Image Description: A map of Summit’s group class levels, with a red pin labeled “You Are Here” on Sniff Games.
Sniff Games instructor Net follows her dog Noodle on an adventure!
About Sniff Games
Sniffing is a great way for dogs to naturally regulate themselves. This positive behavior helps them settle their emotions, whether they're experiencing excitement, new environments, or simply everyday life. Sniffing provides mental stimulation and serves as a powerful form of enrichment for dogs, allowing them to engage their primary sense to explore and understand their world.
Enrichment & Fun for Dogs of All Ages & Many Abilities!
Since Sniff Games are conducted with one dog at a time, and sniffing focuses on building confidence and independence in our dogs, this activity is particularly suitable for dogs who are shy or sensitive to other dogs, and it can be especially beneficial for dogs who are shy or tentative in new environments.
Dogs will take multiple turns having fun with sniff games away from other dogs in class. Your dog should be able to remain secured in your vehicle in the parking lot when they are waiting for their turns. Ahead of the first class, the instructor will email you with tips on how to keep your dog safe in the car during whatever weather Colorado throws our way. If you have questions about whether your dog meets these foundation requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
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A Class Graduation with Summit - You must complete at least one other class within our program. This could be any other class, including Reactive Dog 101.
Students who have completed Private Lessons with Summit are also eligible for enrollment. Ask your private lesson trainer if Sniff Games is a good class option for you and your dog.
If you haven’t taken any services with us before, students transferring from other programs who have the foundation skills to be successful in this class can obtain instructor approval prior to registration by emailing us at admin@summitdogtraining.com.
Your dog is comfortable being left crated or loose in your vehicle in between their turns. Only one dog plays with their handler at a time, so plan to crate or otherwise secure your dog inside your car when they are not running. If you foresee a problem with this arrangement, please contact us as soon as possible so we can arrange an alternative way to secure your dog.
Your dog is able to work safely in a room with other people. Some environmental supports (barriers, leash management, etc.) can be set up for the success of dogs that are shy or reactive to new people, but your dog must be able to tolerate some degree of proximity to new people in order to participate in nose work classes.
If you believe that you and your dog warrant an exception to these prerequisite policies based on your previous training together, please contact us before enrolling to obtain instructor approval!
Sniff Games Classes with Net @ Summit® Dog Training
Sniff Games for Awesome dogs!
If your dog has ever rolled in an unidentifiable, stinky odor and marched around delighted and proud, you know how important their sense of smell is to them. This 6-week class will introduce you to engaging sniffing games designed to enrich your dog’s mind and build your bond. You'll learn a repertoire of games you can easily set up around your home and neighborhood, bringing the fun to you and your pup! All dogs are welcome, especially those whose world may be a little smaller due to their sensitivities or reactions. Let’s add fun to something they already do—SNIFF FUN!
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In Summit’s classes, the safety and comfort of the dogs is paramount. This class is designed for all dogs and is especially conducive for dogs who may have sensitivities/reactions to other dogs, people, loud noises, etc. and may not have as many options for joining in all of the reindeer games (aka dog classes and sports). For this reason, dogs will play sniff games one at a time during class. In between turns, your dog will hang out in your car (see car safety tips below). We will rotate through turns quickly and they will be out of the car multiple times during class.
When you arrive at class, please leave your dog in the car and come into the classroom. Arrive a little early to set up your car for safety (see tips).
When you go out to your car, please look around for other dogs and wait until the other dogs are safely back in their vehicles before allowing your dog to exit your vehicle.
Please don’t allow your dogs to socialize during class. This also means keeping your dog securely on leash at all times unless instructed to remove their leash during their turn.
During class, we will be observing and learning from everyone else’s dogs. If another dog approaches you, please refrain from interacting with him/her. For people-sensitive dogs, please avoid eye contact with the dog and refrain from making sudden movements/noises. We want all of our doggie friends to feel like they can relax while playing their sniff games.
This class is all about fun and bonding with your dog so everyone is encouraged to cheer on other doggies, keeping individual sound sensitivities in mind.
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To ensure doggie safety, you can use different combinations of these options:
If possible, park in shade
Provide filled water bowl
Hide away items they will eat/chew that you do not want them to touch
Use rechargeable battery operated fans. For example, clamp fans.
Use a crate or xpen and open all windows and back hatch, if applicable
Keep car running with A/C turned on
Use car coverings to reflect heat.