Online Classes

3 WEEK CLASS – In Nosework, we’re often taught to reward at source. While this is important in the early stages, it’s only one option. Expanding how we deliver reinforcement can improve clarity, build duration, and better support the individual dog.

This course focuses on using marker cues intentionally to create clearer communication and stronger performance. Many dogs struggle to stay at source not because they don’t understand odor, but because they haven’t been taught how to hold position within a consistent marker system. A well-timed marker provides precise information about when and where reinforcement will happen, building intensity at source and leading to more readable behavior.

We’ll introduce Location Specific Markers (LSMs), which tell the dog not only that they’ve met criteria, but also how reinforcement will be delivered. Dogs benefit from knowing what to expect. Predictable reward delivery reduces guesswork and allows them to stay focused on the search.

You’ll learn how to apply specific food and toy reward markes that communicate clear outcomes: “stay there, I’m bringing your reward” (room service), or “leave the hide and come to me” (take-out). We’ll also explore additional reward delivery strategies to increase motivation and focus during training.

A key component of this process is cue discrimination. Teaching your dog to differentiate between marker cues enhances decision-making, sharpens focus, and creates a more thoughtful, “thinking” dog. They’re not guessing or confused by our inconsistency. Clarity doesn’t come from just teaching one behavior well, but from helping our dogs understand the difference between multiple cues.

This is often the missing link in Nosework training. By developing clear marker systems and cue discrimination, you’ll create a more confident, engaged dog – one who not only finds the hide, but understands how to complete the job with confidence and enthusiasm for the reward.

• OPENS April 22, 2026!
• Course runs May 1st – May 21st
• Pricing starts at $49 to audit (Bronze)
• Working spots available (Gold) – work 1:1 with Julie!
• Last day to signup is May 15th.
• Instructor: Julie Symons