I currently teach nose work classes at St. Paul Dog Training Club in South St. Paul and at Fusion Pet Retreat in Minnetonka. Nose work is my passion and joy. I discovered it many years ago with a foster dog who needed a “job”. Bess wound up staying and we went on to AKC Canine Good Citizen, demos at our local shelter, and competition nose work…. not bad for an overbred, scarred, rescued-from-a-fight-bust pit bull. She was my sidekick, my best friend, my heart… I miss her still. I think of her nearly every day and will be forever grateful to her for getting me into this wonderful sport.
Nose work is different from any other activity you’ve ever done with your dog; because in this venue, your dog is in charge. You will learn from them. This is the world of scent and they are the experts. It’s a marvelous, nearly magical journey. You will start by hunting for cookies in your living room and can travel all the way to alerting on an odor in a crowded science laboratory in a competition; the choice belongs to you and your 4-legged partner.
And that’s the other great thing about this sport, no matter which you choose: nose work for fun or nose work for competition, both will bring you and your dog joy. So welcome to this fantastical sport. I am thrilled to be your guide.
My Philosophy
My ultimate goal at Leash & Hand is to provide you, the human, with sound, research-based methods for training your dog. While I embrace the science for its rigour and truth, I deeply understand and honor the heart connection with these intelligent, sentient creatures who have become such an integral part of our lives. Dogs are our companions, friends, service partners, and hunting buddies. They become members of our families. Our lives are enriched because of the joy, warmth, and humor dogs provide.
I promote force-free training not only because science* supports it as the best option for optimal learning, but because it is the right thing to do. Learning should never involve pain or fear. To that end, I strive to strengthen and enhance the human-canine bond while making sure learning is not only pleasurable, but rewarding for both species.
*The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, along with the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and The Pet Professional Guild all strongly caution against the use of pain and fear in dog training and behavior modification.
Contact Me
Email me at [email protected]
The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT) is the leader in the development of rigorous exams to demonstrate mastery of humane, science-based dog training practices.
NACSW K9 NOSE WORK INSTRUCTORS help their students with various training goals for their dogs, including building confidence, social enrichment, high level competition, and most importantly having fun.