BRINGING THE FUN TO CANINE SCENT WORK
ABOUT US
Canberra Nosework Training
Canberra Nosework Training is a dog training business in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) specialising in training your regular pet dog to become a scent detection dog. The sport was first started in the US by the founders of National Association of Canine Scent Work® (NACSW™) in the mid 1980’s for virtually all dogs and people. The founders, through their extensive experience working in professional canine detection, developed K9 NOSE WORK® methodology.
John Sam is the founder and trainer of Canberra Nosework Training. He is a qualified Canine Behaviour Practitioner and a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI™) with NACSW™.
There are two main methods used to teach Nosework. The targeting approach and the K9 NOSE WORK® method. In the targeting approach, the dog is presented with the target odour(s) and reward is given when the dog's nose touches the container containing the target odour. I have used both methods to train dogs. Both methods will work, but I found that K9 NOSE WORK® methodology is more rewarding, fun and therapeutic for the dogs.
In K9 NOSE WORK® we start with getting your dog excited about using his/her nose to seek out a favourite toy or food hidden in one of several boxes, expanding the game to entire rooms, exterior areas, and vehicles. As your dog grows more confident with his/her nose, target odours are introduced, and competition skills are taught.
This activity is FUN and rewarding for all dogs and their people. It is easy to learn, helps build confidence and focus in many dogs, and along the way build that special relationship and bond with your canine friends. Nosework is ideal for shy or reactive dogs because only one dog works at a time, while the other dogs are kept away from the working area.
There is a lots of literature on why scenting activity has therapeutic benefits for dogs. In K9 NOSE WORK®, we give our dogs control and the opportunity to hunt. This ability to hunt activates their SEEKING system which has so much healing benefits.
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ABOUT YOUR NOSE WORK INSTRUCTOR
John Sam lives in Canberra, the Australia Capital Territory (ACT). He always had a dog or two in his life and enjoyed taking his dogs to the local dog club for training. John’s former life was an IT professional and holds a Master Degree in IT. When he came across Nose Work in 2016, he was instantly hooked on it. He sees the benefits of this activity with his “reactive” Labrador dog and decided to learn more about it. John now runs Canberra Nosework Training and has been training dogs professionally since 2017. His biggest joy is to be able to spread the fun and therapeutic benefits of Nose Work and watch shy and fearful dogs grow in confidence as they progress through the class.
John competed in the 2017 ACSW NW1 trial in Sydney with his Labrador dog, Tyson, and obtained 3rd place overall in the trial.
In 2018, they competed in the Australia first NW2 trial. Not only did they obtain their NW2 title, they were also awarded the overall Partnership awards. Partnership is awarded by the Judges for great partnership among handler/dog teams and demonstrated exceptional technique and/or teamwork on the trial day.
John has volunteered in the local dog clubs, RSPCA-ACT and ACSW trial. He also attended K9 Nose Work camps as Logistic team member in the USA. He is one of the first eight Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) with the National Association of Canine Scent Work® (NACSW) in Australia. John is an ANKC Foundation Scent Work Judge. He is also a qualified Canine Behaviour Practitioner. He has a Diploma in Canine Behaviour with The International School for Canine Psychology & Behaviour LTD (ISCP).
John is a proud member of the Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA), the Association for Force-Free Professionals.
CANINE RELATED QUALIFICATIONS
CERTIFIED NOSE WORK INSTRUCTOR
FAQ
WHAT IS CANINE NOSE WORK?
It is an activity where the dog is using its nose to locate a target scent or odour. It is a relatively new dog sport in Australia, but is rapidly gaining popularity. It is inspired by the model of working detection dogs.
WHAT IS K9 NOSE WORK®?
It is a training methodology developed by the NACSW founders. Its goal is for the companion dog to have an outlet for their natural hunting and scenting abilities.
WHAT IS YOUR TRAINING METHODOLOGY?
K9 Nose Work methodology uses positive reinforcement technique where the dog is rewarded with their favourite food or toy when he/she finds the target odour.
DOES MY DOG NEED ANY FORMAL OBEDIENCE TRAINING BEFORE STARTING NOSE WORK CLASS?
No formal obedience training required. In fact, K9 Nose Work classes are “obedience free”. We want our dogs to focus on the search and to search independently.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR A DOG TO START NOSEWORK TRAINING?
There is no age limit on when a dog can join the class as long as the pup has all the required vaccinations.
MY DOG IS REACTIVE TO OTHER DOGS, IS HE SUITABLE FOR THE CLASS?
Yes, the class is designed so that only one dog works at a given time. The other dogs are crated in the car. Your dog will not meet another dog in the class.
HOW IS THE CLASS RUN?
Only one dog will work at any given time. Other dogs are crated away from the work area. Other participants will watch as you learn so much by watching others.
DOES MY DOG NEED TO BE CRATED IN THE CAR?
Yes, when your dog is not working, it is expected that you will crate your dog in the car. If your dog is anxious staying alone in the car, you may need someone to stay in the car with your dog.
CAN YOU TRAIN MY DOG TO BECOME A MEDICAL ALERT, BOMB DETECTION OR TRUFFLE DOG?
K9 NOSE WORK® program is not designed for any kind of professional detection. The purpose is to engage the dog in the game of nose work, build confidence and provide mental/physical exercises.
13 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GIVE K9 NOSE WORK A GO:
1) You and your dog will have fun
2) Uses reward based training methodology
3) Giving CHOICE and CONTROL to the dog
4) Activate the SEEKING system and dopamine surges through their brain which is so therapeutic for the dog
5) Builds focus and confidence in the dog
6) Almost all dogs including reactive, older, blind and deaf dogs can participate in this activity as only one dog will work at any one time
7) This activity can virtually be done anywhere. You can do this at home during raining days.
8) Your dog will be mentally and physically stimulated with as little as 10 minutes training at home.
9) It is simple to learn, no formal obedience training is required
10) You don't need special or expensive equipment to start this activity
11) You will develop a special bond and relationship with your dog
12) You will learn to understand and read your dog
13) You get to understand scent movement and the strange world of the olfactory system.
HOW DO I ENROL IN YOUR COURSE?
By clicking on the “Get notifications for this course” button located at the website above and entering your name, number and email address. This will include you in the mailing list so when classes are made available you will receive an email with an invitation to enrol. Emails are sent out every 7 to 8 weeks (except during summer break) and will include all the information you need to know to enrol in the course.
HOW MANY DOG TEAMS WILL BE IN EACH CLASS?
There will be no more than 6 dog teams in each course.
WHERE AND WHEN ARE THE COURSES RUN?
The courses are usually on Sunday evening in Symonston.
