Vicki Francks has been professionally trained in K9 Nose Work instruction by NACSW founders Ron Gaunt, Amy Herot & Jill Marie O’Brien. She competes with her own dogs in K9 Nose Work as well as in other dog sports. She is a member of the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW), as well as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She competes & volunteers in NACSW sanctioned K9 Nose Work trials. Vicki works full time as a Speech-Language Pathologist, working in Home Health.
Growing up in Stamford Connecticut, Vicki frequently found herself followed home by stray dogs She has owned & loved dogs since toddler years. In fact, her first words were not “Da-da” or “Momma” as with most babies, but “Laa, laa” as she chased Laddie the neighbor dog down the street.
Prior to earning her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and her CNWI certification, Vicki worked for several well-known Hunter/Jumper show stables on the east coast before striking out on her own. She operated her own show stable, training show horses & teaching students from children to adult for the Hunter/Jumper show circuit. Her students consistently placed in year-end award placings.
Training Philosophy
The primary goal of class is to have fun. Game playing and hunting is first and foremost, this is a class where dogs get to be dogs.
Services
Vicki Francks offers a variety of K9 Nose Work classes, ranging from Intro to Nose Work to advanced levels. Classes run for 6 weeks with an average of 3-4 teams per novice class and a maximum of 6 for advanced. All ages and physical limitations of canines and humans are welcome.
Vicki also offers virtual Intro to Nose Work classes and private lessons.
Certifications
- CNWI (Certified Nose Work Instructor)
Specializations
- K9 Nose Work
Training Methods
Vicki Francks uses positive reinforcement methods to train dogs. She focuses on encouraging and developing a dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt and their love of toys, food, and exercise.
