Dogs of Course, in association with the National Association of Canine Scent Work™ (NACSW), has created this three and a half day 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® as well as other nose work venues, and to provide a model for effective instruction for current and future nose work instructors.

We are happy to have nose work enthusiasts come to camp no matter their training methodology or preferred competition venue to learn more about the K9 Nose Work® training techniques and philosophy. All we ask is that you come with an open mind and consider our instructors’ methods if you are bringing your nose work dog.

This all-inclusive sleepover/day camp is open to all appropriate dog and handler teams as well as auditors. We will concentrate on the elements necessary to succeed at the sport and the application of K9 Nose Work® for recreation and increasing a dog’s confidence regardless of interest in competition. The curriculum for camp will cover foundation skills, all levels of exteriors, interiors, container and vehicle searches, improving skills for dogs already working the four required elements, building independent search skills, competition preparation, strategy and rules, handler skills, leash handling techniques, understanding how to read the dogs, motivation and reinforcement, trouble shooting and a variety of other necessary skills, PLUS loads of fun and camaraderie. Your days include working dogs as well as lectures and/or demonstrations, or other activities through the day and into the night.

We work with dogs that are already on odor from novices preparing for their first Odor Recognition Test to dogs that have earned titles at all levels.  All dogs will be working on Birch, Anise and Clove.  Only one working dog per working participant.

We (and the Camp Instructors) want to give you the best Camp experience possible! Please know that depending on who registers groups may be constructed with dogs at more than one level. Our instructors are very skilled in working with dogs at all levels and will make sure that you and your dog receive your desired level of work during your sessions. Please know that at any time during your Camp experience, you are welcome to advocate for your needs and let your instructors know what you desire for you and your dog during the working sessions. We are here for you! This is YOUR adventure!!

Note: If you are working a dog at Camp, you will be assigned to a group based on your dog’s experience. This may mean you, as a handler, will be reviewing material that you already know. If you prefer to delve into skills above your dog’s training level, auditing will be the best option.

Campers who are working dogs will be assigned to their groups based on information attained no later than 30 days before camp. We will send you a questionnaire prior to camp so you can update us with your dog’s current information.

New to Nose Work:
People without nose work experience are encouraged to come to camp as auditors or Logistics Team Members to learn about the activity. We welcome instructors, sports enthusiasts, hobby trainers, and shelter workers to attend camp as your introduction to K9 Nose Work®.

Experienced Nose Work Trainers:
Our camp caters to dog/handler teams that are already on odor and experienced trainers that would like to audit. Dogs new to working on odor up through dogs ready to compete or currently competing in Nose/Scent Work trials will gain valuable experience at Camp.  We welcome repeat campers back to continue their education as well as new campers that have been taking classes with instructors versed in or who are willing to learn about the K9 Nose Work® methodology.

Dog Training Instructors:
Camp is a great way for current and future K9 Nose Work®/Scent Work instructors to learn about the activity. Whether you want to start classes for fun, competition, shelter dog enrichment, or as part of a behavior modification protocol, attending Camp will provide a solid foundation, as well as, advanced training you can take home and apply. Learn from some of the world’s most skilled and experienced instructors, including founders of the sport.

If you are currently teaching K9 Nose Work®/Scent Work classes, camp provides an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills, learn the newest techniques, and understand the latest thinking behind the training. Camp gives you time to fine tune your skills, so you can go back to your students with the most current knowledge.

Certified Nose Work Instructors, as well as instructors certified with other organizations, will be given continuing education credit that is necessary for keeping your status current.

See the Continuing Education Units section below for full details.

We work with dogs and their handlers that are already on odor from novices preparing for their first Odor Recognition Test to dogs that have earned titles at all levels. All dogs will be working on Birch, Anise and Clove odor. Working spots are limited.

Working Campers, Pre-Competition and Beyond  Full. Wait list started. For wait list, fill out the registration info below and click the wait list button at the bottom of the page. Then fill in your name, email address, phone number and dog training level on the window that pops up after you click the wait list button.
When you bring your dog to camp you will be placed in a group of approximately 8 dogs of similar level. Generally, these groups cater to dogs that have not yet achieved an NACSW Elite title or the equivalent in other scent work organizations.

Elite/Summit titled teams (or equivalent) are also welcome to participate in the “regular” working groups. Elite/Summit/equivalent Teams in regular groups should expect a mix of participants including those currently competing at the NW3 level. Focus will generally be at the NW3 level with only some preparation for Elite trialing.

Working Campers, Elite/Summit/SWM groups  – Full. Wait list started. For wait list, fill out the registration info below and click the wait list button at the bottom of the page. Then fill in your name, email address, phone number and dog training level on the window that pops up after you click the wait list button.
We offer specialized groups for our Elite/Summit League teams and those with AKC Scent Work Master (SWM) title, or equivalent,  that would like a smaller group experience. Each Elite group will have 5 dog/handler working teams instead of 8 working teams. These working groups are designed to meet the needs of teams competing in Elite Summit League and competing toward SWME and Detective Titles. Each team will benefit from specific coaching on competition strategy with more time to work through complex problems and unique challenges to better prepare them for competition. Elite Groups may consist of a mix of different levels of Elite, Summit League, SWM, and DDCH teams. Dogs must have an NW3 Elite title and/or AKC SWM, or equivalent title to participate. There is an additional fee for the smaller Elite groups.

• In the event that there are not enough Elite registrations to run the Elite Group 60 days before the start of camp, one of the following options will be offered:
  • Dogs of Course will create a smaller or larger working group of teams providing all the campers involved agree to make up the cost equivalent to 5 teams. A smaller group would pay more and a larger group would pay less per dog.
• Alternately, the group will be cancelled and the affected parties can:
  • Receive a full refund without penalty or transfer to a regular camp working group of 8 teams that are training at the NW3 level.
  • Or run a dog other than the Elite dog at camp and be placed in the appropriate working group.

Auditing Campers: Campers who register as auditors are welcome to attend all sessions and move from group to group as long as she/he does not create a distraction or disturbance. Auditors may attend, but will not participant in, the training or other dog related activities. During working sessions we ask that auditors hold questions as it takes away from and interferes with the working campers’ time. Auditors can ask questions during lectures. Auditors must leave their dog(s) home. Anyone that stays on camp property and is not working a dog is considered an auditor.

If the primary reason for coming to camp is to learn for your students and your dog is not at the level you need instruction in or you want to learn about multiple levels, we suggest you audit camp and leave your dog home.

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.

Logistics Team Member Campers (help us at camp):
If you would like to attend camp at a reduced rate, and like to help out, this may be the option for you! In exchange for working, Logistics Team Members audit camp sessions, have the option to work their dog in four special training sessions, live in shared housing with all meals included. Logistics Team Members play a critical role in making camp run smoothly. They help set up camp (arrive early), move crates and tents, assist instructors,  support campers, clean up after camp and perform a variety of other duties. There are some restrictions due to the nature of the job, but many campers find being on the Logistics Team a great option. Please note that this can be a physical job that requires lifting and the ability to walk around the Camp easily.

Please contact Bonnie for an information packet to help you decide if this is a job for you.

Camp is open to all adults, who are at least 18 years old, interested in K9 Nose Work and can meet the requirements of camp.

All campers must be in good physical condition and able to walk to all activities as cars will be parked in the parking area. This is facility is on a relatively flat terrain although search areas are spread out.

All Campers must be physically able to move their crates, other gear, and your dog short/medium distances to get to the next training area. It may be up or down an hill. A wagon or other type of cart is recommended.

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 agree and adhere to the Dog Attendance Policy.

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 sturdy but light weight and easy to carry. A small dolly or a crate cart that can roll on bumpy dirt roads or grass could be very helpful if you want to move your own crate or to move in and out of your housing.

There will be a designated smoking area for those who want to smoke. All smoking must be done in designated open areas and never inside a building, structure, or in a wooded area. Violation of these rules is grounds for dismissal without refund.

Alcohol is strictly prohibited when working dogs or attending classes.

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 cannot take turns working the dog.

• 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. The additional dog(s) may not pose any safety, handling or other concerns during camp.
• Only one working dog per working participant. No swapping of dogs during camp classes.
• Non-working dogs must stay quietly in the lodging accommodations or vehicle if commuting while the 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 or when owner is not in their lodging. Handlers must sit with dogs that vocalize in their crate during class to quiet them and will miss the opportunity to watch others.
• 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 will be allowed at this camp. See ‘Rules for Females in Season’ below for details.
• Dogs must be healthy and free of contagious conditions including fleas. Dogs found with a contagious illness that may affect the rest of the dog population may be asked to leave without refund.

Your dog’s mental health is important to us, as is the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of all camp participants. If your dog falls into one of the above categories, we ask that you leave him/her at home and attend camp as an auditor.

Dogs that are NOT good candidates for the sleepover camp experience:

• Dogs with moderate to severe separation stress are not good candidates for camp. Dogs must be crated away from the owners during meals, lectures and in working sessions in unfamiliar environments. At Camp we live and train in close proximity so dogs that vocalize regularly and for extended periods of time create stress for other campers and dogs in the area. For most dogs with separation issues Camp compounds the problems seen at home or in classes. At this camp car crating is not realistic during class as vehicles are parked remotely.
• Dogs that have moderate to severe dog to dog aggression. For many dogs with serious spatial issues living 24-hours a day for multiple days in a novel environment, with strange dogs everywhere, can significantly increase stress, inappropriate behavior, aggression, and/or arousal. Dogs that cannot calmly walk by another dog within 8′ – 10′ or be crated in the same area as other dogs do not generally make good candidates for camp.
• Puppies under 5 months of age cannot attend camp. Pups older than 5 months must be comfortable with crating in an unfamiliar environment, being crated away from their owner and be mentally mature enough to handle the stress of a multi-day camp. Older pups should be completely housebroken if attending camp. We cannot have housebreaking accidents in the camp owned facilities.
• Dogs that are reactive to PEOPLE cannot attend Camp. At Camp dogs will be exposed to many different strangers during classes and while living on the campus. Dogs are asked to work problems in close proximity (in particular – interiors) to other campers and staff members. All dogs must be able to tolerate quick movement, gesticulation, normal and repeated eye contact, vocal interaction, close proximity, and unplanned encounters from men and women. We cannot provide special accommodations for dogs that are not comfortable with all types of people in close proximity.
  • This includes human reactive dogs that have acclimated to a class or private lesson situation but are still reactive with strangers, in strange situations, or react when under stress. Tolerance to people in a regular class or familiar situation is not a good indicator that a dog will do well at Camp. Again, the living and group training logistics over multiple days in the Camp environment will often magnify issues or cause a regression in modified behavior.
  • We cannot accommodate dogs that are human aggressive or have fear issues that may evoke a warning or an aggressive response.
  • Dogs that threaten other dogs or humans, or are considered to be a perceived danger at camp to themselves or others will be asked to leave. No refunds will be offered if a dog is excused from participating in camp or asked to leave the camp grounds.

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.

• All dogs must be able to be safely and humanely 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)
• Dogs must be crate trained and able to be crated safely and quietly away from the handler.
• No dog/dog play or interaction will be permitted unless between two dogs residing in the same household.
• There will be a designated long line or flexi-lead exercise areas for playing ball or swimming your dog. We will not have an off lead area at camp. Off lead outside exercising must be done off camp property.
• 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 communicate their displeasure. Please ask permission before you let your dog approach or get too close to other dogs. 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. See above.
• Dogs that need space or react to dogs or are worried must wear a red bandana and have a bandana tied to his/her crate (or car) to help communicate the dog’s needs.
• Campers must be willing to negotiate with his/her cabin-mates so there are fair and peaceful living conditions for all involved. Please expect that your dog will need to be crated at least part of the time when in the cabin.

NACSW™
10 CEUs

CCPDT
15 CEUs for CPDT-KA/KSA
1 CEU for CBCC KA/KSA

IAABC
CEUs for working spots – pending approval
CEUs for auditors – pending approval

KPA-CTP
30 CEUs for working spots
27 CEUs for auditors

COVID-19 (1/6/23 revision)
Due to COVID-19 and all the uncertainty that has come with it, we need to let you know several things:

• Our goal is to provide a safe environment where we can all feel comfortable, and risk is minimized while still enjoying the camp experience.
• ALL participants must not have contracted COVID less than 10 days prior to coming to camp AND must be symptom free.
• ALL participants must not have been in contact with, living with, or exposed to any person with COVID- 19 for at least 5 days prior to the start of camp.
• All Campers are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated.
• PCR testing 5 days prior to traveling to camp is strongly recommended/encouraged. See refund policy. If you can’t get PCR testing, please rapid test instead.
• Campers should rapid test one last time test before leaving home and then minimize exposure when traveling to camp to maximize chances for a negative test at registration.
• Campers will be required to take rapid tests and may have temperatures taken upon arrival at camp and/or during camp. Campers that test positive and/or have a temperature will be asked to leave.
• Campers should bring 2 rapid test kits with them to camp. One to use at registration in the presence of a staff member. The second rapid test should be saved to have available if needed while at camp.
• All Campers must wear masks for interior searches and depending on the level of COVID-19 in the area/country, you may be asked to wear masks outdoors as well. Or if things are really good, we may not need masks. Best to plan for them. We will be making decisions based on CDC guidelines and current outbreak levels. We will err on the side of caution.
• By coming to camp, you will agree to cooperate with the rules or regulations set in place with regards to mask wearing, hand sanitizing, food handling, and other protocols.
• You will be asked to sign a COVID-19 waiver before coming to camp, indicating that you have had at least the required initial vaccine(s) and one booster within the last 12 months or that you understand that you may be at greater risk if not vaccinated or boosted. Further you will state that you do not currently have COVID-19 and have not been in contact or exposed to any person with COVID-19 in the past 5 days.
• Social distancing will be strongly encouraged and/or required in certain situations.
• Non-compliance may result in dismissal from Camp without a refund.
• Campers with COVID may not participate in Camp and will be asked to leave.
• By registering and attending Camp you fully understand that there is risk of contracting COVID-19.

See Cancellation and Refund section for COVID specific refund policies.

All cancellations must be sent to Dogs of Course and must be 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.

Please note that the non-refundable portion of your tuition is $200 for regular working groups, Logistics Team Members and auditors and $275 for Elite Groups.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

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. This policy is without exception.

If you have concerns about the cancellation/refund policy, please consider researching “Trip/Travel Insurance” options independently.

Refund Schedule:

• Cancellations received within 3 days of registration, full refund. If you change your mind about attending camp within 3 days of your registration, a full refund will be offered.
• Cancellations received 60 days or more before the camp start date will be refunded in full less the $200 /$275 non-refundable, non-transferable (neither to another person nor camp, event, seminar), cancellation fee.
• Cancellations received between 60 and 30 days of the camp start date, will be refunded 50% of the tuition after the $200/$275 non-refundable, non-transferable, cancellation fee is deducted. If Dogs of Course obtains a qualified working team that meets the replacement qualifications (see below) either on our wait list or through Dogs of Course marketing search 30 days before the start of camp, tuition will be refunded in full less the $200/$275 fee as indicated in first bullet above. Campers will not be able to locate their own replacements. Campers may refer candidates to Dogs of Course to be placed on the wait list. All replacement campers must come from the camp wait list. Qualifications for replacement are: The dog may need to be working at the same level as the dog previously registered, the camper agrees to all policies and the team can fit the previously requested housing assignment or commute.
• Due to the nature of running a dog training camp cancellations received 30 days or fewer before the camp start date will not receive a refund nor be eligible for the replacement option stated above.
• Each Nose Work® Camp is considered a “Single Event.” As such, registration for one camp cannot be transferred to a different camp. Changes from one camp location to another will be treated as a cancellation for the original camp registration per the above policy. At that time, the camper will be free to register for an alternate camp when camp registration opens for the public. There will be no “early bird” or “pre-registrations” allowed when cancelling one camp and wishing to enroll in an alternate camp.

COVID Specific Refund Info:

Due to the ever-changing national COVID situation, it is difficult to anticipate what will be happening when camp runs. We have done our best to come up with a refund policy based on current information that is fair for both the camper who may have COVID, the other campers and staff, and Dogs of Course.

• Campers who get COVID within 10 days of the start of Camp or are still symptomatic (other than sense of smell/taste) will be refunded in full minus the non-refundable deposit.  Camper must show proof of positive COVID PCR test from a health care provider to be refunded.
• Campers who arrive at Camp and test positive and/or have a temperature at registration will be refunded as follows:
  • Campers who have had a negative PCR test 5 days or less before the start of Camp will be refunded in full minus the non-refundable deposit. Proof of the negative PCR test from a health care provider is required to be refunded at this level.
  • Campers who have not had a PCR test 5 days or less before the start of Camp will be refunded tuition minus the non-refundable deposit and an additional $300.
• Campers who get COVID during camp will be refunded on a prorated basis. Each case will be looked at individually.

These policies may change depending on the current COVID information and status. Registered campers will be informed of changes in this policy.

Changing Attendance Levels:

• Campers may change from a working spot to auditing/logistics team member, from an Elite working spot to regular working spot, auditor, logistics team member, or from auditor to logistics team member, under the following guidelines:
  • Changes received 60 days or more before the camp start date will be changed for a $25 administrative fee.
  • For changes between 60 and 30 days, the camper will receive a refund of 50% of the difference between the two registration fees.
  • Due to the nature of running a dog training camp changes from a working spot to an auditor/logistics team member spot received 30 days or fewer before the camp start date are not eligible to receive a refund.
  • Campers with working spots that switch to auditing/logistics team member are subject to housing changes available to auditors. This may include switching from a single accommodation to multiple occupancy or require commuting.

“No Shows” and Leaving Early:

• Campers that leave early for their own reasons or are “No-shows” will not receive a refund.
• Participants asked/required to leave the event/property by the camp director or lead instructors will not be refunded any part of the tuition.
  • Reasons for dismissal from camp may include, but are not limited to:
    • Dogs that are disruptive to other campers, dogs, the staff, or the facility
    • Dogs that exhibit aggression deemed unmanageable/unsafe by the staff for the camp environment
    • Dogs that cannot be safely managed and/or trained by their handler
    • Unresolved camper conflict, disruptive or inappropriate behavior
    • Rule non-compliance
    • Health issues, either canine or human, that may impact or endanger other dogs or campers. See COVID specific policies.
    • Health issues that negatively impact the dog’s emotional, mental or physical well being

Force Majeure:

• 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.

Options for Female Working Dogs in Season only:

• Dana Crevling/Camp must be notified in advance that you will have a female dog in season at camp so we can plan accordingly.
• Option 1) Working dogs that come into season are allowed if the camper agrees to specific rules. See Females in Season section.
• Option 2) Bring a different qualified dog working at the same level
• Option 3) Switch to auditor registration and receive a refund for 50% of the difference between the two registration fees
• Option 4) The camper can cancel and be reimbursed per the general policy.
• If a non-working dog comes into season the person must leave the dog home and will 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.

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. This policy is without exception.

If you have concerns about the cancellation/refund policy, please consider researching “Trip/Travel Insurance” options independently for your  protection.