I never thought I would do online scent classes, but so far they are dramatically exceeding my expectations.
There is a multi-level class for dogs who are already searching, from dogs who are quite new to searching through to experienced teams, and a separate class for beginner dogs. Classes are limited to a maximum of 4 dogs.
All you need is an internet connection; a phone, tablet or laptop with a camera; the odour your dog works on; and, of course, loads of tasty treats or a favourite toy.
How does it work?
I send out suggestions for hides before the class so everyone is set up. Then we watch each dog in turn and discuss why they worked it the way they did, and what was hard or easy about different hides. Everyone then puts out another set of hides to build on how their dog did in the first search.
We learn lots about air flow, how odour behaves, and how to use hide placement to move your dog’s searching forwards. We also work on themes like increasing sniff rate, dealing with distractions, working near heat sources and improving indication.
[CONFIRM WITH VAY] Current class days, times and price (the old site listed a Saturday multi-level class and a Wednesday beginners class).