An instructor training in nose work is now being offered in Northern Norway. The training is delivered over five weekend sessions combining theory, practical work and assignments between sessions. The aim is to train several qualified instructors who can contribute to increased activity, expertise and recruitment in the region.
Formal admission requirements
Participants must:
- Be a member of Nosework Norge (NWN)
- Have completed basic instructor training, or have one year of specialist search training/vocational training in search and rescue
- Have attended at least one foundation course or introductory course in nose work with an approved instructor
In special cases, exemptions from the requirements may be granted. This requires approval from NWN's board.
About the training
The instructor training spans five weekend sessions and combines theory, practical training and teaching experience. Participants work with their own dogs throughout the training and work towards individual goals.
Teaching will include:
- History and development of nose work
- The dog's sense of smell and search behaviour
- Scent properties and influence
- Learning and developing search work
- Marker behaviour
- The handler's influence on the search
- Organisation and regulations
- Competition preparation
- Pedagogy and the instructor role
Course content
- 50 hours of teaching spread over five weekends
- Training your own dog with individual goals
- Minimum 10 hours of practical teaching of 2–3 handler-dog teams
- Written practical report
- Home examination
- Practical examination
Active training between sessions is expected. Participants will receive close support throughout the training period, including through digital study groups with video sharing, training assignments and professional discussions.
Session dates
Weekend 1: 26–27 September\
Weekend 2: 24–25 October\
Weekend 3: 21–22 November\
Weekend 4: 16–17 January\
Weekend 5: 13–14 February
Course fee
NOK 13,500
Literature will consist of distributed course materials plus recommended professional literature in nose work, search and rescue, learning theory and clicker training.