Next session starts the week of November 10, 2025
Note: Due to upcoming holidays and the AKC Agility Invitational, our class schedule will be adjusted this session.
Class Dates
Nov 11, Nov 18, Nov 25, Dec 2, Dec 16
Registration is closed
Registration closes 8 AM CST Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Classes Meet Once a Week for Five(5) Weeks
$150 for a Five Week Class
Class sizes are limited
Minimum of Three (3) Dogs Enrolled for a Class to be Held
All classes are taught using positive reinforcement methods. No retractable leashes, choke collars, pinch collars or shock collars will be allowed. Please bring an abundance of very high-value treats for the classes.
To promote a safe and fun environment for all dogs and handlers, all dogs enrolled in these classes must be friendly with other dogs and humans. No refunds will be given if dog is enrolled and then shows aggressive behaviors.
Instructor: Taylor Justice
Scent Work Class Schedule
Please note: No refunds will be made unless a written request is received by October 29, 2025
Scent Work Class Descriptions
Intro to Scent Work
Join us for an exciting introduction to the world of Scent Work! This beginner-friendly class will teach you how to build a strong foundation in odor detection using positive, motivational methods. We’ll start by imprinting dogs on Birch (the target odor for Novice Scent Work), and begin introducing additional odors as teams are ready.
Throughout the course, you and your dog will learn to search a variety of elements including containers, interiors, and exteriors (weather permitting). You’ll gain essential handler skills, build your dog’s drive and focus, and have a great time working as a team.
Odor kits will be available for purchase for continued training at home. This class is perfect for newcomers to the sport, or anyone looking to strengthen their dog’s foundational skills.
What to bring: a rear clip harness (H-back, Brilliant K9, joring harness or other non constructive harness), flat buckle or clip collar, 6-foot leash (no flexis), treat pouch, LOTS of small yummy treats.
Prerequisite: passed CGC test. Dogs must possess food drive for this course. Agility class will he happening in the adjacent ring - keep this in mind when signing up. 6 month old minimum.
Scent Work Level 2
Take your dog’s nose game to the next level! In this continuation of our Introduction to Scent Work class, we’ll dive deeper into AKC trial ready search scenarios and begin layering complexity into your team’s scentwork skills.
This 5-week course will focus on:
- Interior searches in varied environments
- Exterior searches (weather permitting)
- Advancing container work
- Introducing additional target odors
- Working multiple hides in a single search area
- Fine-tuning your dog’s alert/indicator behaviors
Whether you're building toward competition or just want to grow your dog’s confidence and problem-solving skills, this class will strengthen communication between handler and dog while making learning FUN. This class will mostly be conducting searches and is appropriate for those ready to compete or already competing in Novice but feel they need more exposure.
Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to Scentwork, or instructor approval (MUST be already imprinted on Birch and able to prove efficiency)
Scent Work Level 3
In Scent Work Level 3, we’ll build on the strong foundation of previous levels by introducing Buried hides and the new target odor of Clove. Each class will feature 3-4 search opportunities with multiple odors present, giving dogs and handlers a chance to tackle both known and unknown hides.
This level focuses on fine-tuning indicators, sharpening your ability to read your dog’s body language, and understanding how environmental factors influence odor movement. Teams will be challenged to problem solve more complex search scenarios while maintaining confidence and precision.
Prerequisite: Dogs must be proficient with Birch and Anise. Completion of Scent Work Level 2 or instructor approval is required prior to enrollment.
Scent Work Level 4 - Trial Preparation
Ready to fine-tune your team’s performance before your next trial? This advanced class is designed for teams preparing to compete or looking to polish their trial skills in realistic search setups. Each week will feature 4-5 varied search scenarios designed to challenge both dog and handler with changing environments, levels of difficulty, and odor puzzles balancing with novice level searches to keep motivation high!
Primary target odors will be Birch and Anise, though Cypress and/or Clove may be incorporated to mimic upper-level searches. Handlers will learn to read their dog’s subtle changes in behavior, improve handling and search strategy, and build confidence in a trial-like setting. We will also fine tune indication cues and reading our dogs.
Come sharpen your skills, strengthen your teamwork, and get trial ready in a supportive and fun environment!
Prerequisite: This class is open to teams who have completed previous Scentwork classes, have instructor approval, or hold AKC Scentwork titles.
About Taylor Justice:
Taylor has been immersed in the world of Dog Sports since 2010. From Scentwork to Conformation, Agility to Herding, Taylor and her dogs have dipped their toes in just about every dog sport there is. Earning achievements such as Multiple time Frisbee Dog world finalist, NADD Regional Champion, Rally Nationals & Dock Diving Nationals podium finishes.
Taylor's training method is learning through fun! If a team can make training fun, they are more likely to retain information and become more committed to successful teamwork!