SCENTWORK WORKSHOPS with Kyle McCraith and Jessica Dinowitz

Various workshops for scentwork from novice level to experienced trainers.

Info: This 2-hour mini-course introduces participants to the basics of canine tracking. You will learn how to teach your dog to track and locate a missing person by following ground-borne human scent to a reward—similar to how police “tracking” dogs or Search & Rescue dogs operate. This class is perfect for all skill levels and is conducted in a cooperative, no-pressure environment where only positive, reward-based techniques are used. Tracking is a fun, mentally stimulating activity for dogs, and it can enhance the bond between you and your dog while providing them with physical and mental exercise.
Requirements

Non-restrictive harness
A lot of your dog’s favorite treats or toys

Info: Introduce your dog to a new sport in our intro to Nose Work workshop! Your dog will learn to use their natural sniffing abilities to search for treats hidden in boxes, building confidence and focus in a fun, low-pressure environment. Perfect for dogs of all ages and energy levels!

Info: Get ready for your NW1 trial with our NW1 Prep workshop. This session focuses on building your dog’s skills and confidence in all four search elements: containers, interiors, exteriors, and vehicles, while helping handlers sharpen their handling and observation techniques. Ideal for teams preparing for their first trial.

Info: This 2-hour mini-course covers the basics of canine detection, teaching dogs to sniff out and respond to legal odors—similar to police “drug” dogs or bed-bug detection dogs. The class welcomes all levels, and positive, reward-based training methods are used throughout. Participants will enjoy a fun way to interact with their pets while providing both mental and physical stimulation. Dogs will learn to focus and engage in scent detection in a non-judgmental, cooperative environment.

Info: These one-on-one sessions offer dog owners a chance to discuss problematic behaviors with a behavioral professional. Kyle will help owners understand the causes of these behaviors and provide humane, reward-based methods for addressing them. Whether your dog struggles with excessive barking, fear-based aggression, or separation anxiety, these sessions provide tailored feedback to help mitigate issues.
Additional Info

Dog owners can bring their dogs or leave them at home
Many leashed dogs will be present, so take precautions if your dog has any behavioral challenges with other animals or people
Attendees are advised to bring their own folding chairs for downtime

Info: Take your scent work skills to the next level with our NW2/3 Prep workshop. Designed for teams preparing for upper-level trials, this workshop focuses on complex odor puzzles, converging odor, and improving handling strategies across all four elements. Great for teams looking to build consistency, confidence and problem-solving skills.

Info: Same as Saturday’s session, this workshop offers continued instruction on canine tracking. Ideal for new participants or those returning for more advanced practice. Learn and refine techniques for tracking using positive, reward-based methods in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Requirements

Non-restrictive harness
A lot of your dog’s favorite treats or toys

Info: Introduce your dog to a new sport in our intro to Nose Work workshop! Your dog will learn to use their natural sniffing abilities to search for treats hidden in boxes, building confidence and focus in a fun, low-pressure environment. Perfect for dogs of all ages and energy levels!

Info: Same as Saturday’s session, with additional opportunities to reinforce your dog’s scent detection abilities. The session will provide more advanced practice and feedback as you work with your dog on various detection exercises. Learn to expand your dog’s skills and improve their accuracy.
Requirements

Non-restrictive harness
A lot of your dog’s favorite treats or toys

Info: Prepare for success with our ORT Prep workshop! This session is designed to help teams build confidence and precision in container searches with a focus on odor recognition, clear alert behavior, and trial readiness. Perfect for those planning to take their Odor Recognition Test soon or those who just want more practice with containers.

Info: Sharpen your dog’s container search skills in our Container Fix-It & Skills workshop! This session focuses on troubleshooting common issues like false starts, box smashing, and lack of focus, while reinforcing odor obedience and efficient searching. Great for teams at any level looking to strengthen their container game.

Host or Publisher Cobleskill Agricultural Society