N101S NW101 - Introduction to Nosework

Prerequisites: Open to All.

These supplies are what you will need for the class... however, don't fear! These supplies will last you and you won't need to buy much more in the future. I will also teach you how to make new Qtips.

You will need:

- Odor Kit (either pre-assembled or make your own)

- A "container" that we will use for imprinting

- Cardboard Boxes that will be used towards the end of the class in preparation for an Odor Recognition Test

Here's a little video to explain the supplies!

Intro to Nosework Supply list:

1. Odor Kit containing:

• Scented q-tips
• Tweezers to move qtips from jar to containers
• Small metal tins with 3 holes that can fit in your hand (will come with a starter kit).
• Birch oil (or your starter oil), comes with some kits**

SOURCES FOR PRE-MADE ODOR KITS:

K9NWSource put together the perfect kit at my request. This is ONE OPTION but a very good one if you are in the U.S. This makes ordering really easy... https://k9nwsource.com/shop/stacys-kit-101/

• Choose the option "Stacy's 101 Kit" for the base kit which include scented Qtips, tins, heat shrink, and putty
• As an additional option, you can choose IN ADDITION, oils in the drop down. This is there so that when your scented Qtips run out, you can make more on your own.

You can find similar kits with other vendors.

ABOUT YOUR TARGET ODOR:

** Birch is the starter oil for NACSW, AKC, UKC, PSD, C-Wags, K9 ABC Games, and K9SD. Wintergreen is the starter oil for SDDA and CKC (Canada). Other countries use different odors.

**NOTE: Starting in 2020, NACSW will be testing on Birch, Anise AND Clove for NW1. You can earn an ORT (Odor Recognition Test) title when you pass all 3 tests. Prior to 2020, NACSW only tested on Birch at the first level. This class will teach you how to introduce all 3 odors at once but will also give you the option to introduce them individually.

This class will also teach you how to make your own Qtips! Instructions for doing so are included in the initial lecture.

2. A "container" that we will use for imprinting

Your Game Containers... Select Option 1 or Option 2. I HIGHLY recommend OPTION 1 because they are heavier and you can avoid "box hockey" with dogs who have a tendency to use their paws. If you can't find Electrical Switch Boxes, you can use Option 2... but you might be better off with something else that your dog can put his nose into.

OPTION 1: A set of Electrical Switch boxes. I would suggest a total of 6 sets. Each set consists of a 4 inch square electrical box and a 4 inch mud ring.

These screw together with the round portion pointing down.

OPTION 2: CLEAN and UNUSED metal paint cans

If you can't find switch boxes, CLEAN and UNUSED empty SMALL paint cans can work too!

Here is Why posing with a paint can so that you can see scale (he is a Mini Aussie and weighs about 25 pounds unless he has been snacking too often):

OPTION 3: Anything unbreakable that you can get your dog's nose into!

NOTE: THIS IS IMPORTANT!!! Mark your Electrical Switch Box or your Plastic Container that is being used for odor. We consider this to be "HOT"... plastic especially absorbs odor... Once Hot Always Hot.... You always want to use the very same container for your tin... once it's been exposed to odor, it can no longer be considered to be "COLD".

4. Cardboard Boxes that will be used towards the end of the class in preparation for an Odor Recognition Test. Regulation boxes are called "Literature Mailers"... we do not need these until Week 6.

Optional (but useful): Regulation ORT White cardboard boxes (approximate size used for ORTs and NW1 containers is 11-1/8" x 8-3/4" x 4 but slightly smaller is often used - I usually buy the 3" high ones). These can be purchased on Amazon or anywhere with shipping supplies. I prefer to train with a smaller size for space reasons:

9 x 6 1/2 x 2 3/4: