Nose Work Classes

Unleash your dog’s nose, unlock their potential.

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K9 Nose Work® Methodology

This training methodology is designed to help pet dogs tap into their hunting instinct, learn independent problem-solving skills, and to build broad and solid foundational scent detection skills that will enable them to successfully face new and greater challenges in K9 Nose Work®.

Introduction to K9 Nose Work®

All dogs begin their Nose Work journey in Introduction to K9 Nose Work®. In this class, your dog will be encouraged to use their natural scenting abilities to hunt for a primary reward. Dogs will start by searching boxes and various containers placed throughout a search area. As the class progresses, searches become more challenging, teaching dogs to solve puzzles and locate the source of the odor. Along the way, dogs gain confidence, have fun, and develop essential scenting skills. Handlers learn to read their dog’s body language and recognize when their dog has detected the target odor. This class is open to all dogs. Please contact your instructor before class if your dog requires extra space.

Prerequisite: Dogs should be comfortable waiting in a crate between turns and be housetrained.
Number of Sessions: 6
Max Number of Dogs: 6
Cost: $195

K9 Nose Work® - Introduction to Odor

This class is designed for dogs who have completed Introduction to K9 Nose Work®. Teams will be introduced to their first target odor, birch, and will practice locating it in both container and interior searches. Dogs and handlers will work on and off leash as they continue to build confidence and refine their search skills. Handlers will focus on leash handling, learning when to support their dog and when to provide space, while continuing to read and understand their dog’s cues. Each dog works individually with their handler and must be crated or safely confined in their vehicle between turns, depending on the weather.

Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to K9 Nose Work® with a CNWI
Number of Sessions: 6
Max Number of Dogs: 6
Cost: $195

K9 Nose Work® - Continuing Skills

This class is designed for teams who have completed Introduction to Odor and want to continue advancing their skills. Dogs and handlers will work in all four elements—containers, interiors, exteriors, and vehicles. Each week will focus on skill-building appropriate for novice through experienced teams, with hides and searches tailored to the students in class. This class is ideal for teams preparing for trials or for those who wish to continue enjoying Nose Work as a fun and rewarding hobby. Each dog works individually with their handler and must be crated or safely confined in their vehicle between turns, depending on the weather.

Prerequisite: Completion of K9 Nose Work® - Introduction to Odor
Number of Sessions: 6
Max Number of Dogs: 6
Cost: $195

Skill Specific Nose Work Classes

Looking to focus on a particular skill? These classes are designed to target specific aspects of Nose Work, helping you and your dog refine techniques and tackle new challenges. If there’s a skill or class you’d like us to offer, contact us and we’ll do our best to make it happen! Each dog works individually with their handler and must be crated or safely confined in their vehicle between turns, depending on the weather.

Prerequisite: Completion of K9 Nose Work® - Introduction to Odor
Number of Sessions: Varies
Max Number of Dogs: 6
Cost: Varies

Drop-In & Rovers Classes

Looking to focus on a particular skill? Our skill specific drop-in classes are designed to target specific aspects of Nose Work, helping you and your dog refine techniques and tackle new challenges. If there’s a skill or class you’d like us to offer, contact us and we’ll do our best to make it happen!

The Rovers class offers advanced Nose Work teams the opportunity to practice in a variety of real-world locations, both indoors and outdoors. Each class presents new distractions and challenges, helping dogs build confidence and focus while refining their odor detection skills. Handlers gain valuable experience managing searches in unfamiliar environments, learning when to support their dog and when to give space. This class is ideal for teams preparing for trials or anyone looking to take their Nose Work skills to the next level. Every session is unique, engaging, and a fun way to strengthen the bond between handler and dog. Each dog works individually with their handler and must be crated or safely confined in their vehicle between turns, depending on the weather.

K9 Nose Work® Drop-in classes are scheduled when and if we have an opening in one of our regularly scheduled sessions of classes.

Prerequisite: Completion K9 Nose Work® - Introduction to Odor
Number of Sessions: 1
Max Number of Dogs: 6
Cost: $35

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K9 Nose Work Private Lessons

Lori Timberlake brings years of experience, passion, and a deep understanding of canine behavior to every private lesson. Whether you’re working on specific Nose Work skills, trial preparation, or addressing challenges unique to your dog, Lori provides personalized guidance tailored to your team. Her approach emphasizes positive reinforcement, clear communication, and building confidence in both handler and dog. With Lori’s expertise, you’ll gain practical strategies, insight into your dog’s behavior, and the tools to help your dog succeed—whether in class, in trials, or at home.

Prerequisite: None
Cost: $50/30 minutes

Please use the Contact Us form to schedule a private lesson. Availability is limited.

Consultations with Lori Timberlake

Whether you’re looking to host an event, expand your training program, or dive deeper into the techniques Lori shares on SWU's podcasts and webinars, a consultation gives you direct access to her expertise. Lori will provide personalized guidance, practical strategies, and insights tailored to your goals, helping you and your team succeed.

Please use the Contact Us form to schedule a consultation. Availability is limited.

Cost:

In-Person: $100/hour + travel expenses
Phone or Zoom: $50/30 minutes

Workshops with Lori Timberlake

Looking to dive deeper into training, sharpen specific skills, or bring a fun and educational experience to your club or facility? Booking a workshop with Lori Timberlake is a great way to give handlers and dogs focused instruction in a supportive, engaging environment.

Workshops can be tailored to your group’s goals and may include Nose Work, Dog Parkour, trial preparation, problem solving, or enrichment-based games. Whether you’re hosting a small group, a club event, or a full-day seminar, each workshop is designed to be practical, positive, and FUN for both dogs and handlers.

Expertise You Can Trust - Workshops are led by an experienced instructor who is actively involved in the sports she teaches. With a strong background in Nose Work and Dog Parkour, you’ll receive instruction grounded in proven methods and real-world experience.
Customized for Your Group - No two groups are the same. Workshops are thoughtfully customized based on your audience, skill level, goals, available space, and time frame—whether you’re working with beginners, experienced teams, or a mix of both.
Dog-Centered Training - All workshops training methods that prioritize confidence, clarity, and teamwork. Dogs are encouraged to think, problem-solve, and succeed at their own pace.
Hands-On Learning - These aren’t just lectures. Participants will gain hands-on experience, clear takeaways, and practical skills they can apply immediately in training, classes, and trials.
Fun, Engaging, and Confidence-Building - Workshops are designed to be informative and enjoyable. Handlers leave feeling more confident, motivated, and excited about training with their dogs.
Great for Clubs, Facilities, and Special Events

To book a workshop for your group, use the Contact Us form for details and availability.

Virtual Learning

Learn from the convenience of your own home! Online lessons and video reviews allow you to train on your schedule—no need to attend at a specific day or time, and no driving in traffic. You’ll receive personalized attention with less distraction than a group class, and both you and your dog can work at a comfortable pace without time pressure. Video review also gives you the opportunity to catch details you may have missed live, revisit lessons, and reduce stress for fearful or reactive dogs. Looking for a video review? You can conveniently schedule one directly through Scent Work University. Visit Lori’s Scent Work University page for a full listing of current offerings.

Visit Scent Work University

What students are saying:

I'd like to let you know, every time after I listen to your input, how much I want to go out and do more nose work right away! It dawned on me, you are not only providing insights, you also allow me to share nose work with someone who understands the game.

Thank you for the NW2 Trial Prep lessons. You gave me a lot of ideas on what to practice, and I feel make the thought of going to NW2 trial less scary!

-Fei W.

We got it! 2nd place overall with element placings too! Can’t wait to talk to you about it! Your training seminar really helped! I was confident calling finished every time!

-Dana K.