Dogs of Course
First photo by JTpawprints, all others by Karen Hocker

 


K9 Nose Work Training Camp

September 3 - 7/8, 2010

Camp Westmont
Poyntelle, PA

In the beautiful Pocono Mountains

Campers Arrive: Friday, Sept. 3, 2010 between 1pm-5pm, required orientation after dinner.
Campers Leave: Handler Campers leave Tuesday morning, Sept. 7, 2010, after breakfast.
Instructor Education Campers leave Wednesday morning, September 8, 2010, after breakfast.


 


K9 Nose Work is a dog training activity designed to develop a dog’s natural scenting ability by using her/his curiosity, desire to hunt, and love of toys, food and exercise. The art and practice of nose work is open to dogs of all shapes and sizes and has made basic search dog skills available to companion dogs, creating a new sport arena for dog enthusiasts. Not only has it proven to be a great activity for all types of dogs, but the founders' techniques make this one of the most accessible activities for the widest variety of dog handlers regardless of previous training experience.

Dogs of Course, in association with the founders of K9 Nose Work and the National Association of Canine Scent Work,LLC (NACSW) have created this three (or four) day NACSW approved Training Camp. K9 Nose Work Training Camp is designed to enhance the understanding of K9 Nose Work; to develop the skills necessary to compete in the sport of K9 Nose Work; and to provide a model for effective instruction for current and future nose work instructors.

This all-inclusive sleepover camp will concentrate on the elements necessary to succeed at the sport of K9 Nose Work as well its application for increasing a dog’s confidence regardless of interest in competition. The curriculum for this first ever event will cover starting dogs, introducing odor, introducing exteriors and vehicle searches, improving skills for dogs already working the four required elements, handler skills (leash handling techniques, understanding how to read the dogs, competition rules), trouble shooting and a variety of other necessary skills, PLUS loads of fun in the sun. Each dog and handler team will be grouped with other similar level participants to maximize learning and progress during camp. Only one working dog per working participant.

Camp will consist of the three day Handlers Camp open to all appropriate dog and handler teams as well as auditors. For instructors that are currently teaching nose work or those that would like to start classes or training groups, the camp offers an instructor education option that is comprised of the handler's camp and an additional instructor orientation education day. The instructor orientation seminar will be taught by the founders who will discuss many of the key elements that they have found to be successful. K9 Nose Work staff and participants will also engage in dialog regarding trouble shooting, reading the dog's behavior, and how each dog problem solves and masters the environment by tapping into basic survival behaviors. The instructor program may be limited depending on popularity. See requirements for instructor camp in "Participant Requirements" section.

Continuing Education Credits:
CCPDT is giving 10.5 credits for Saturday - Monday. They are giving an additional 6.5 for the instructor day.

IAABC is giving 15 credits for Saturday - Monday. They are giving an additional 6.5 for the instructor day.

Activities and Topics

Campers will spend the weekend learning from the three founders of the sport along with Certified Nose Work Instructors (CNWI)*. Our camp instructors are not only some of the best teachers in the country but they are also actively involved in many areas of K9 Nose Work training, competition, and instruction.

You can expect a full day of Nose Work activities as well as an evening event.

One working dog per working camper.

When more than one person attends from a family with one dog, one person is designated the handler and does all the training. The other person is an auditor. Family members can not take turns working the dog.

Topics/Activities may include:

  • What is K9 Nose Work?
 
  • Blind Searches - Why and When
  • Getting Started
 
  • How to Set up Hides to Maximize Training
  • Box Drills -  Beginner through Advanced
 
  • Problem Solving
  • Building Desire to Search Independently
 
  • Ask the Trainer Sessions
  • Search Patterns
 
  • Understanding Odor in the Environment
  • Proper use of the Reinforcer
 
  • Introducing Odor
  • Interior Searches - Beginner through Advanced
 
  • Odor Recognition Testing (additional fee
    and approval from a Camp instructor)
  • Leash Handling  Techniques
 
  • Understanding Nose Work Competition
  • Exterior Searches - Beginner through Advanced
 
  • Preparing for Competition
  • Vehicle Searches - Beginner through Advanced
   
     

*Topics to be covered and number of instructors are subject to adjustment based on the number of attendees and the overall training levels of the teams present.

Location and Accommodations

Camp Westmont is nestled in the heart of the magnificent Pocono Mountains in Wayne County, PA just 2.5 hours from New York City and centrally located for easy access from a variety of other metropolitan areas. Situated on 325 acres of gently rolling hills with a spectacular 100 acre lake, open fields, and hiking trails (on leash please), Westmont provides a perfect setting for nose work fun. Camp Westmont has a number of buildings for inside training as well as an abundance of outside space for exterior and vehicle search education. Campers and staff eat together in the dining hall and stay on the property.

Breakfast, lunch and diner will be served in the dining hall at designated times. The menu will consist of healthy, filling food for omnivores as well as vegetarians. We are sorry but we can not cater to specific dietary restrictions and suggest campers that have special needs supplement the meals as needed.

Each camper requests the lodging that best meets her/his needs on a first come basis. There are a number of compact single rooms with their own small private bathroom. The single rooms are best for one adult and one or two dogs due to very limited floor space and will likely require stacking crates. Or enjoy the full summer camp experience and bunk in a multiple occupancy cabin with shared bathroom facilities. Most cabins have two bunk rooms for each shared community bathroom. Please note that bunk rooms do not have doors to separate them from the washroom facilities so campers will need to provide an ex-pen, baby gate, or other barrier to keep dogs in the sleeping area and limit them from wandering into the bathroom or other bunkroom in the cabin. In general there will be two to four people in a bunk room and four to eight per cabin. Campers may request roommates. If two campers want to be guaranteed a bunkroom (or a couple in a single room) all to themselves, the pricing is considered "single occupancy". Number, size, and special needs of dogs, or camper needs, may dictate the lodging accommodations options available. Owners of reactive or socially awkward dogs should have single occupancy unless rooming with friends that can accommodate the dog's spatial requirements.

Campers that prefer more up-scale accommodations are welcome to commute to camp each day. The fee for day campers would be the same as multiple occupancy camp.

Campers are expected to bring their own linens. A linen service is available for an additional fee of $20 for those that are flying or using public transportation to camp and are unable to bring their own. Linen will include: three towels, a set of sheets with pillowcases and a blanket. Beds in the cabins are twins and in the single rooms are queen size.

 

RV Policy

A limited number of RVs are welcome, however they must be self-contained. The camp does not have water or electrical hook-ups or a dump station. It is possible that there might be limited electricity (10Amp) that can be taken from the buildings at some parking locations. RV owners should plan to bring 50 -100 feet of electrical cord and other equipment needed for plugging in.

The RV sites are in busy areas so please expect dogs and people walking by and the probability of classes being run in the general area. If you would like a more remote location we will do our best to accommodate you if you tell us at least two weeks ahead of time. In that case you must be self contained. We will assign a location for each RV ahead of time.

RV's must arrive between 2:00 - 4:00pm on Friday so we have the staffing to get the vehicle settled. No late arrivals. No exceptions.

Additional non-working dog fees also apply to people staying in RV's. Two dogs per registered working camper.

Participant Requirements & Information

Campers must be at least 18 years old.

All campers must be able to walk to all activities as cars will be parked at the edge of camp in the parking area.

Campers must be willing to clean up and sweep their room/cabin before going home leaving it in a neat and tidy condition.

Campers must clean up after his/her dog(s) and deposit feces in garbage receptacles.

Campers will need two crates for their working dog. One for the room and a second one to bring to the work stations. We suggest your working crate to be light weight and easy to carry. A small dolly or a crate cart is suggested.

Handler Camp is open to adults interested in K9 Nose Work.

Requirements for Instructor Education Camp are:

  • Currently instructing K9 Nose Work class, leading on-going practice groups or interest in developing a K9 Nose Work program/classes for your business or organization.

  • Currently a dog training instructor with 2 years of teaching experience.

  • Attendance at camp and/or faculty approval

Auditors: Campers who register as auditors are allowed to attend all sessions and move from group to group as long as she/he does not create a distraction or disturbance. Auditors are allowed to watch but will not participant in the training or other dog related activities. Auditors must leave their dog(s) home. Anyone that stays on camp property and is not working a dog is considered an auditor.

Camp Westmont has agreed to be a restricted smoking facility for our group. All smoking must be done in designated areas and never inside a building or structure. Violation of these rules is grounds for dismissal without refund.

Alcohol is strictly prohibited when working dogs or attending classes.
 

This is a working camp for dogs and their people. The nature of K9 Nose Work is to be open to as many dogs as can be safely accommodated. This includes dogs with varying social skills, spatial requirements or that may be considered mild to moderately reactive. However, the camp environment is very different then standard classes and workshops and can be additionally stressful for dogs to navigate so we ask that campers use their best judgment for the health and safety of her/his dog as well as the other campers. Please read the parameters for canine participation prior to making the decision to register for a working spot or as an auditor. If you have further questions please contact Dana to discuss your situation.

Canine rules of engagement:

  • All dogs must be able to be physically controlled by their registered handler.
     

  • All dogs must be kept on a six foot leash unless in designated areas or working directly in a session with camp staff personnel (no moving dogs from one area to another on flexi-leads or long lines)
     

  • Dogs must remain ON-LEASH at all times… NO EXCEPTIONS (except where noted)
     

  • No dog/dog play or interaction will be permitted unless between two dogs residing in the same household (there will be a designated off-leash and flexi-lead exercise area)
     

  • We ask that, regardless of how friendly your dog may be, you respect that not every dog is comfortable with other dogs approaching and may vocalize their displeasure. So please do not allow your dog to approach dogs without permission.  Managing your dog is your direct responsibility. Participants that must be repeatedly reminded of camp rules about not allowing their dog to approach other dogs; or if their dog poses other safety concerns may be dismissed from camp without refund.
     

  •  If you work a dog that does not do well in close proximity to other dogs or humans, you will need to evaluate carefully the appropriateness of camp for your dog. We will make every effort to create an environment that can accommodate the varying types of dogs. However the number of dogs at camp, combined with increased training time and on-site lodging may be more than some can handle. Dogs that seriously threaten other dogs or humans, or are considered to be a danger at camp will be asked to leave if we can not work out a safe solution for all. Dogs with a bite history are not candidates for camp. No refunds will be offered if a dog is excused from participating in camp or asked to leave the camp grounds.
     

  • Dogs that need space or react to dogs or people approaching must wear a bandana provided by the camp to help communicate the dog's needs.
     

  • Each working participant will be permitted to bring their registered working dog, plus one additional non-working dog at no additional fee. Additional non-working dogs will be permitted based on available space and there will be an additional fee. No swapping of dogs during camp classes and the additional dog may not pose any safety, handling or other concerns during camp. Campers that want to work two dogs are camp should contact Dana at Dogs of Course for more details.
     

  • Non-working dogs must stay in the lodging accommodations while handler is in class with the working dog.

     

  • Dogs are worked one at a time while the other dogs are resting in crates in the training area until her/his turn. Dogs must be able to stay quietly in a crate out of owner’s sight when not working.
     

  • Dogs must be crated when left alone in the cabins/rooms. Owners are responsible for any damage the dog does to the facility.
     

  • Females in season are not allowed on the property. See refund policy for details.
     

  • We all want to have a pleasant experience; the success of this event will rely on everyone being diligent in complying with all the canine rules of engagement.

Shopping

We hope to have camp t-shirts and/or sweatshirts for sale as well as odor kits and other Nose Work supplies.

Video and Audio Taping Policy

No video or audio taping of lectures or classes permitted. At the discretion of the instructor and facility, videotaping  of your own dog may be allowed during runs but may not be posted on a public website such as You Tube without permission.  There may be some videotaping done by the instructors for educational purposes if participants at the workshop have signed a photo/video release.

Camp Tuition and Registration

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. CAMP IS FULL.

Camp tuition covers lodging, meals and all classes and activities.
Additional fee for the Odor Recognition Test and more than two dogs per camper.

Tuition per Person On or Before 7/15/10 After 7/15/10
Handlers Camp (9/3 - 9/7, 3 days, 4 nights):    
Multiple Occupancy (2 - 4 people in a bunkroom or RV) $675 $725
Single Occupancy (1 person or 2 people that want their own room or bunkroom) $775 $825
     
Instructor Education Camp (9/3 - 9/8, 4 days, 5 nights):    
Multiple Occupancy (2 - 4 people in a bunkroom or RV) $875 $925
Single Occupancy (1 person or 2 people that want their own room or bunkroom) $975 $1025
     
Auditors (without a dog)  tuition cost minus $275
     
Additional dog fee:
Each additional dog over two per camper
$80 $80
     
Odor Recognition Test: Sign-up and Payment at Camp, Instructor Approval Required  $25 $25
     

Registration ends at 5:00pm EST on August 20, 2010 or when limit has been reached.

Registration acceptance is subject to approval by the staff.

A $200 non-refundable deposit or full payment is required at the time of registration.  Full payment is due no later than 30 days prior to the start of camp.

Payment Options: You may pay via PayPal or check. Your registration will not be considered complete until we receive payment. Registration is pending for check payment until received and processed.

Working spots are limited to a maximum of approximately 56 participants.

Auditing is available. The number of auditor spots available is related to the overall number of participants.

All persons attending camp as non-working participants will be required to register as an auditor. Due to the nature of this event no exceptions will be permitted for this camp.

Please read the cancellation policy carefully before registering.

 

All cancellations must be sent to Dogs of Course and received in writing. An acknowledgement of your cancellation will be emailed to you within 3 business days from Dogs of Course. Please keep a copy of the cancellation email for your records; your cancellation is not valid without this confirmation of receipt. K9 Nose Work Training Camp and Dogs of Course are not responsible for cancellations that do not reach the office by the deadlines.

  • Cancellations received on or before July 15, 2010 will be refunded less the non-refundable deposit or registration may transfer to another qualified person for a $25 processing fee. The participant is responsible for finding a qualified replacement and working out reimbursement arrangements with that person. An e-mail or faxed letter transferring registration to the new person must be sent from the original participant along with the $25 transfer fee to Dogs of Course during the specified timeframe. Registration is not transferred until payment and documentation have been received and acknowledged. The camp director or staff has the option to refuse a replacement registrant if he/she does not qualify to be a camper. In the case that the replacement person does not qualify then the original camper who registered is responsible for finding another person or must take the refund available.

  • Cancellations after July 15, 2010 and on or before August 21, 2010 will be refunded 50% of the tuition after the deposit is deducted or registration may transfer to another qualified person for a $25 processing fee. The participant is responsible for finding a qualified replacement and working out reimbursement arrangements with that person. An e-mail or faxed letter transferring registration to the new person must be sent from the original participant along with the $25 transfer fee to Dogs of Course during the specified timeframe. Registration is not transferred until payment and documentation have been received and acknowledged. The camp director or staff has the option to refuse a replacement registrant if he/she does not qualify to be a camper. In the case that the replacement person does not qualify then the original camper who registered is responsible for finding another person or must take the refund available.

  • Due to the nature of running a dog training camp cancellations received after August 21, 2010 will not receive a refund and registration can not be transferred to another person.

  • We do not allow female dogs in season on the property. If a registered working dog comes in season the camper has the option to: 1)bring a different qualified dog 2)switch to auditor registration and receive a refund for 50% of the difference between the two registration fees 3) the camper can cancel and be reimbursed per the general policy. If a non-working dog comes into season the person can leave the dog home and be reimbursed the additional dog fee (if applicable) minus a $25 admin fee or if the camper cancels the general refund policy above will apply.

  • Campers that have to leave early for their own reasons or are "No-shows” will not receive a refund.

  • Participants asked to leave the event/property by the camp director or lead instructors will not be refunded any part of the tuition.

  • No part of the tuition fee will be refunded if the camp cannot take place or be completed by reason of fire, civil disturbances, an Act of God, public emergency, or any other cause beyond the control of the camp organizers.

This policy applies to participants that must withdraw for ANY reason, including but not limited to injury, illness, emergency, and personal or work-related reasons. 
 

Directions and Travel

Click here for directions through Google Maps

Via I-80
GW Bridge-80W (towards the Delaware water gap) Stay on route 80W for approximately 87 miles to exit 293. (route 380N) Take 380N approximately 20 miles to exit “route 6E-Carbondale”. Take 6E to exit 7 (Carbondale business district). The exit will be on the left side of the road, make a left off exit and go approx. ½ mile to first right (Canon St). Go on Canon Street to full stop and make a left. Go down hill to end and make a right onto 171. Stay on 171 approx. 15 miles and make a right onto 370 go 4 ½ miles to our sign on the left.

Via the Thruway and Quick Way
NYS Thruway to exit 16 (Harriman). Take route 17 west to second Hancock exit #87 (not 87A) about 1 ¾ hours. Turn left off exit, left onto main St….Go 1 long block making a right after a gas station. Go over RR tracks and bridge and continue on Rt. 191 for 1 mile, making a right turn onto route 370 west. Go approximately 12 miles to Camp Westmont turn right at camp sign, just after the blue and white sign for Village of Poyntelle.

From Philadelphia
NE extension of PA Turnpike to exit 37. Take route 81 north to route 6 East through Carbondale, PA making a left after you ride through onto route 171 north. Continue about 15 miles, making a right turn onto route 370 East. Go approximately 4 ½ miles to Camp Westmont sign on left side, make left.

From Baltimore
1-95 to 695 west. Take 695 west 83 North (towards York & Harrisburg) Take 83 north (towards Wilkes-Barre and Scranton). Take 81 north to route 6 east through Carbondale, Pa, making a left after you ride through town, onto route 171 North. Continue about 15 miles, making a right turn onto route 370 east. Go approximately 4 ½ miles to Camp Westmont sign on the left side, left into camp.

 

Hotels:

Camp Westmont has a long list of lodging options on their website. Click here for list.

 

 Questions?

Contact Dana Crevling at Crevling@dogsofcourse.com or leave a message at 508/529-3568 EST, 8am -7pm M-F. Messages will be returned within 2 business days.

 
 
 

 

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