K9 Nosework Classes for Winter are Posted!

Jennifer Carter will be a Speaker at the 2025 Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia! Her topic will be "Unleashing the Power of Nutrition and Rehab". She will also be giving a lunchtime presentation on the sport of Canicross with an instructor-led walk/run in town!

Attending an IACP conference gives you ample opportunities to broaden your knowledge in the canine professional world while also expanding your network of like-minded individuals. Listen to leaders in the industry present their insights. Grow on your expertise by participating in continuing education opportunities. You will surely leave inspired at the 2025 IACP Annual Educational Conference. In the canine professional community, we are Better Together. See you in Savannah!

The 2025 Conference has an amazing line-up of expert speakers who bring knowledge that is unmatched in the industry.  Whether you are a small business owner, work for a professional training facility, or serve in some other professional capacity with dogs, this conference is for you!

In addition to an incredible schedule of learning, our conference offers an unsurpassed networking opportunity where you can connect with other industry professionals who share your same passion.  The conference also hosts our annual paper plate races and other interactive events that make this an event you won’t want to miss! 

Snowstorms. Ice. Sleet. Freezing temperatures and salt on the sidewalks. None of those make for enjoyable outside playtime with your pup! If you have a rehabilitating, young, senior, or high-energy dog, winter can present some real hurdles to providing enough physical exercise.

Believe it or not, mental exercise can be as effective as physical exercise when it comes to tiring out your dog. Canine nose work, or searching for an odor or food in different environments, can be a great way to give your dog a fun, mentally stimulating activity. Is your dog's healing time causing depression, unwanted behaviors, or weight gain? Have you ever considered giving your dog a nose work job?

Dogs have incredibly powerful noses, and the amount of information they take in just from odor is exponentially more significant than what we get. It takes a lot of their brain power to focus that amazing sniffer, so teaching them to hunt for odor actively can really tire them out—it’s like doing a tough crossword puzzle or having a challenging day at work for you!

This is an introductory class. No prior experience is required, and no obedience is required. In K9 Nose Work®, dogs learn to search for a specific odor or odors and find the source. In this class, dogs start by searching for their favorite food or toy reward hidden in various environments, increasing the challenges and adding new search skills as they progress. Dogs will run one at a time so no dog-dog interaction will occur. This also allows reactive dogs to participate in the class. 

Inside crating will be available separate from the search area, or you can crate in your vehicle.

Are you and your dog ready for Birch? 

In this 6-week online course, your dog will learn to find a new novel odor: Birch. Teams will be concentrating on searching interior and container search areas. Handlers will also learn the importance of reward placement and timing, as well as how they can further support their canine partner. This is the next level class after the Intro to Nose work class. 

Prerequisite: Completed an Intro to Nosework 6 Week session

Inside crating will be available separate from the search area, or you can crate in your vehicle.

Part of being successful in nose work is taking your training on the road and working on new and challenging scent puzzles. This traveling class will allow you to expose your dog to both new and challenging puzzles. It takes the nose work fundamentals learned in the foundation classes and uses them in new environments. The class will meet at various locations to allow the dog/handler team to expand their experience and knowledge with container, interior, exterior, and vehicle searches. Your instructor will contact you with location information and details prior to each session. Multiple training levels can be accommodated. 

Prerequisites: 

• Dogs need to have been introduced to container, interior, exterior, and vehicle searching. 
• Dogs must also understand Birch, Anise, and Clove. 
• There must be a minimum of 4 students to hold any individual class.

Cost: $25 per dog per class

Class Length: 1.5 hours

The opportunity to do private lessons will allow you to expose more than one dog to a nose work class in the convenience of your own home. Having an instructor set hides exposes your dogs to both new and challenging puzzles. The instructor will come to you and run a class tailored to the level of nose work you need, or focus on issues you may be having with competing dogs. The session will meet at an agreed-upon location to let the dog/handler team expand their experience and knowledge with container, interior, exterior, and vehicle searches. Your instructor will contact you to set up the time, location, and details before each session. Multiple training levels can be accommodated. 

You can run as many dogs as you like during your session. 

Cost: $45/30 mins or $90/Hr

Class Length: 30 mins or 1 hour

New This Year- A 5K Virtual Race!

This year there will be a Competitive 5K and 10K, a Dog Friendly 5K for those who want to just stroll....and a Virtual 5K for those who want to participate but cannot come in person!

The Rehab Rover Canicross and Trail Race powered by Veterinary Rehabilitation Services of Virginia and Harness Canicular LLC presents the 2nd Annual Canicross race in the Commonwealth of Virginia! Whether you are joining us for fun or competing for a top spot on the podium, your bond with your dog will be strengthened as you navigate the trail together! 

The day is not just about running, walking, hiking, or hobbling on the trail. Join us for the Rehab Rover Finisher's Festival from 9 am - 2 pm (spectators and family welcome). The festival will be held near the historic Clifton house on the property, which is the hub of all of the operations and features The Dog House Biergarten, food trucks, music, and the Vendor Village with local craftsmen and dog products throughout. 

Cool off from your race, grab some food, and enjoy the relaxing environment and views from Clifton House.

Are you new to Canicross or have a dog in training? Join the 5k Dog-Friendly Trail run and take all the pressure off- just get out there and have fun with your dog. Do not have a dog - come join us with your friends and family!

Every Participant will receive a logo race T-shirt and a finisher medal! *Note: T-shirt/size is not guaranteed if you register after August 31, 2025. 

Are you coming from out of state, or do you have a long drive? Make plans to Camp or bring your RV the night before or stay one night after the race. Do not forget to sign up during registration!

Not into camping but need a place to stay on the property for the event? The Clifton House  (www.cliftonhouse.farm) will have limited rooms available for the event. Please contact april@cliftonhouse.farm for reservations. 

Whiskers 2 Toes Canine Massage Therapy will be on site for the event, offering canine massage appointments for participant dogs. If you would like to book a therapeutic massage for your dog before or after the race, please contact Nancy Lilly at Nancy@whiskers2toes.com or call 540-846-3961. Laser and PEMF mat therapies are also available upon request.