Description
K9 Nose Work® Training Camp
YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch
Granby, CO
October 3, 2023 – October 8, 2023
Update 9/13/2023
Registration is closed. We are preparing for camp.
Tuition Cost, not including housing:
Working Spot: Starts at $1,260.00 (early bird price: $1,160.00) – Full.
Elite Working Spot: Starts at $2,115.00 (early bird price: $2,015.00) – Full.
Auditor Spot: Starts at $700.00 (early bird price: $600.00)
Helpers: Starts at $100.00
Registration ends at 5:00pm ET on August 3, 2023 or when limit has been reached. Registration acceptance is subject to approval by the staff. A $300 deposit or full payment is required at the time of registration.
Please read all information below along with the cancellation policy carefully before registering.
Campers Arrive:
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 between 3:00pm – 5:00pm.
Campers Leave:
Campers leave on Sunday morning, October 8, 2023, after breakfast.
Camp Size:
Current limit is approximately 84 – 87 working campers plus auditing campers and Logistics Team Members. Approximately 8 campers per regular working group and 5 campers per Elite Group.
Early Bird Discount:
If you register before or on 2023-07-03, you’ll get $100 OFF the Registration Price!
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 NACSW 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 National Association of Canine Scent Work™ (NACSW), has created this four 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 try our methods if you are bringing your nose work dog.
This 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.
Campers will be learning from the founders of the sport along with accomplished Certified Nose Work Instructors (CNWI). Our camp instructing staff are competent, skilled teachers that are also actively involved in many areas of K9 Nose Work® – training, competition, judging, certifying trials, hosting trials, and instruction.
Read more about each instructor below.
Amy Herot, Co-Founder: NACSW & K9 Nose Work®
Amy is a professional K9 trainer and handler and brings over a decade of experience to her work. She has certified teams in Narcotics and Explosives and has logged over 1500 instructional hours in detection dog training. As co-founder of K9 Nose Work, and the National Association of Canine Scent Work Association, LLC® (NACSW™), she has sought to bring that experience to companion dogs and handlers through the development of K9 Nose Work® classes and sport events.
In the canine sport world Amy has trained dogs for tracking, agility, sheepherding, protection sports, and detection. She has competed nationally with her Dutch Shepherd, Maya and took 3rd place in Narcotics Detection at the Gold Coast K9 Working Dog Trials and 1st place, open division, at the Oxnard Police K9 Foundation Inaugural Trial, 2009. Her Belgian Malinois, Seven, is a nationally certified explosives detection dog and took 1st place in the Explosives Building Search at the 2009 Ventura County Sheriff’s K9 Trial and holds an APR1 IPO title.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Science from NYU and passed national certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) in December 2004.). Additionally, she is a graduate of the Balu Academy for Dog Trainers and is a John Rogerson associate here in the U.S. Her professional memberships and affiliations include the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), Southern California Dog Trainers’ Forum (SCDTF), Southern California Schutzhund Club, California Narcotics Canine Association (CNCA) and International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI). Amy gives much volunteer time and expertise to the betterment of shelter dogs. Some of Amy’s other achievements have been the 2007 President’s Volunteer Service Award, spcaLA’s 2005 Outstanding H.E.A.L. (Helping Enhance Animals Lives) Volunteer and 2006 Volunteer of the Year.
Amy is one of the country’s most experienced K9 Nose Work® instructors and is a co-founder of NACSW™. In addition to teaching many of the top competitive teams, she has also reviewed hundreds of trial videos that have provided important insights into training and handling for success. Amy is owner of the Los Angeles based All Good Dogs, LLC. www.allgooddogs.biz
Jill Marie O’Brien, CPDT-KA, Co-Founder: NACSW & K9 Nose Work®
Jill Marie has been working with and training dogs since 1987. As co-founder of
the National Association of Canine Scent Work® and K9 Nose Work® Jill Marie has focused her attention on the development of the K9 Nose Work® program. Her work has taken her to almost all the States of the Union, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and most recently Sweden.
In 1996 Jill Marie joined spcaLA and developed the agency’s first Animal Behavior and Training Department since its inception in 1877. During her time at spcaLA she created the HEAL program (Helping Enhance Animals’ Lives) to improve and enrich the lives of the animal clients in the shelter, developed the Standards Program for enhanced assessments, behavior modification and placement recommendations and wrote the dog training curriculum for the TLC program designed for at-risk youth. Jill Marie’s tenure working in the shelter environment has given her a unique insight into how successful dog/human relationships are developed and sustained.
Jill Marie’s years of dog training experience includes developing a behavior assessment protocol for use in the shelter environment, agility instruction and competition, tracking, Animal Assisted Therapy, Schutzhund and canine detection training along with many hours of K9 Nose Work™ development and instruction. As one of the founders of the sport of K9 Nose Work™ and the National Association of Canine Scent Work, LLC™ she is a strong believer in activities that enhance and cultivate teamwork between dog & handler.
Along with her involvement with the NACSW and K9 Nose Work, Jill Marie operates her own dog training and consulting business in the Los Angeles area. She shares her life with her son, Aedan, and husband, Jim, and three dogs, Raven, Grip and Stella.
Kathe Baxter, CNWI, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP
Growing up with dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and many farm animals, there was no way Kathe Baxter could not love animals! She has pursued her love of animals as a trainer, pet caregiver, therapy team and is the proud owner of Waggin’ Works.
She was introduced to the sport of K9 Nose Work when it was first made known to the East Coast in 2010 and was part of the first graduating class of CNWI Nose Work instructors. Kathe is a Certifying Official for NACSW trials (approved for all levels), Trial Judge, ORT Certifying Official and Judge, she hosts many sanctioned trials and held several primary positions as volunteer coordinator and score room lead.
In K9 Nose Work, Kathe’s Norwegian Elkhound “Little Lady Karita” was the first Elkhound to earn all three levels of Nose Work competition as well as one of 15 teams to earn the first Elite titles in the Northeast. They qualified and attended the NACSW National Invitational two years in a row (2014-2015) and due to Karita’s health issues, retired shortly thereafter. She is grateful for all that Karita taught her on the wonderful journey of Nose Work. She looks forward to new and exciting adventures with her puppies, Elkhound Karletta and King Charles, Casey.
In addition to being an active competitor in Nose Work, Rally, and Agility, Kathe is a member of the Hudson Valley Tracking Club, pursuing tracking and participating as a trial tracklayer. She has completed her Professional Dog Trainer Certification (CPDT-KA) and is a Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP).
Kathe takes continuing education very seriously, attending seminars, workshops, trials, and observing K9 teams as they search: detecting search patterns, environmental factors, and the subtle body language of communication. This is invaluable knowledge and skills she passes on to handlers and their dogs.
Kathe’s passion for instructing is based on the sheer delight of bringing true joy and happiness to a person and their canine companion. She considers it an honor to be part of developing self-confidence and a genuine trusting relationship.
Pamela Belcher, CNWI
Pam has been working with her Australian Shepherds in NH and Maine since 1997, in agility, tricks, and therapy dog training. She’s trained in herding, treiball, Rally and K9 Fitness. However, after attending the first K9 Nose Work class on the East Coast in 2009, she was hooked! It was the perfect transition for her 9yr old Aussie as they wound down her agility career. After adopting a 5 year old Great Pyrenees, who was NOT an agility prospect, she introduced K9NW to her. There was quite a difference in running 2 such different breeds, and she learned a LOT from the more environmentally sensitive, slower moving Pyr. But don’t let those big fluffy dogs fool you – she finished High In Trial at her NW2 trial. Being ‘sneaky fast’, vs the more frenetic pace of the Aussie was an adjustment, but a fun change.
She began teaching K9NW classes on top of the manners, agility and private manners lessons she was teaching, especially encouraging dogs and handlers who were finding agility wasn’t the best fit for them. The idea that every dog can do this for fun or sport, and that handlers will learn more about their dogs from this sport over anything else they may do with their dogs, was extremely gratifying. Watching teams progress from finding food in a box, to competing in their first ever trial, to watching them move up the ladder to Elite and Summit, really makes each class fun, exciting and unique!
After becoming a CNWI in 2013, she has judged and been certifying official for many ORTs, has been a Volunteer Coordinator many times and volunteered at almost as many trials as she’s entered. She has participated in PA K9NW Camp 4 times, and attends many K9NW workshops, with a dog, as an attendant, and virtually. She has taught up to 7 nose work classes a week, with some students who have no desire to compete, and others who compete in multiple venues at multiple levels.
Now on her 5th nose work dog, Pam has trialed in 3 Summit trials with Quattro (titling in 2), and just achieved her ELT-CH title with Coach. Sherman’s adventure is just beginning, having recently achieved his NW1 title. There is always something to learn and work on, for both ends of the leash!
Karin Damon, CNWI
Karin has been involved in performance events with dogs since 2002. She started out in a basic obedience class with her Golden Retriever, Keebler, and put an AKC Versatility title on him. She has competed in agility; tracking, field work, obedience and nose work with her other Goldens’: Jig, Jeep, Shamrock and Fiddler (newest member of the family). All of the clan has been involved in advertising – showing up in various places such as commercials for Claritin, Pedigree, PetSmart Dog Food, A&P Food Stores, and even appearing on “Conan O’Brien” and “Saturday Night Live”. Jeep appeared on the cover of Dog Fancy and Jig was on the AKC Website.
Karin has achieved the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) Elite Championship title with both Jig and Jeep. Jig was the first Golden Retriever in the country to earn the Championship title. Karin and Jig participated in the inaugural NACSW National Invitational in California in 2013 as one of 13 dogs selected throughout the country and was Dog in White for the 2014 and 2017 NACSW National Invitational. Karin is a NACSW Certifying Official and Judge, a Trial Site Advisor for NACSW Trials, and a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) teaching nose work since the sport came to the East Coast in March of 2010.
Karin became a certified Pet Tech First Aid and CPR Instructor in San Diego, CA and is working to finish her Canine Rehabilitation Certificate from the University of Tennessee. She was selected to work at the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta, Georgia in the equestrian, mountain biking and modern pentathlon venues. Karin retired as the Head Athletic Trainer at Centenary College to start her own business.
She is the owner of Shamrock Pot of Gold K9 Scenter in New Jersey.
Sue Frisch, CNWI
Sue Frisch is a professional dog trainer with 30+ years of experience working with dogs and their owners. After 25 years managing an animal shelter while also running a dog boarding business at her farm and teaching training classes at night, Sue’s expertise includes everything from basic manners training and behavior modification to dog psychology, nutrition, and exercise. Over the years she has worked with hundreds of families and their pet dogs.
Sue’s nose work journey began when she attended a workshop in June of 2010 and she was completely hooked! She enrolled in the NACSW’s CNWI course and completed her Instructors certification in October of 2011 and has been involved ever since. Besides being a regular at many CNWI continuing education workshops and other NACSW seminars around the country, Sue hosts several NACSW sanctioned trials each year, is a Nose Work Camp instructor, NACSW Trial Site Advisor Team Leader and is a NACSW approved Judge as well as a NACSW Supervising Certifying Official currently approved to officiate NW1/NW2/NW3 and Elite Division trials.
Through her business, Your Dog’s Place, LLC, she and her staff help dog owners train dogs of all sizes, ages, and temperaments to be polite four-legged family members, as well as offering all levels of K9 Nose Work® classes, private and group coaching. Her many students have successfully titled their dogs in all levels including the first 2 Collies in the country to earn their Elite Champion Titles!
Sue and her Rottweilers, Sully & Obi compete regularly in the Mid Atlantic/North East Region and reside in Honesdale, PA
Leah Gangelhoff, CNWI, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), and Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA), Leah Gangelhoff, currently owns & operates Flint Hill K-9 Training, LLC serving the Greater Birmingham, AL area. Leah has owned and operated her own canine training and behavior business since 2002, during which time she has developed thousands of private comprehensive education courses for dogs and their owners for puppy, obedience, and serious behavior issues of all kinds, including fear and aggression. While living in Los Angeles, Leah trained in narcotics detection with co-founders Ron Gaunt and Amy Herot from 2004-2006 before the activity and sport of K9 Nose Work® was born. Leah became involved in K9 Nose Work® in 2010 and is a Senior Faculty Member at the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW™), an NACSW™ Trial Judge and Trial Certifying Official, and a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI). She has also developed and presented over 30 workshops and seminars nationally and internationally on a variety of topics in K9 Nose Work®. As a Senior Faculty Member she has collaborated with Founders and Faculty to create and teach Continuing Education courses for Certified Nose Work Instructors and is currently developing and teaching a Continuing Education webinar series for NACSW™ Certified Nose Work Instructors (CNWI).
Leah has over 1000 hours of professional narcotics detection training with a large group of dogs prior to the birth of nose work as a pet dog sport, with mentors Ron Gaunt and Amy Herot and with Rodney Spicer/Gold Coast K-9 from 2004-2006. Leah has personally passed professional detection certifications (both written and search tests) in narcotics detection (POST standards) with Evolution K9 in northern California and with the Oxnard Police Department separately with two different dogs (German Shepherd and Papillon, probably the first and only in narcotics detection).
Leah has trained and trialed her own dog, Konner, a German Shepherd, in K9 Nose Work® all the way up through the new NACSW™ Summit Division for Elite Champion teams. Leah and Konner competed in four Summit Trials and achieved the highest title possible in K9 Nose Work®, a Summit title, placing 2nd Overall with pronounced designations and first and second placements in many Summit trial searches. Leah earned an NW3 Elite with her Belgian shepherd, Zephyr, placing First, First, and Second Overall at those trials and has earned an NW3 Elite, placing 2nd Overall with her Chihuahua mix shelter dog, Bruno Mars. She and her young cattle dog mix, Butterbean, have achieved their ORT title.
Leah has had the honor of being invited by the Camp Director and K9 Nose Work® Founders to teach at over 24 K9 Nose Work® Training Camps since 2011. She currently specializes in teaching K9 Nose Work® classes and privates locally and coaching groups, clinics, and seminars nationally and internationally in the sport of K9 Nose Work®.
Jason Heng, CNWI, CPDT-KA
Jason is the owner of HengTen LLC in the NW Austin, TX metro area specializing in coaching all levels of nosework teams. Jason has a spend the last 10 years focused on all things nosework and as attended hundreds of hours of K9 Nose Work® training seminars taught by the founders of the NACSW™ in addition to other talented instructors and professional trainers. Jason works with the NACSW™ as a Certifying Official and Judge for all trial levels through Summit League. He also had the pleasure of being an instructor at K9NW Camps since 2015 including, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Georgia.
As an instructor, NACSW™ Certifying Official for Trials and nosework enthusiast, he travels extensively for all things related to nosework. Jason has competed with 4 dogs since 2012 with 2 dogs; Atlas and Bailey achieving ELT-Champion and competing in the Summit League. Atlas(now Retired) qualified for and competed with 46 other teams in the 2017 NACSW National Invitational in Springfield, MA. He has competing at all levels through Summit League in 100+ NACSW™ trials in 25 states. Jason continues to compete at the Summit level with Bailey.
Jason’s had additional detection experience working as a K9 handler with a Lucy(GSD) performing bed bug detection for a pest control company. He logged hundreds of detection hours all over Texas. At the pest control company, he also trained an additional bug detection dog as part of a grant with the US Department of Agriculture.
Jason has been teaching K9 Nose Work® classes since 2012. Since becoming a CNWI in 2013 he has been working to grow Nose Work in Texas by hosting NACSW trials. In addition, he continues to share his extensive trial experience with teams throughout the country through trial preparation and handler coaching seminars.
Gail McCarthy, CNWI
As the instructor at Scentinel Nose Work Dog Training, Gail has worked with horses and dogs all her life. She rode Hunter/Jumper horses and Three-Day Eventing horses professionally for many years after graduating from college and gave horseback riding lessons up through the advanced levels in dressage and in eventing. When Gail moved to Massachusetts to go to law school, her training interests shifted to working with search and rescue (SAR) dogs and, over a 25-year period of time, she attended over one hundred workshops and seminars from some of the most preeminent detection dog trainers in the country in my quest to learn how best to train independent, focused, reliable and efficient detection dogs.
While Gail has retired from canine SAR, during my career, she trained and certified 3 dogs as wilderness live find search dogs, 2 dogs to the State Advanced Level. One of these dogs she also trained and certified twice at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Advanced Level Live Find Disaster Dog Evaluation. Another dog Gail trained and certified twice to the State Advanced Level in Human Remains Detection. She was the founder and former Training Director for the Massachusetts Rescue & Recovery K9 Unit and was a founder, former Chairperson and Canine Evaluator with the Massachusetts State Search and Rescue Federation. Gail also was a Canine Handler with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Urban Search and Rescue, Massachusetts Task Force 1 as well as a FEMA Lead Live Find Disaster Dog Evaluator and a FEMA Human Remains Detection Evaluator. In those capacities, Gail worked with numerous SAR dogs over the years and she freely shared my knowledge and experience, helping many people achieve their SAR certifications. In recognition of her consistent dedication to the promotion of volunteer canine SAR in Massachusetts and to the training she gave my dogs and to my fellow handlers, the Massachusetts State Senate awarded Gail a “Massachusetts State Senate Citation,” a legislative award of distinction.
As a NACSW Faculty Member and a Certified Nose Work Instructor, Gail has instructed at many of the K9 Nose Work Training Camps held in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Colorado and Oregon. Currently, she serves as a NACSW Judge for NACSW sanctioned K9 Nose Work Competition Trials and has given several webinars for NACSW. She has been teaching Nose Work classes for 15-years and brings her past training experience to her students, many of whom now are among New England’s top title holders in K9 Nose Work. As of April 2021, Gail is the instructor of 26 canine teams who have obtained their NW3 Elite Titles and 9 of these students have achieved the coveted Elite Championship Title. My current Nose Work dog, Saoirse, achieved her Elite Championship Title and then went on to obtain a Summit Title in her first Summit Trial this past Spring. Please see the “Accolades Page” of Gail’s website http://www.scentinelnosework.com for a listing of her students’ successes in K9 Nose Work.
Nancy Osborne, CNWI
Nancy got hooked on K9 Nose Work in the fall of 2010 while attending a presentation by Amy Herot and Jill Marie O’Brien at the APDT Conference in Atlanta. Inspired, she began teaching K9 Nose Work classes in 2011 and attended her first K9 Nose Work Camp in 2012. Nancy teaches nose work teams for all levels of competition.
Currently teaching ten classes per week, Nancy enjoys watching students discover the amazing scenting abilities of their dogs. K9 Nose Work enriches and deepens the bond between the handler and the dog and Nancy finds it rewarding to see the magic relationship begin for each team.
Nancy has attended ten K9 Nose Work Camps in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Colorado as a working team, logistics member and an auditor. She frequently hosts K9 Nose Work Trials and ORT’s and workshops in North Carolina.
Nancy owns K9 Nose Adventures, LLC a business dedicated to Nose Work. She is trial Certifying Official as well as an ORT Certifying Official and Judge. Nancy works with Triad SPCA and People & Paws 4 Hope organizations introducing Nose Work to at-risk youth working with SPCA canine partners to help change the lives of both.
Nancy competes in K9 Nose Work with her three labradors and a norwich terrier, Dugan Summit, Billie ELT1, Sheldon NW2 working on NW3and Cate starting NW1. She didn’t plan on competing but her dogs insisted.
Nancy has worked professionally with dogs at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston as a ward, clinic, and ICU attendant and a nurse. She honed her observation skills of dog behavior teaching obedience classes and working with dogs in the daycare setting at dog day care and training facility.
Nancy worked at the University of Northern Iowa, in higher education administration as the Coordinator of Student Organizations and later, the Coordinator of Non-Credit Programs organizing and managing 100 programs per year. She holds a Masters in Higher Education Administration. Nancy is also a Certified Montessori Pre-School Teacher.
Current memberships and professional affiliations the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).
Nancy currently lives in North Carolina with her uber trial volunteer husband Walt, three Labrador Retrievers, Norwich Terrier and three cats.
Kathy Pierce, CNWI
Kathy grew up in a dog show family and has been training dogs all of her life. Her mom showed in conformation, obedience & agility and Kathy followed completely in her footsteps. While still working as an engineer at the phone company, Kathy began trialing on the weekends in agility, hunting, obedience, rally, dock diving, etc. Then when she retired, she jumped whole heartedly into ALL the sports!
Always looking for new venues, Kathy took a K9 Nose Work Intro class with Taz, one of her springers who wasn’t thrilled with agility at the time. And they were sold on it! Taz became the first springer to earn an ELT-CH. Kathy became a NACSW trial coordinator, a NACSW Certifying Official, and CNWI. Kathy lives in the Atlanta area with her husband, Woody. She has been teaching weekly Nose Work classes for many many years while also traveling all over the country trialing and CO’ing. Kathy has hosted MANY NACSW trials in the Atlanta area and has plans for LOTS more!
Kathy stays BUSY teaching nosework classes and trialing two summit springers, two NW3 springers, and her baby girl in NW2. She has had four ELT-CH springers (the first two in the country) & recently titled and took 3rd place in a summit trial with her boy, Dusty.
Jean Richardson, CNWI
Jean is the owner of Wells Creek Dog Training on the Central Coast of Oregon and has been involved in dog training in various forms since 1984. She began training her personal dog for obedience competition at that time and has continued to learn along the way. She has competed and trained her own personal dogs to titles in AKC Obedience and Rally, Agility, Herding, Tracking, Field Trials and Conformation and K9 Nose Work.
Since becoming a CNWI in 2011 she has brought K9 Nose Work to the Central Coast/Eugene area of Oregon, teaching many classes for various organizations in the area. She has since gone on to become a NACSW Certifying Official and Judge and is the NACSW CO Director of Operations.
Before moving to Oregon in 2008, she was an Instructor for Guide Dogs of America in Sylmar, Ca, helping to train and then pair guide dogs with visually impaired recipients. She has also been involved in teaching obedience, puppy and reactive dog classes in Southern California as well as Oregon.
Jean and her husband currently share their home with two German Shepherds and a Labrador Retriever, all competing at different levels of Nose Work.
Andy Sperber, CNWI
Andy first discovered K9 Nose Work in 2012 when he was looking for an activity his energetic 2-year-old Golden Retriever Maho could participate in. After the first 6-week class, he was immediately “hooked” and intrigued by the activity.
Using every opportunity to observe and learn how our friends communicate with us in everything they do has become a passion. Attending multiple Nose Work Camps, Seminars, Webinars, and Workshops has exposed the team to an even larger variety of training techniques and environmental situations to expand this knowledge.
His love for nose work has led him on a wonderful journey! Over the course of their career, Andy & Maho achieved the titles of NW1, NW2, NW3, NW3 Elite, ELT 1, ELT2, ELT3 and the coveted ELT-CH. They were invited and competed with some of the top nose work teams in the country at the NACSW National Invitational competitions in Loveland, CO in 2015 and in W. Springfield, MA in 2017. They also competed in the Summit League and had fun at Element Specialty trials. Sadly, Maho has since passed away.
Andy likes to say that we never stop learning from the dogs.
Andy is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) with the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).He currently resides in New Jersey with his wife Dara (also a CNWI) and their two golden retrievers, Kira and an up-and-coming puppy. Together they teach Nose Work classes through their business Sniff4Fun, LLC.
Dana Crevling, CNWI - Camp Director
Dana is a dog training and behavior geek. Over the last 40 years she has attended, participated, or hosted hundreds of seminars, workshops, courses, camps, classes, and webinars to better understand canine and animal training and behavior.
Dana has made a career working in the dog training, rescue, and behavior professions since 1986. She worked in not-for-profit animal agencies until 1999, when she started Dogs of Course with creation of her first Instructor Training Course. Instructor Training Courses were held in a shelter environment and trained hundreds of dog training instructors over the next eighteen years. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs and their owners through quality education, while continuing to support charitable efforts, were the motivating factors when she started Dogs of Course, and they continue to be the guiding forces for all projects she creates.
Dana has been involved with canine camps starting in the mid 1980’s as a camper and/or staff member. Through her interest in agility, she created and operated an agility summer camp, Competitive Edge Sports Camp (2000-2004) that offered consistent cutting-edge training in a small friendly environment reminiscent of children’s sleepover camp. She also joined forces with Clean Run and co-produced the very popular Clean Run Camps, as well as a conference specifically for agility instructors in 2007 and 2008. It only made sense to approach the NACSW founders to start up K9NW Training Camp as the sport started to gather momentum. Since the very first K9NW Training Camp in 2010, Dana has planned and organized over 40 K9NW Training Camps and hopes to run many more.
Dana has been competing in dog sports since 1984, believing in building a deep connection with her dogs through teamwork. She has titled in obedience, field, conformation, earthdog, rally, agility, and Nose Work. She has dabbled in tracking, canine freestyle, canine square dancing and herding. Dana has trained and competed in Nose Work with two Flat-Coated Retrievers, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a Norfolk Terrier.
Dana Zinn, CNWI, CPDT-KA - Camp Co-Director
Dana Zinn has been working with and training dogs since 1999. Her many years of dog training experience include working at the spcaLA as an Animal Behavior & Training Specialist. It was the time working with dogs in the shelter that drew her to the sport of K9 Nose Work®; not only for her own dogs, but for the many dogs in need of a “job” to do.
Dana was involved in the first publicly offered Nose Work class in Long Beach, CA. She not only participated but eventually assisted in instruction. From there Dana became involved in the development of the K9 Nose Work® instructor certification program. Dana was one of the first participants to be certified as an instructor for the K9 Nose Work® curriculum approved by the National Association of Canine Scent Work, LLC.
Today, her many jobs with NACSW include certifying official, supervising certifying officlal, and trial judge. She is also thrilled to be a part of education committee helping to train new certifying officials joining the organization.
Her learning never stops as she continues to teach classes, instruct at camps, compete in trials, create webinars, and teach workshops. One of her proudest moments was placing first in the 2014 NACSW National Invitational.
Dana has participated in a variety of canine activities such as obedience, herding, agility and of course Nose Work. Dana moved from California with her family to Golden, Colorado in 2008 and brought the sport of K9 Nose Work® with her. She hosted the first trials in Colorado and has absolutely loved watching nose work flourish there. Dana is honored to be a part of the amazing community that has grown around the game and sport in Colorado and surrounding areas.
Dana strives to increase her knowledge about canine behavior and instruction. She has attended and helped coordinate many seminars featuring some of the world’s most sought-after speakers. One of her most memorable educational experiences was working with and learning from the renowned dog behavior expert and trainer John Rogerson. She has traveled to England and Washington state to work with and assist him on many courses including his 21-day Instructors’ Course.
Dana is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and a member of the Colorado Trainers’ Networking Group. Dana was certified as a professional dog training in 2005 by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
Dana currently shares her life with her wonderful husband Ken, two beautiful children Jessica & Ben, and her two Labrador Retrievers, Winnie and Sunny.
Jo Trent, CNWI - Logisitics Team Supervisor
Jo Trent has always loved all animals. Originally from Colorado, she had allergies to dogs and cats, so her home was filled with “pocket pets”. She was also lucky enough to have an uncle with a farm, so every summer Jo was able to connect with and learn about horses, cows, pigs, goats and chickens.
In 1995 Jo moved to sunny Southern California to work in the corporate world. After adopting her first cat, Jo’s passion for animals blossomed and she knew she wanted to work with animals. In 1999 Jo left the corporate world and started her own pet sitting business. To continue to develop her skills with working with animals and give back to the animal community, she volunteered for the spcaLA. Within months, Jo found herself working full time as the spcaLA’s Outreach Assistant.
While working at spcaLA, Jo was promoted to shelter manager at P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village & Education Center, assisted the spcaLA’s Animal Behavior and Training Department with assessments and became a member of spcaLA’s Disaster Animal Response Team (DART). Jo became a sworn spcaLA Humane Officer and is S.A.F.E. certified.
Jo’s interest in K9 Nose Work® developed in 2009, when she enrolled Sluggo into a Fun Nose Work class. Jo enjoyed the confidence and fun that Sluggo experienced through Nose Work so much that she wanted to share the wonderful game with more folks and their dogs. Through the support of the NACSW founders and her husband, Jo started a new career in 2010 teaching K9 Nose Work® classes.
Jo has worked for, and with, the NACSW in a number of roles including as Education Division staff member and first as a Certifying Official and now is a Supervising Certifying Official.
Jo loves to teach and has a warm, humor-filled, and low stress approach to educating her students. Her students have ranged from beginner through Elite. Jo has instructed for Dogs of Course at the Georgia and Pennsylvania K9NW Training Camps and is the Logistic Team Leader for the Colorado.
Jo recently relocated to Charles Town, West Virginia, with her current K9 Nose Work® dog MPact Jumping Jellybean, who is a Belgian Malinois and has earned their Elite 1 title.
Khara Schuetzner, MA, CPDT-KSA, CNWI - Guest Instructor
Khara owns The Doggie Spot, LLC in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and is a NACSW™ Certifying Official and Judge. Khara’s love of K9 Nose Work started in 2010 at the APDT Conference in Atlanta. She flew to California in 2011 for workshops, seminars, and to volunteer at trials, hence starting her personal and professional CNWI journey. Khara started teaching K9 Nose Work in 2011 and still teaches today.
Khara has run a variety of dogs in K9 Nose Work. Cooper, her first dog as a professional handler, got washed out of the program at the age of 18 months due to environmental sensitivity leading to reactivity. “Super Duper Cooper” became the dog who started her competing in Nose Work. In 2017 Cooper retired from competition after earning his ELT1. Over the years, Khara has run a variety of dogs in K9 Nose Work. Currently, her little pup, Winnie (ACD/Bassett, Dachshund, Beagle, Rottie mix) is learning the art of following her nose and will soon start her new adventure competing in K9 Nose Work.
Khara is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA), a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), a member of the Animal Behavior Society, and a member of the North American Police Working Dog Association (NAPWDA), National Network of Canine Detection Services, and a lifetime member of National Association for Search and Rescue.
Khara’s household includes: 6 rescue dogs, 2 human remains detection dogs, three rescue cats, one donkey, chickens, one goat, one rescue paint horse, a herd of Dorper sheep, and one VERY patient husband. Khara has a strong belief that, “Humans need to listen more to what the animals are telling us and learn to work with them not against them.”
Megan Wallace, B.S, CNWI, CCUI - Guest Instructor
Megan started training her two Border Collies in Nose Work in 2010, when a trainer friend suggested it would be a good activity for reactive dogs. Ever since she’s been hooked! She started trialing when those two dogs were seniors, and was able to get some level 1 titles on both of them before they passed. She currently has three dogs trialing in Nose Work, a 10 year old Ridgeback, Fawkes NW3, a 5 year old Border Collie, Lucy NW2, and 2 year old Border Collie, Han Solo ORT. She started teaching Nose Work classes as soon as she opened her training business in 2013, and became a CNWI in 2017.
She now co-owns a training facility, NoCo Unleashed, with her good friend and training partner, Victoria Kander. Together they teach 6-10 Nose Work classes a week, and host training events, and in early 2022 they hosted their first of many trials! This year, Megan also began her Certifying Official training, starting her hands-on training this fall. She is so excited to guest instruct at camp, as she has attended every Colorado Nose Work camp so far!
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/DDCH 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, USCSS Detection Dog Champion (DDCH), 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 USCSS DDCH (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.
Campers must be at least 18 years old.
All campers must be in good physical condition and able to walk to search areas on uneven ground from the parking areas. The property is large, and the housing is generally driving distance from the search areas. Expect that driving from one end of camp to another will take 10 minutes. Some roads will be dirt and may be uneven and have potholes.
Campers who are staying in lodge rooms and are expected to treat the rooms with respect. No bathing or grooming dogs in the rooms.
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 or have in your vehicle. We suggest your working crate be light weight and easy to carry. A small dolly or a crate cart may be helpful for unloading or moving supplies etc..
YMCA of the Rockies is a restricted smoking facility. All smoking must be done in designated open areas and never inside a building, structure, or in a grassy or wooded area. Inappropriate smoking could easily cause a forest fire in this environment. 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.
We are pleased to offer a unique deluxe camp experience for Nose Work enthusiasts at our Colorado location. Unlike our other camps where the participants “rough it,” this location boasts of climate controlled hotel style housing at Indian Peaks Lodge and extra amenities offered by the resort. Due to the requirements of this wonderful facility, the fee structure for camp will be in two parts – the cost of the 4-day K9 Nose Work Training Camp and, separately, the lodging that includes your meals and facility conference fees.
YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch
Located in Colorado near Winter Park, Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand Lake, Snow Mountain Ranch sits at 8,000 feet above sea level on 5,000 acres. This year-round family resort has many activities for campers after hours or for the family member that wants to come for vacation. Activities include: swimming, mini-golf, arts and crafts, library, yoga, hiking, horseback riding, and a zip line along with much, much more. Located two hours from the Denver Airport and a short drive into town for supplies, Snow Mountain Ranch is a great location for those driving or flying. All Campers will need a vehicle/to share a vehicle to get around Camp. If you share a vehicle with another camper you should expect that one of you may need to be dropped off at one area while the other goes to a different area.
Indian Peaks Lodge
Our camp headquarters, lecture space, and all our lodging will be in this recently renovated 79 room lodge. The lodge is conveniently located within walking distance to dining as well as to some of our search areas. Guests will marvel at the beautiful view of the valley below and Continental Divide from their balcony or porch. Each room has two queen beds, a sofa, a private bathroom, wireless internet, a mini fridge and microwave. Rooms do not have televisions, radios, telephones or clocks. There is a television and a coffee station in the lobby of the lodge.
The YMCA is making an exception to their rules by allowing us to have dogs at the lodge. There will be a one time fee of $75 per dog. Campers are also encouraged to please leave a tip in their rooms for the cleaning staff that count on your generosity. We have assured the resort that our campers will be responsible and thoughtful guests. So please clean up no matter where your dog toilets (including the fields and woods) and no bathing dogs in the rooms.
Occupancy Limits:
For our group, Indian Peaks Lodge has a limit of 3 adults and 3 dogs per room, no exceptions. Please keep this in mind if you are sharing a room with another camper. We suggest one or two adults and two dogs per room for your comfort.
Lodging Limitations:
This lodge is lovely but does have some features you need to be aware of. To get to the upper floor rooms there are only open stairs(see photo). Inside is carpeted and outside is steel mesh steps. Dogs need to be able to negotiate this type of stairs that do not have a solid riser. The hallways to the rooms are long and narrow – only 3.5 feet wide – so campers must be prepared to pass other dogs in the hallways without incident. Due to the configuration of the housing and the fact that other guest families (the public) will be sharing the resort, we are asking that only mildly reactive working dogs live in the lodge. We cannot accept non-working dogs that are reactive at this location as there is too much potential for barking and arousal. All dogs will be mixed in together like other hotel/motel experiences. Please see dog policies for more information on what dogs are appropriate for this camp.
Rooming assignments cannot be guaranteed either by the resort or Dogs of Course. They will be assigned by need and first come reservations by the facility. All campers must be willing to have second floor rooms. We ask that auditors (not rooming with a working team) be willing to live on the second floor so more dogs can be on the first floor.
IMPORTANT PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
All campers must be in good physical condition, be able to climb a flight of stairs multiple times a day, and walk up to 10 minutes on uneven ground and dirt or paved roads to the activities and meals. This is a sprawling facility with some hilly terrain. Campers will be able to drive personal vehicles to get close to many of the work areas but this cannot be relied upon. Parking availability for some search areas will dictate parking your vehicle and walking the rest of the way. Weather may also impact the driving vs. walking options.
The facility is at 8,000 feet above sea level. For campers not used to high altitudes, we strongly suggest checking in at the resort a day or two before camp to help your body acclimate. (* Campers that check in to the lodge a couple days early for acclimation purposes must plan to share the lodge with the general public.) There are plenty of non-aerobic activities to keep you busy at the resort. Some people do get altitude sickness that can include headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Drinking LOTS of water and taking it easy for the first couple days will help the body adjust. Please contact your physician if there are any concerns.
Getting Around Camp:
Campers will need a vehicle or be able to ride with another camper to get to most of the search areas. At this camp, we are not offering the crate transportation system that we have at our “walking” camps. This is a large driving facility and is not conducive to this service. If you share a vehicle with another camper you should expect that one of you may need to be dropped off at one area while the other goes to a different area.
Please see the “Tuition, Lodging and Other Camp Options and Fees” Section below for details about housing options that are still open.
Making Lodging Reservations at the Indian Peaks Lodge:
To make reservations, call Central Reservations Office at (888) 613-9622, and refer to the group name – K9 Nose Work Camp 23 Indiv
The group rate expires September 3, 2023.
We suggest one or two adults and two dogs per room for your comfort. The maximum is three dogs and three adults, no exceptions for our group. The Ranch does allow up to six people in a room for their youth programs, retreats, etc.. you will see this on the website. However, this does not apply to our group.
Your lodging cost includes two meals per night stay and resort/conference fees. You may purchase your third meal separately at the Dining Hall each night or you may opt to get food on your own. The meals are as follows: Dinner on 10/3, breakfast and lunch on 10/4 – 10/7, and breakfast on 10/8
Estimated 2023 lodging fees will be:
- Single room with two meals/day – averages to approximately $115/night, plus tax, depending on length of stay and nights staying for the room – $146 plus tax for the ten meals listed above. Plus dog fee.
- Double or triple occupancy with two meals/day – the cost of the room above – $146 plus tax for the ten meals listed above for each person. Plus dog fee.
- Dog fee, per dog, per stay – $75 (charged when you register for your room)
If you would like to vacation at the Lodge beyond the dates of the K9 Nose Work Camp, please make your reservation on-line first for the dates of Camp by clicking on the link below or calling. Then please call Central Reservations at (888) 613-9622 to add the additional nights to your existing reservation. Please have your reservation number handy.
After you have registered for camp with Dogs of Course, you will call Central Reservations to make your lodging reservations.
Our Group Code is K9 Nose Work Camp 23 Indiv.
To make your reservations, add a person to your room, or if you have any questions, please contact the Central Reservations Office at (888) 613-9622, and refer to the group name – K9 Nose Work Camp 23 Indiv
The group rate expires September 3, 2023.
Commuters and other housing at the YMCA:
Anyone that is not staying at the Indian Peaks Lodge for a minimum of four nights in considered a commuter. This includes other housing options at the YMCA. Commuters pay higher tuition for camp that will cover 2 meals/day, day passes, and the facility conference fees that are normally part of the lodging costs. Commuters’ dogs will be crated in their handlers’ vehicles during non-working sessions.
An RV is anything bigger than a conversion van. RV Camping will not be available at this Camp. Campers may NOT live in their RV/Car/Truck. People staying in the Lodge, but traveling to camp in their RV, may park it. Commuter campers may park in the Indian Peaks Lodge parking lot. RVs would need to remain parked in one location, so campers would still need a regular vehicle to get around camp and to the search areas. A local rental car or sharing with a friend with the same level dog is an option for getting around to search areas. Campers MUST tell Dana if they plan to have an RV with them and let her know how you plan to get to search areas.
Additional non-working dog fees also apply to people staying in RV’s. Two dogs per registered working camper.
Contact Dana to discuss your RV plans.
Meals will be served in the dining hall at designated times starting with dinner Tuesday evening when you arrive, breakfast and lunch on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and ending with breakfast on Sunday’s move out day. All campers must be on the meal plan that is part of the lodging fee. This year I have signed our group up for two meals a day. You have the option to eat at the YMCA or elsewhere for your other meal. Campers not staying at Indian Peaks Lodge will pay an additional fee in the camp tuition to cover these costs.
The menu will consist of simple buffet stye food for omnivores as well as vegetarians. In the past, the YMCA of the Rockies does have some gluten free options but we suggest that anyone with dietary restrictions bring extra food to supplement meals as needed. There is a grocery store about 10 minutes from camp.
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 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 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 of 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.
- Social Skills:
K9 Nose Work® Training Camps welcome dogs with a variety of social skills and needs. For the YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Lodge Camp location, ONLY working dogs with mild dog to dog reactivity that can be safely and comfortably managed in a stressful environment for multiple days and in close living and searching quarters are allowed. The Lodge has narrow corridors and your dog must be controllable when in sight of other dogs it may encounter. Reactive dogs will be housed among the other dogs in the lodge. We will accept approximately 20 mildly dog reactive working dogs.We do not have exclusive use of the resort. This means that the general public, including children, may share space with our group.Non-working dogs must be friendly due to our lodging/housing situation.Dogs with human reactivity/aggression at any level cannot attend this camp.
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.
Female dogs with working spots in season will be permitted to participate in this camp. Additional dogs coming to camp as non-working companions can NOT be in season. If a registered working dog comes in season, the dog may participate if the camper agrees to the following rules:
- Owners must commute or have a single room. For housing exceptions, please discuss with Dana.
- Commuters must crate their dogs in their vehicles during lunch and lectures.
- Your dog must wear pants at all times except when toileting in designated area.
- Expect to have a designated toilet area near your cabin or vehicle if commuting.
- Movement of female dogs in season will be restricted to going to and from classes and toilet area.
- Bring a sturdy crate for your dog; your dog cannot be left unattended in a room with other dogs present.
- Expect that your dog may need to run last in classes depending on your group dynamics.
- Non-working dogs are NOT allowed at camp if in season.
- Dana Crevling/Camp must be notified in advance that you will have a female dog in season at camp so she can prepare for you.
See Cancellation and Refund section for all options including refunds.
We are working on having a local vendor-driven camp store, with fun Nose Work related items, for you and your dog. If you would like to sell items at Colorado Camp, please contact Dana before September 1, 2023 to discuss. Dogs of Course may bring some items if possible.
The shopping opportunities will be at designated times during free time/non-class time.
Cash and checks are always strongly encouraged. Bring multiple checks in case there are multiple vendors. Credit card payment may be limited due to WiFi conductivity or vendor preference.
At Dogs of Course events, we have a tradition of helping those less fortunate. To date, Dogs of Course has facilitated $444,000.00 in charitable donations! Most often the recipient is a dog-related charity or of humanitarian interest. The recipient of this year’s raffle will be split between the YMCA Mission 623 (funding for military families to come to the YMCA) and Chase Away K9 Cancer. Guidelines on how to participate, will be announced in the final camper preparation letter.
We hope campers will support the charity by either donating a new item or participating in the raffle/auction.
Donations are by cash and checks only. Campers may write a check directly to the charity for a tax write-off.
NACSW™
10 CEUs for CNWIs
CCPDT
19.5 CEUs for CPDT-KA/KSA – working spot
14 CEUs for CPDT-KA/KSA – auditor
1 CEU for CBCC-KA/KSA – working or auditing
KPA-CTP
30 CEUs for working spots
30 CEUs for auditors
No video or audio taping of lectures, demonstrations 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, Facebook, etc. without permission. There may be some videotaping done by the staff or instructors for educational or promotional purposes if participants at the workshop have signed a photo/video release. Auditors and campers may NOT videotape other teams working unless they are videoing for the person working with her/his camera. Any approved videotaping is for personal use only.
Photography is welcome and encouraged at camp. Campers are encouraged to take still photographs at camp and post on social media. Before you post a photo of another person on social media, please be sure to have their permission.
Professional photographer, Victoria Kander, will be taking photos of the camp experience.
COVID-19 (6/19/23 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 7 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. However, vaccination is not required.
- 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 may be required to wear masks for interior searches and depending on the level of COVID-19 in the area/country. 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.
Registration ends at 5:00pm ET on August 3, 2023 or when limit has been reached. Registration acceptance is subject to approval by the staff.
A $300 deposit or full payment is required at the time of registration. 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. Full payment is due no later than 90 days prior to the start of camp – July 3, 2023.
Payment Options: You may pay via PayPal or check. Your registration will not be considered complete until we receive payment and approve your attendance. Registration is pending for check payment until received and processed and we approve your attendance.
Working spots are limited. 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 all information below along with the cancellation policy carefully (posted in next section) before registering.
2023 Camp Tuition
Camp tuition covers all classes and activities. Lodging and meals are with the YMCA and separate.
Lodging preference is not guaranteed. We have limited camp housing, so once the reserved rooms fill up, you will only be able to attend as a Commuter if we can’t get more rooms from the YMCA.
Anyone who is not staying at the Indian Peaks Lodge for a minimum of four (4) nights is considered a commuter; this includes any other housing on the YMCA of the Rockies property. Commuter rate applies to campers staying in any housing that is not designated for our group. The Commuter fee will cover meals, all training and other activities.
| Tuition (not including housing at Indian Peaks Lodge) | before or on 7-3-2023 | after 7-3-2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Working Spot – YMCA Indian Peaks Lodge Housing 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. Working spot in 8 person group for campers staying at the Indian Peaks Lodge (NW camp reserved housing). Remember to make your lodging reservations within 5 days of registering for camp. | $1,160 | $1,260 |
| Working Spot Elite – YMCA Indian Peaks Lodge Housing 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. Includes extra $855 for 5 person group vs. 8. Elite group working spot for campers staying at the Indian Peaks Lodge (NW camp reserved housing). Remember to make your lodging reservations within 5 days of registering for camp. | $2,015 | $2,115 |
| Auditor Spot – YMCA Indian Peaks Lodge Housing Check with the YMCA directly to see if there are rooms available for our group. Otherwise, you will need to sign up as a commuter. Auditor spot for campers staying at the Indian Peaks Lodge (NW camp reserved housing). Remember to make your lodging reservations within 5 days of registering for camp. | $600 | $700 |
| Helper – YMCA Indian Peaks Lodge Housing Check with the YMCA directly to see if there are rooms available for our group. Otherwise, you will need to sign up as a commuter. Logistics Team Members staying at the Indian Peaks Lodge (NW camp reserved housing). Includes 4 special working classes for your dog. Remember to make your lodging reservations within 5 days of registering for camp. Arrival 1 day before campers. Register only if you’ve been approved/accepted. Email Bonnie for information. | $100 | $100 |
Room/Accommodation and Commuter Options | ||
| YMCA Indian Peaks Lodge Housing For anyone staying at the Indian Peaks Lodge (NW camp reserved housing). Remember to make your lodging reservations within 5 days of registering for camp. | +$0 | +$0 |
| Working Spot – Commuters and Other YMCA of the Rockies Lodging 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. Anyone who is staying in any other housing at the YMCA of the Rockies that is not designated for our group (Indian Peaks Lodge is the only lodging designated for Camp) or staying off-site (commuting). The additional fee will cover camp meals, day pass, and the conference fees. | +$350 | +$350 |
| Elite Working Spot – Commuters and Other YMCA of the Rockies Lodging 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. Anyone who is staying in any other housing at the YMCA of the Rockies that is not designated for our group (Indian Peaks Lodge is the only lodging designated for Camp) or staying off-site (commuting). The additional fee will cover camp meals, day pass, and the conference fees. | +$350 | +$350 |
| Auditor – Commuters and Other YMCA of the Rockies Lodging Anyone who is staying in any other housing at the YMCA of the Rockies that is not designated for our group (Indian Peaks Lodge is the only lodging designated for Camp) or staying off-site (commuting). The additional fee will cover camp meals, day pass, and the conference fees. | +$350 | +$350 |
| Helper – Commuters and Other YMCA of the Rockies Lodging Anyone who is staying in any other housing at the YMCA of the Rockies that is not designated for our group (Indian Peaks Lodge is the only lodging designated for Camp) or staying off-site (commuting). The additional fee will cover camp meals, day pass, and the conference fees. | +$425 | +$425 |
| RV Housing Not available at this camp. See RV policy for this camp. | N/A | N/A |
| Additional Options | ||
| You may bring up to two dogs to camp without an extra charge. One additional dog (total of three dogs) Only for working participants; auditors cannot bring dogs. | $90 | $90 |
| You may bring up to two dogs to camp without an extra charge. Two additional dogs (total of four dogs) Only for working participants; auditors cannot bring dogs. | $180 | $180 |
| Please contact Dana if you need to bring more than 3 dogs for one working participant as this will limit housing options or your ability to be a camper. | ||
| Linen Service Linens are included in your lodging fee. | N/A | N/A |
| Cleaning Fee $75/dog/stay Dog cleaning fee will added to your YMCA of the Rockies lodging bill. | YMCA will add to your bill | YMCA will add to your bill |
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 7 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
- Reasons for dismissal from camp may include, but are not limited to:
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.
YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch
1101 County Road 53
Granby, CO 80446
800-777-9622
From Denver International Airport (Drive time: 1.5 – 2 hours)
Driving Directions to Snow Mountain Ranch from Denver International Airport:
•Follow Pena Blvd towards I-70 follow for 9.8 miles then merge onto I-70 West.
•Take 1-70 West 52.5 miles to Exit #232 (US 40 to Empire/Granby)
•Travel over Berthoud Pass and through the town of Winter Park approx 45 miles.
•Snow Mountain Ranch’s entrance is 12 miles past Winter Park on the left (west) side of the US 40.
•Follow the road approximately 1 mile and check in at the Administration Building on your left.
For current weather and road conditions, please check: IsBerthoudPassOpen.com and CO Trip
Airport: Denver International Airport
Vehicle Rentals: If you are flying and renting a vehicle, you should consider an SUV/4 wheel drive vehicle. There can be snow in October and the mountain passes are more safely navigated with the proper vehicle.
Questions? Contact Dana Crevling at Crevling@dogsofcourse.com
Get a feel for what happens at camp by watching these sample slide shows.
2017 Georgia K9 Nose Work Camp Slide Show
2018 Colorado K9 Nose Work Camp Slide Show
“This was our first time at camp. We were blown away with all we learned and experienced. The instructors were a wealth of knowledge and experience. We would definitely attend camp again.” D.S. GA
“…a memorable and enriching experience – from working sessions to lectures to building and maintaining camaraderie!” J.M. GA
“It was, literally, the most stimulating nose work educational experience I’ve ever had…” J.C. OR
“As an ANWI, Camp was invaluable. Being able to watch so many different instructors work with so many teams as students, watching the problems they set up for the teams, seeing how they coached in all different styles… I came away with so much information on how to teach. As a competitor, I now have a new way of looking at my training, new insights into the whole ‘culture’ of the NACSW way of approaching scent work. “Trust your dog”, “It depends”, all mean a lot more to me than before camp. AND – it was so much fun to meet other instructors, competitors and people from all over the world, who just want to explore their bond with their dogs.” M.K.
If you have questions about whether you and/or your dog qualify for camp or other concerns, please contact Dana via the email link. Click here to email Dana Crevling
Registration is closed.