floorHeated & air conditionedCrating area, break room & restroomsParking with accessible spacesOutdoor relief area
Fall SessionSept 5 – Oct 25
registration opens Aug 24
Who teaches when
WednesdayJennifer MichelsonJennifer Michelson, CNWI · CSSTA Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), K9NW judge, and CGC evaluator who launched the club Scent Work program in 2015. A former K9 Search and Rescue handler, she also teaches STAR Puppy and companion obedience classes.
ThursdayJennifer MichelsonJennifer Michelson, CNWI · CSSTA Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), K9NW judge, and CGC evaluator who launched the club Scent Work program in 2015. A former K9 Search and Rescue handler, she also teaches STAR Puppy and companion obedience classes.
SundayLauren ChukrallahLauren Chukrallah, PNWI · PhDTraining and competing in NACSW Nose Work and AKC Scent Work since 2021. With her German Shepherd Mia she earned NACSW NW3 and AKC Advanced titles, and is now working toward her CNWI certification.
Questions about classes or registration?Contact our registrar:
Wednesday · Thursday · Sunday
Suzanne Dennis
obedreg.pdtc@gmail.com

Classes are capped at 4 dogs. Each dog searches individually while the others rest in their crates.

⚠ Before you register

There are no requirements to begin. Dogs of any age with no obedience experience can start training. Because dogs work individually and rest in crates between runs, dogs with fears are welcome. Puppies need two sets of puppy vaccinations; adult dogs must be fully vaccinated.

Class Progression

Hover or tap any class for details.
Not all classes are offered every session.

Nose Work

3 running this FallFull descriptions →

One sequence. Each class builds on the one before it.

Intro to K9 Nose Work Inot this session
Intro to K9 Nose Work I

Introduces teams to K9 Nose Work through box-game searches using treats or toys. Dogs work individually while handlers learn to read body language and observe other teams. Builds indoor search skills with boxes, objects, and elevated hides.

PrerequisitePuppies need two sets of puppy vaccinations; adult dogs must be fully vaccinated.
Class size4 dogs
PriceNot offered this session
Not scheduledFull description
›
Intro to K9 Nose Work II● Sun 11:00 AM
Intro to K9 Nose Work II

Continues box work and adds environmental search items such as chairs, desks, tables, cabinets, high/low hides, exteriors, and vehicles. Builds drive, stamina, leash skills, scent theory, and reward technique.

PrerequisiteIntro to K9 Nose Work I or instructor/Obedience Director permission.
Class size4 dogs
This sessionSun 11:00 AM · Lauren Chukrallah
Register — 11:00 AM →Full description
›
Intro to Exteriors & Vehicles● Sun 9:00 AM & 10:00 AM
Intro to Exteriors & Vehicles

Introduces exterior and vehicle searches, helping teams apply scent theory outdoors and around vehicles while developing search skills in new environments.

PrerequisiteIntro to K9 Nose Work II or instructor/Obedience Director permission.
Class size4 dogs
This sessionSun 9:00 AM & 10:00 AM · Lauren Chukrallah
Register — 9:00 AM → Register — 10:00 AM →Full description
›
Intro to Odornot this session
Intro to Odor

Transitions the dog from searching for a primary food reward to essential-oil odor such as birch, anise, and clove. Includes interiors, exteriors, vehicles, reward timing/placement, and preparation for odor-recognition testing.

PrerequisiteIntro to Exteriors & Vehicles or instructor/Obedience Director permission.
Class size4 dogs
PriceNot offered this session
Not scheduledFull description
›
Advanced K9 Nose Worknot this session
Advanced K9 Nose Work

For teams that completed Nose Work I/II and Intro to Odor. Dogs search for odor alone, may work birch/anise/clove, gain experience in all four elements, and receive individualized trial-skill work.

PrerequisiteIntro to Odor or instructor/Obedience Director permission.
Class size4 dogs
PriceNot offered this session
Not scheduledFull description
›
Trial Ready Nose Worknot this session
Trial Ready Nose Work

For teams preparing for or recently completing their first NACSW trial. Focuses on timed searches, blind hides, unfamiliar areas, and confident alert-calling across all four search elements.

PrerequisiteAdvanced K9 Nose Work or instructor/Obedience Director permission.
Class size4 dogs
PriceNot offered this session
Not scheduledFull description

● = running this Fall.

Registration opens August 24. You can browse classes now.

Not sure which class fits your dog? Email our Obedience Director at dir.obed.pdtc@gmail.com

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