Clear Spring, MD
Jessica Miller
Jessica has been teaching K9 Nose Work® classes in and around Western Maryland since 2013. She first discovered how powerful the act of independent hunting can be for dogs while training her fearful GSD mix Handel. Since then she has competed 2 Australian Shepherds (Cassie & Penny) through NW3 level and is preparing her youngest for NW1 now! She has proudly guided dozens of clients and their dogs through NACSW, AKC, CWAGS & PSD competition, but never fails to be excited seeing new clients marvel at the natural talents of their canine companions!
Training Philosophy
One of the cornerstones of our process is the handler learning to be a curious student of the dog's behavior. We also emphasize a strong knowledge of canine olfaction and the dynamics of odor movement. Finally, we teach repeatable handling skills from the beginning, adding leash handling, start line preparation and foot work until the team is cohesive.
Services
Intro to Nose Work & Intro to Odor are for teams just beginning with the sport or for experienced handlers with new dogs. These are followed by Continuing and Trial Prep classes, where we introduce Vehicle searches (NACSW) and Buried searches (for AKC).
Dogs must be able to wait their turn quietly in a crate or in the car in order to join classes.
Locations:
Four-Legged Friends, Hagerstown, MD (Sundays)
Kamp Kitty, Falling Waters, WV (Tuesdays)
Classes are $150 for 6 weeks and limited to 6 dogs
Jessica will be offering a day long workshop introducing new teams to the fun of detection based sports and explaining how to get started in different competition venues!
Location: Clear Spring, MD
JUDGING & OFFICIATING SERVICES
NACSW TRIAL CO
Jessica is approved as a Certifying Official for NACSW NW1, NW2 and L1 & 2 EST trials. If you would like to book Jessica for an NACSW event, please contact her by clicking below.
AKC Scent Work JUDGE
Jessica is an AKC Scent Work judge, liscenced to judge all levels (Novice - Detective) of AKC Scent Work. If you would like to discuss booking Jessica to judge for your trial, please contact by clicking below.
NACSW ORT JUDGE & CO
Jessica is approved to act as a CO or Judge at all NACSW Odor Recognition Tests (ORTs). If you would like to book Jessica for your ORT, please contact by clicking below.
Travel Classes are held on Weds and Suns of each week.
Classes are held on a drop-in basis, meaning you only pay for the classes you choose to attend. You buy a punch card good for 6 classes (1 punch/dog/classes).
Classes are set up to accommodate NW1-Elite levels. We simply manage search areas, variables and expectations based on level.
Locations are announced via a private group chat 48 hrs before class.
If you are interested in participating in Travel Classes, please fill out the NEW CLIENT FORM and we will be in touch with more information.
We require that all dogs be proficient on Birch, Anise and Clove prior to attending Travel Classes.
Current Travel Class participants can purchase a new Travel Class Card here.
6 WEEK SET CLASSES
INTRO TO K9 Nose Work®
For dogs that are new to Nose Work, this intro class sets the foundation of independent hunting, building motivation to search while laying the ground work for important skills going forward! This first session is taught entirely with food and/or toys, ensuring that dogs have a clear understanding of driving to source and confident problem solving before moving on to odor. Dogs must be able to be crated calmly either in the building or in your car.
Session at 4-Legged Friends:
NEXT INTRO SESSION COMING FALL of 2024!
And please complete the NEW CLIENT QUESTIONNAIRE
INTRO TO ODOR®
For teams that have successfully completed the Intro to Nose Work class and are ready to add target odors (Birch, Anise and Clove) to their searches. We will discuss odor kit hygiene, reward strategies and timing, hide placement, search motivation and basic dynamics of odor movement.
You can purchase a starter odor kit for $10 on the first night of class or you can buy a larger 3 odor kit from one of our recommended suppliers (k9nwsource.com or allgooddogs.biz)
Intro to Nose Work is pre-requisite for this course.
Next Session starts at 4-Legged Friends:
FALL OF 2024
ODOR 2
CONTINUING NOSE WORK
For dogs that have an established understanding of odor this class adds in new elements, solidifies the dogs drive to source and begins to rely less on pairing and more on staying at source and waiting for reward. Searches become larger and more complex and skills such as elevation and converging odor are introduced.
Intro to Odor or a demonstrated understanding of all 3 odors are prerequisite for this class.
NEXT SESSION at Kamp Kitty, starts:
JUNE 4 at 4PM & 5:30PM (FULL - Please Email To Be Added to Wait List)
NEXT SESSION at 4-Legged Friends, starts:
JUNE 27 at 3:30PM (FULL - Please Email To Be Added to Wait List)
ADVANCED TRIAL PREP
This class is for teams that are ready to grow their skills working harder problems in preparation for competition. All classes will be taught at Big Spring Farm in Clear Spring, MD. You'll gain experience working harder odor problems, higher numbers of hides and bigger areas in challenging environments. Dog must be comfortable crating in cars.
NEXT SESSION at Big Spring Farm, starts:
JUNE 27 at 6:30PM (FULL - Please Email To Be Added to Wait List)
Dogs have established a strong foundation for searching for target odor, now we will introduce more complex problems, work on leash handling and search strategies and discuss recognition of changes of behavior and when to call 'alert.' All 4 elements will be covered. We also discuss the importance of odor hygiene and understanding odor movement. Intro to Odor is pre-requisite for this course.
Next Session starts at 4-Legged Friends:
JUNE 29 at 5:00 PM (FULL - Email To Be Added to Wait List)
Nose Work Classes & Coaching
Certifications
Jessica is approved as a Certifying Official for NACSW NW1, NW2 and L1 & 2 EST trials.
Jessica is an AKC Scent Work judge, liscenced to judge all levels (Novice - Detective) of AKC Scent Work.
Jessica is approved to act as a CO or Judge at all NACSW Odor Recognition Tests (ORTs).
Specializations
K9 Nose Work®, Scent Work
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
