Frequently Asked Questions

General

1. My dog has never done any scent work. Where do I begin? You will begin with the Introduction to Search workshop, which, as the name suggests, introduces your dog to the game, and it is the one in which we sit back and observe them while they begin developing their unique search style. This workshop is held indoors, usually in a training facility, but may also be held in a garage or other area where the distractions are limited.
2. My dog doesn’t like other dogs. Can we participate? ARL Dog Sports tries to ensure a safe environment for all dogs, including those who don’t like other dogs. Only one dog is permitted in the search area at a time. When dogs are not working, they must be crated, either in public crates at the training facility, their own crate, or their car (safely). Please contact us to address your dog’s specific needs and to determine if group classes are appropriate for him or her.
3. I’ve taken a workshop/class/seminar elsewhere and I’d like to continue. Which class should I take? Please contact us so that we can learn more about your team’s experience level to find the appropriate class for you.
4. My puppy has no training. Can we take a class? Absolutely! ARL Dog Sports uses NACSW™ methods, which are designed to let the dogs run the search. The less training the dog has, the more we see how the dog wants to work, and the more the dog is likely to work independently right from the start. 
5. My dog is an obedience trial champion (OTCh). We’re looking for another sport. Is this appropriate? Yes! Although your dog may look to you for direction when they start classes with ARL Dog Sports, they will soon learn that this sport is very different and that they run the show. You will find that allowing your dog this freedom may deepen your bond with your dog.
6. My dog isn’t a scent hound. Does it matter? No! All dogs, including mixed breed dogs are welcome. Toy dogs, large breeds, hound dogs, herding dogs, sport dogs—you name it, they can do it! 
7. My dog is disabled. Does it matter? No! While it might be necessary to address searches differently for a disabled dog than a dog without a similar disability, all dogs can participate. This includes blind dogs, deaf dogs, dogs with amputated limbs, and dogs in wheelchairs. ARL Dog Sports will work with handlers of disabled dogs to develop a method of communicating with the dog that frees them to search while maintaining their safety.
8. My dog has retired from another dog sport. Is it too late to try nose work? Definitely not! Since scent detection work uses the dog's mind at least as much as their body, it is an ideal job for retirees who need one. ARL Dog Sports has trained many retired—insert other sport here—dogs. Having a dedicated low-impact activity for a dog who no longer can perform physically demanding sports can make retirement a much easier transition.

Travel Classes

1. What exactly is a travel class? ARL Dog Sports' travel classes are built around the idea that dogs, especially those that might compete, will be asked to search areas that are not normally places they would go. While we have a routine number of locations we use regularly, we try to use a different place each time we meet. This exposes dogs to a wider variety of environments, helping ensure that their first "away" searches are less stressful.
2. Do you offer drop-in classes? No. All classes require that you sign up or otherwise make arrangements for them. Group classes in Virginia are announced in an email approximately mid-month. The email will contain information about the dates and locations, a link to the signup page, and ARL Dog Sports' policies. Private lessons are scheduled at locations and times convenient to both instructor and student.

More questions? Please contact us so we can answer them!