Nosework Classes

Scent games are enriching for our dogs and satisfying for both ends of the leash. Learn to read your dog and see just how amazing they are at scent detection! Whether you are seeking a new game to play or are aspiring to compete, we can help your team on your nosework journey.

Sniff. Snack. Smile.

Meet your instructors

  • We love playing with our dogs!

    Taryn and Jessica enjoy playing in a variety of dog sports such as obedience, rally, rally-free, freestyle, tricks, parkour, FastCAT, and more, but we have found the greatest satisfaction in training our dogs in scent sports such as nosework, barn hunt, and tracking. Scent sports are where it’s at! Our dogs love it, and we love it too.

    We have trained extensively with the best of the best through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, and are successfully competing in AKC scent work, UKC nose work, and NACSW with our personal dogs. We believe trials are a fun opportunity to test our training, and are happy to share the joy of nosework with all teams, whether you aspire to compete or are looking for something fun to do with your dog!

  • Jessica and her dog Ziggy in front of a snowy lake

    Jessica Banaszak

  • Taryn and Bella at a park practicing

    Taryn Winegardner IAABC-ADT, CPDT-KA, Certified Dog Parkour Instructor

Class Details

  • Class are 6 weeks, with new sessions beginning every other month. Classes are split by experience level (see level descriptions below)

  • Training aids are included for teams who have not yet acquired a nosework kit.

  • Classes will take place at Prairie Dog Kendall Yards

    1128 W Summit Pkwy, Spokane, WA 99201 and nearby areas depending on weather.

  • Eligibility/prerequisites? Both experienced teams and beginners are welcome! We can often accomodate dogs with reactive behavior (but not aggression). You are welcome to schedule a Discovery Call to discuss this with us, so you can find out if this class would be suitable for your dog, and we can share additional resources with you.

  • Contact us at nosework@lovehopedogs.com with any questions.

Ziggy searching for a scent

Nosework Classes Offered

Level 1 Start Sniffing:

Introduction to Nosework

Let’s face it, dogs are going to sniff, so join us to channel that sniffing power into fun and enriching games! Nosework is enjoyable for both the human and dog members of the team. It can help build confidence and focus even in new and exciting environments. We use the imprinting method to introduce our dogs to nosework target odors right away, while building their desire to search!

No experience necessary.

Level 2 Super Odor Seekers:

Search Elements and Beyond

Now that you are both hooked, let’s turn your sniffy dog into a super snifferino, finding odor wherever we may hide it! We will introduce your dog to various search elements so that they understand anywhere you go a new fun search could happen, while also increasing the challenge as your dog is ready. We’ll also continue building your nosework handling skills and teamwork.

Open to Level 1 graduates and dogs who have already been introduced to odor.

Level 3 SniffStar Adventures:

Searches in the Real World

In this class we will get out and about searching with our dogs! You will continue to develop your nosework skills (both dog and handler!) as we take our searches to new environments and add fun games and challenges to our training. We will record many of the searches so you can watch the videos afterwards, continuing to learn how your amazing dog works their scent puzzles.

Open to Level 2 graduates and dogs who are on odor.

Upcoming Session Dates

Class session dates are planned around trialing with our own dogs, and squeezed into our busy teaching schedule. Rarely, classes may need to be rescheduled to a later date due to instructor illness.

We appreciate your understanding and sincerely hope you can join us!

Level 1 Start Sniffing: Introduction to Nosework

Level 1 Thursdays 6:15-7:15pm

  • Spring 2/15/24 - 3/28/24 (no class 2/29)

  • Early Summer 5/9/24 - 6/20/24 (no class 5/16)

  • Summer 6/27/24 - 8/8/24 (no class 7/25)

Level 2: Super Odor Seekers: Search Elements and Beyond

Level 2 Thursdays 7:30-8:30pm

  • Spring 2/15/24 - 3/28/24 (no class 2/29)

  • Early Summer 5/9/24 - 6/20/24 (no class 5/16)

  • Summer 6/27/24 - 8/8/24 (no class 7/25)

Level 3 SniffStar Adventures: Searches in the Real World

Level 3 Mondays 6:15-7:15pm

  • Spring 2/26/24 - 4/1/24

  • Early Summer 4/15/24-5/20/24

  • Summer 6/3/24-7/15/24 (no class 7/1/24)

  • Late Summer 8/5/24-9/16/24  (no class 9/2/24)

Class sizes are limited

Registration is first come first served and class sizes are limited. Payment is required to register, and your spot in class is reserved when your registration is complete. You will receive an appointment confirmation email so you can easily add the classes to your calendar.

Register today.

Class size is limited so don’t delay!