Sniff Sports

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. The sport of K9 Nose Work is designed to develop your dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt and their love of toys, food and exercise. It’s a great way for your dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental and physical energy. For additional information visit www.k9nosework.com.

This class is intended for dogs who are brand new to nose work or have minimal experience with it. All dogs work one at a time and will be crated when it is not their turn. This class is great for shy dogs and helps them become more confident in new environments. They will have an opportunity to build confidence in new environments and working around obstacles without the stress of interactions with other dogs.

Please bring a crate, flat collar, leash, and high value treats/toys. This class will run through in session 7 of 2026 and sessions 1 and 2 of 2027. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions. This class has priority registration, which allows current students to register for the next session to continue growing their skills.

Prerequisites: Dogs must have no or minimal experience with nose work. Dogs must be able to settle in a crate while other dogs are working and be able to work off leash in a ring where other dogs are crated.

This class is for dogs that have attended the beginning class at Canine Sports Zone.​ Attendees will continue to develop handler skills, will introduce the teams to additional search areas and focus on all the elements of K9 Nose Work®, Container searches, Interior searches, Vehicle searches, and Exterior searches.

This class uses priority registration.

Prerequisites: Dogs must be trialing at a Novice level, have their ORT, or have similar skills.

This class is for dogs that have attended the Intermediate Nose Work class at Canine Sports Zone and have tested into this class.​ Attendees will continue to work on the same skills as the Intermediate Nose Work class with increased difficulty of searches and more distractions.

This class uses priority registration.

Prerequisite: Dogs must be trialing at an Excellent/NW 2 level or have similar skills.

• In this beginning class you will start your dog tracking, teach your dog article indication, and start working on turns. Students will also learn how to make maps of their tracks and identify things that impact the dog’s scenting ability. All dogs have the ability to track, regardless of age or breed. If your dog is always sniffing and you are always telling him/her to “quit sniffing” give tracking a try! Your dog will be so happy you did.

• Handlers must be willing to be outdoors and be prepared for varying temperatures and bugs. Handlers must be able to walk long distances on uneven ground and in varying levels of “cover” in a safe manner. Dress accordingly.
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• Equipment needed: Flat buckle collar, non restrictive harness, longer leash (10-12’), water, treats, and articles.
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• The first class will be held outside at CSZ. The remaining classes will be at Badger Prairie Park. You will need a Dane County Dog Park pass.

Prerequisites: At least 6 months old and work friendly towards other people and dogs when on and off leash. Must have taken Intro to Tracking Workshop or have instructor approval.