UKC Nosework Makes A Difference!
August 8, 2017
Submitted by Karen Wroblewski D.V.M.
"Some friends and I were consulted on what could be done to enrich the lives of some long-term residents of our county shelter in Auburn Hills, Michigan in the spring 2017. We discussed developing a shelter Nosework program. UKC Judge Cheryl Carlson helped to outline a six-week program that would enable completely novice dogs and handlers to start learning the wonderful game of Nosework.
"Four dogs and four volunteers were selected for the first session. Class with instruction from trainer Jason Knapp was held weekly, and the volunteers practiced with their dogs a few times per week. Many of these dogs had never heard, 'Great job, you're awesome. Super work, boy!' from anyone. They really thrived on their newly budding human-animal bonds. The ability of these previously untrained 'throwaways' was amazing. Week by week, the dogs progressed, gaining more confidence, learning to trust the human half of the team. All volunteer handlers described appreciable improvement in the demeanor and attitude of their dogs over the six-week session.
Susan and Bobo
Tsunami
Tricia and Ruko
Monica and King with Nosework Instructor, Jason
"July 15, 2017 was the graduation of the pilot Nosework participants, and the dogs seemed to really have benefited from the program. One remaining goal of the pilot program is that the teams will be able to participate in a Pre-Trial test at an upcoming UKC trial."
A Kalamazoo, Michigan-based company founded in 1898, United Kennel Club is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. Celebrating the unique Total Dog philosophy, UKC events highlight the instincts and heritage of dogs that look and perform equally well, as more than 60 percent of its annually licensed events are tests of hunting ability, training, and instinct. United Kennel Club prides itself on its family-oriented, friendly, educational events, welcoming both purebred dogs and dogs of unknown ancestry.