Nose Work
“If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong!”
Nose Work Classes
Introduction to Nose Work I, II, & III
Dogs of all ages, breeds, and activity levels are welcome. Whether you have a high-energy youngster or a senior companion enjoying retirement, this is a fun and rewarding activity designed for every dog to enjoy at their own pace.
Introduction to Nose Work is designed to build foundation skills by using your dog’s natural scenting abilities in a fun, rewarding, and confidence-building environment. Throughout the Intro series, dogs will develop drive, focus, problem-solving skills, and a clear understanding of the game while strengthening the handler-dog relationship.
Our classes are taught by a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) who adheres to the National Association of Canine Scent Work™ (NACSW) guidelines and principles. While the foundation work is rooted in NACSW methodology, the skills taught throughout this program will transfer to virtually any scent work or nose work organization if your goal is to compete with your dog.
Intro I focuses on teaching the game, building motivation and confidence, and introducing basic search objectives. Intro II takes the game outside to introduce exterior searching and beginning handling techniques. Intro III expands on these skills by introducing vehicles, thresholds, and additional elements of nose work.
Instructor: Kevin West
Age restrictions: Students must be at least 12 years old. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Introduction to Odor
Dogs entering this level should already have a basic understanding of the game, both on and off leash, including exposure to slight elevation challenges, exterior searching, and confidently navigating under and around objects such as tables and chairs.
Throughout this class, dogs will be introduced to three target odors — Birch, Anise, and Clove. Over the ensuing sessions, teams work to build strong searching foundations while handlers continue developing their handling skills and prepare for the ORT (Odor Recognition Test).
Instructor: Kevin West
Age restrictions: Students must be at least 12 years old. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Odor I
Dogs entering this class should have already passed an ORT (Odor Recognition Test) or possess comparable foundation skills.
Odor 1 continues to build on your dog’s foundation odor skills while introducing new search challenges, environments, and handling concepts. Teams will further develop their ability to work through distractions, work elevation up to 4 feet, build independence, and strengthen communication between dog and handler across a variety of search elements. As skills progress, handlers will begin preparing for NW1 and AKC Novice level searches while laying the groundwork for more advanced classes and competition challenges.
Instructor: Kevin West
Age restrictions: Students must be at least 12 years old. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Odor II
For dogs that have completed Odor I or possess a comparable Odor I skillset.
Odor 2 builds upon the skills developed in previous odor classes by introducing more advanced search challenges. Teams will focus on multi-hide searches, distractors, vehicle searches, and larger search areas designed to build confidence, independence, and stamina. Additional concepts, such as close converging hides and elevation up to approximately 6 feet, will be worked on as handlers continue refining observation skills, timing, and overall search strategy. Class discussions and video review will be incorporated to help handlers better understand canine body language, search patterns, and problem-solving during searches.
Instructor: Kevin West
Age restrictions: Students must be at least 12 years old. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Private Lessons
Private lessons provide individualized coaching tailored to each dog and handler team’s goals, experience level, and training needs. Whether you are building foundation skills, preparing for an ORT, or advancing through the sport, sessions are customized to help teams progress at their own pace. Video review and discussion can also be incorporated to enhance learning and team development.
Hear from our happy customers!
"We have been taking our dogs here for over 10 years and would not take them anywhere else. We have never been disappointed with the care they have received at Westinn Kennels, as opposed to other, larger kennels in the area. The staff is always friendly and courteous, even when they are getting slammed with customers."
“Reasonably priced, usually a coupon available in the paper. Very knowledgeable and good with my dogs. Truly everything under one roof.”
“We have boarded our dogs at Westinn in Dardenne Prairie for 15 years and love it. As soon as the suitcases come out, our dogs are ready to go. Once inside the office area, they stand waiting at the next door to get back to the kennel area, tails wagging in anticipation. The staff is pleasant, efficient, compassionate and VERY competent.”
“Just picked up my fur babies from their first kennel stay at Westinn B & B in Dardenne Prairie. Full disclosure, someone close to me works there but was not there during my dogs stay. The staff is sweet, knowledgeable, and well trained! My dogs both did great, and as one of them is 15 years old, I was extra nervous for her. She was relaxed and happy when we picked her up. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience for their first kennel stay!”