Nosework

  • We have modified the format of our traditional group classes. We now have moved to a mini private format where all dogs get their own 15min time slot. Everyone is still getting the same number of searches and instruction just in a private format. All of our mini privates are for all levels and we work the dogs at the level they are at. Dogs are individuals and we work at their pace and what is most beneficial for the team.

    6 weeks of mini privates $150

    Important Note: If you are late for your mini private you will get less instruction time in order to keep the night on schedule.

    For safety reasons uncontrolled reactive or aggressive dogs are not allowed in our mini private program. We can help you in a normal private lesson format instead. If you are unsure if your dog is a good fit for our mini privates program contact us and we can discuss if mini privates are a good option for you.

  • We occasionally offer drop in mini privates. Drop in mini privates are nice for those wanting to do a mini private but not our standard mini privates. We also offer drop in classes in a variety of locations.

    Drop In Classes: $25 per dog.

    We also are opening up a list for former nosework students for drop in mini privates when availability allows.

    Important Note: If you are late for your mini private you will get less instruction time in order to keep the night on schedule.

    For safety reasons uncontrolled reactive or aggressive dogs are not allowed in group classes. We can help you in a private lesson format instead. If you are unsure if your dog is a good fit for group classes contact us and we can discuss if group classes are a good option for your dog.

  • I am an approved Cyber Scent Work in person evaluator. I can set up and judge Cyber Scent Work searches for titles. Cyber Scent Work evaluations can be done in our private lesson and mini privates program. This is done similar to a CGC test where you will need to submit the form with a fee to Cyber Scent Work to officially earn the title. To learn more about our Cyber Scent Work evaluations click HERE

  • Our private lesson lessons are a great option for dogs who aren’t a candidate for group classes, those who can’t attend a group class due to their schedule or those wanting private instruction. We have offerings at our location as well as at your location (mileage limits apply).

    Lessons at VanNuil Canine:

    30 Minute Private Lesson (1 Dog): $40

    60 Minute Private Lesson (2 Dogs): $70

    Lessons at your location:

    Please contact us for pricing.

  • We occasionally will offer nosework workshops focusing on a certain topic like leash handling, building motivation, inaccessible hides, intro to trialing etc.

    Workshop: $75 per team.

  • We will travel to do a weekend nosework seminar at your location for your training group. Please contact us for details.

Start your nosework journey.

Scheduling for our nosework programs below! If you run into any issues feel free to contact us!

Your instructor is Kellie VanNuil is an AKC Scent Work judge. Kellie has titled many dogs in the sport of nosework in multiple venues including AKC, UKC, NASCW and CPE. Kellie has titled multiple dogs to the Scent Work Master (SWM) level in AKC and has titled a dog to the Elite Nosework (EN) level in UKC. Both the SWM and EN titles are the highest level normal nosework titles in those organizations. Kellie also has received the extremely rare and coveted overall pronounced designation with her dog Friday when trialing in NACSW. Kellie has helped multiple students achieve success in all levels in many nosework organizations. Kellie has been involved in the sport of nosework since 2018 and has been instructing nosework since 2021.

About Your Instructor

Nosework is an activity where dogs find and alert their owners to where qtips scented with essential oils are hidden. This is also a major dog sport across the world in various organizations like AKC, UKC, NASCW, CPE, ASCA and many more. Nosework works a dogs brain and is something that can be done relatively easy with minimal equipment for dog owners. This sport is fantastic for senior dogs or retired high impact sport dogs and allows them to work their brain but is gentle on their body. We have seen nosework do wonders for numerous dogs and we are a huge advocate of nosework for every dog. The benefits of nosework are substantial for all dogs.

What is Nosework

Frequently Asked Questions

  • These are the rules applying to all VanNuil Canine classes. All of these rules need to be followed or we can lose our privilege to these training areas. We need to remain respectful to the properties we are using.

    Rules applying to all locations:

    1. Park only in designated parking areas.

    2. Only potty dogs in designated potty areas. Do not allow your dogs to potty on anything man made or any landscaping.

    3. Pick up after your dog.

    4. No dogs may be left loose unattended in a car unless in a crate or car with the windows fully up (only if weather allows). This follows the rules of most trial organizations and is safest for everyone.

    5. All dogs must be kept quiet and not allowed to bark incessantly.

    6. All dogs must be on leash when not in the car.

    7. Do not allow your dog to greet or interact with dogs not in your household.

    8. No handler substitutions. Only the handler who runs the dog normally in class may run the dog in classes.

    9. No children are allowed at classes except for youth/junior handlers with their legal parent or legal guardian.

    10. When the dog before you in the run order is searching you need to be waiting by the on deck cone for that search.

  • We host group classes all around the Hamilton and Holland area. We have partnered with a few local places to be able to host classes there and offer classes at our location in Hamilton. We also can travel to you for lessons as well.

  • You will need to bring a flat collar or harness, a 6ft or longer leash ( no retractable leads), and lots of soft yummy training treats your dog is motivated for.

    We provide odors for you to train with during the week so you don’t need to buy a scent kit.

  • Nosework works a dogs brain and is something that can be done relatively easy with minimal equipment for dog owners. This sport is fantastic for senior dogs or retired high impact sport dogs and allows them to work their brain but is gentle on their body. We have seen nosework do wonders for numerous dogs and we are a huge advocate of nosework for every dog. The benefits of nosework are substantial for all dogs.

  • Click the book button below to be directed to our sign up form for classes. We then will contact you shortly after.

Book