This is not actually a course, but a way for you to get your basic information entered in to the CourseStorm website, including your contact information and your dog's information and health data, as well as to read our Hold Harmless agreement, our refund policy, and our severe weather policy. This will let you get familiar with CourseStorm so when we actually have classes for which you can sign up, you will ready to go.

Weeks: 6

Length: 60 minutes per week

Prerequisites: basic obedience course, interest in retrieving 

Intro to Antler Shed Hunting

Antler shed hunting is a great sport that appeals to a variety of dogs. There is no shed hunting experience necessary to participate, however your dog should be interested in retrieving and able to work outside with reasonable focus and a somewhat reliable recall.  If the recall is an emerging skill then we will utilize long lines to help facilitate learning.  

We will build solid retrieves, learn how to work outdoors, manage distractions, perform visual and scent searches, along with learning air movement and the best point to start a search. 

NOTE: No dogs the first week of class.

Equipment

We provide a kit that includes one antler and rack wax

You will need to purchase (you will get links to where to source these items in the syllabus that you'll get the first week):

• plastic antler(s) for practice
• canvas retrieving dummy,
• long line (15-25 feet) or flexi-leash
• whistle
• treats
• “no scent” spray 

Class size limited to six students.  

Please email Kim Poisson with questions.

Course Description

Learn the basics of nose work with your dog. We will cover preparing/storing odor, how to set up searches, types of searches, building independence in your dog as they search, and much, much more. By week six you and your dog will be working as a team to solve a variety of scent problems in a fun supportive environment.

Prerequisites: completion of a Puppy K or Household Manners course or equivalent skills.

Age group: for dogs ages 6 months and up

Class size: 3-6 students

Equipment

• Lots of small, easy-to-chew, high-value treats (this is from the dog’s perspective; they should love what they are getting).
• Collar (flat collar, martingale, slip collar, or non-restrictive harness. Pinch/prong collars are not allowed)
• 4-6 foot leash
• treat bag (recommended)
• clicker (optional and available in class)
• busy item for dog such as a Kong, pupsicle, chew, etc. nothing that squeaks
• sensible shoes in which handler can run

NOTE: There are no dogs on week one as we will discuss  scent theory. We will provide students with a scent kit on week one for home use. The cost of this kit is included in the registration fee.

Class dates: June 9 - July 14, 2025

NOTE: do NOT add a 2nd handler or you will be charged twice for the course!

REGISTRATION IS BY DOG. DO NOT REGISTER A SECOND PERSON - YOU WILL END UP BEING CHARGED TWICE. 

Course Description

You and your dog will learn to navigate the outside world and all its distractions successfully! We will cover loose leash walking, focus work, distractions, basic obedience, impulse control, and age-appropriate socialization. This course is a wonderful way to prepare your puppy for moving up the Canine Good Citizen course, Household Manners, or Life Skills for Success.

Not recommended for highly reactive dogs

Prerequisites: none

Age group: for puppies ages 4 months up to one year

Class size: 3-8 students.

Equipment

• Lots of small, easy-to-chew, high-value treats (this is from the dog’s perspective; they should love what they are getting).
• Collar (flat collar, martingale, slip collar, or non-restrictive harness. Pinch/prong collars are not allowed)
• 4-6 foot leash
• treat bag
• toy that does not roll or squeak
• sensible shoes in which handler can run

Class dates:

Class Dates: June 10 - July 15

REGISTRATION IS BY DOG. DO NOT REGISTER A SECOND PERSON - YOU WILL END UP BEING CHARGED TWICE. 

REGISTRATION IS BY DOG. DO NOT REGISTER A SECOND PERSON - YOU WILL END UP BEING CHARGED TWICE. 

Course Description

Whether you need to refresh the skills learned in puppy class or work on changing existing behaviors in your adolescent or adult dog, this course will help you navigate household issues such as barking, door dashing, jumping, leash pulling, counter surfing, and distractions.

Prerequisites: puppy class, manners class, or reasonable equivalent

Age group: for dogs ages 6 months and up

Class size: 3-6 students

Equipment

• Lots of small, easy-to-chew, high-value treats (this is from the dog’s perspective; they should love what they are getting).
• Collar (flat collar, martingale, slip collar, or non-restrictive harness. Pinch/prong collars are not allowed)
• 4-6 foot leash
• treat bag
• toy that does not roll or squeak
• sensible shoes in which handler can run

Class dates: 

June 10 - July 15

REGISTRATION IS BY DOG. DO NOT REGISTER A SECOND PERSON - YOU WILL END UP BEING CHARGED TWICE. 

Weeks: 6

Length: 60 minutes per week

Prerequisites: Intro to Scent

Odor Foundations

Level 1 course. Continuation of skills started in the Intro to Scent course.  We will continue to build skills, continue to learn about air movement, search techniques, working with boxes and containers, as well as and interior searches.  Target odor will be birch.  

***Students should plan to  remain in this class for multiple sessions as they work to build skills and search accuracy.

Equipment

For this class you will need small, soft treats your dog can’t resist, a flat collar or harness, and a six foot leash.

NOTE: There are no dogs on week one as we will discuss  scent theory. We will provide students with a scent kit on week one for home use. The cost of this kit is included in the registration fee.

Please email Kim Poisson with questions.

Weeks: 6

Length: 60 minutes per week

Prerequisites: Odor Foundations.

Novice Scent

Level  2 course. Teams will continue to build skills learned in previous classes while adding in anise as a target door.  This class will follow the AKC scent rules as a basis for training.  

At this level the teams will expand their search experience to include interiors, exteriors, and buried hides.  

Dogs will be crated between turns and must be comfortable with crating.  Handler will need to bring a crate for their dog for class.  

We will provide a scent kit on week one for home use. The cost is included in the registration fee.  

Class size limited to six students.  

Please email Kim Poisson with questions.

Weeks: 6

Length: 60 minutes per week

Prerequisites: Novice Scent or instructor approval

Intermediate Scent

Level 3 course.  Teams will continue to build skills learned in previous classes while adding in the remaining AKC odors of clove and cypress.  This class will follow the AKC scent rules as a basis for training.  

At this level the teams will expand their search experience to include interiors, exteriors, elevated, vehicle, and buried hides.  

***Students should plan to  remain in this class for multiple sessions as they work to build skills and search accuracy.  

Dogs will be crated between turns and must be comfortable with crating.  Handler will need to bring a crate for their dog for class.  

NOTE:  We will provide a scent kit  on week one for home use. The cost is included in the registration fee.  

Class size limited to six students.  

Please email Kim Poisson with questions.