About Us
Tamre Huber, CNWI™, KPA-CTP, ABCDT, is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) with a robust dog training and behavior management background.
Her journey began at a large no-kill shelter, where she worked for the well-being of over 200 dogs. In 2012, fueled by a passion for enhancing their lives, Tamre embarked on a quest for better enrichment activities. This quest led her to discover the NACSW shelter dog program, a revolutionary nose work program explicitly designed for shelters. Her experience at the shelter honed her skills, instilling in her a deep compassion and dedication to animal welfare, reassuring her clients of her unwavering commitment to their pets’ well-being.
With the guidance of an experienced instructor, Tamre implemented this innovative program and witnessed its remarkable effectiveness over the following year. The benefits were clear-improved confidence, reduced stress, and enhanced problem-solving skills. Recognizing its potential, Tamre integrated nose work lessons into her puppy classes, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact on the bond between owners and their dogs. This experience inspired Tamre to pursue further education; she earned the distinction of CNWI (Certified Nose Work Instructor) with the NACSW (National Association of Canine Scent Work).
Now, Tamre proudly offers nose work classes at her Three Rivers studio, nestled near Sunriver. Her mission is to foster positive relationships between dogs and their owners, and she is dedicated to spreading the joy and benefits of nose work, enriching the lives of dogs and humans alike.
Tamre is committed to continuously improving her knowledge and expertise in K9 Nose Work® and other scent detection disciplines. She actively participates in various educational opportunities, including seminars, webinars, and hands-on classes. By engaging with expert instructors, staying updated on the latest training techniques, and exploring new approaches to problem-solving in scent detection, Tamre ensures her skills remain sharp and relevant. Her dedication to ongoing education not only enhances her personal growth but also instills confidence in her students and their dogs, knowing they are learning from a professional committed to excellence.
Nose Work: What is it?
Nose work (aka scent work) is an activity that taps into a dog’s exceptional olfactory abilities and has gained significant popularity in recent years. Beyond being a fun and engaging pastime, nose work offers our canine companions various physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Let’s dive into this captivating world of smells and explore the countless advantages scent work brings to our furry friends.
Mental Stimulation
The canine brain is wired for problem-solving, and nose work provides the perfect mental workout. Engaging in scent detection tasks stimulates a dog’s cognitive abilities, requiring them to analyze, concentrate, and make decisions based on the scents they encounter. As they search for specific odors or navigate scent trails, their minds remain active, preventing boredom and potentially destructive behaviors arising from a lack of mental stimulation. This understanding of your dog’s mental needs can empower you as a owner.
Physical Exercise
Nose work may not seem as physically demanding as chasing a ball, but it involves plenty of movement. Dogs participating in nose work classes or games are on the move, using their bodies to sniff, search, and explore the environment. This low-impact physical activity benefits all dogs, including those with mobility issues or health concerns that might limit more rigorous exercises.
Stress Reduction
Sniffing activates the canine parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. Engaging in scent work allows dogs to focus their energy on a calming activity, which can be particularly beneficial for anxious or nervous dogs. In addition, the scents can have a calming effect on canines, making scent work an excellent tool for managing stress and anxiety. This reassurance about your dog’s well-being can bring peace of mind to any dog owner.
Enhanced Bonding
Participating in nose-work classes or games strengthens the bond between a dog and its human partner. Working together to solve scent puzzles fosters trust, cooperation, and communication. Dogs learn to rely on their humans for guidance and support, while owners gain a deeper understanding of their dogs’ body language and behavior, creating a harmonious and rewarding partnership.
Boosted Confidence
Successfully accomplishing scent detection tasks boosts a dog’s self-confidence. Each successful find grows the dog’s sense of achievement, encouraging them to tackle more challenging scent work exercises. The confidence gained through scenting games often extends to other aspects of a dog’s life, making them more resilient in unfamiliar situations.
Channeling Instincts
Dogs are natural hunters and nose work taps into this primal instinct. It provides an appropriate outlet for their hunting behavior in a controlled and positive manner, satisfying their instincts and helping prevent undesirable behaviors that may arise from unexpressed hunting tendencies.
Mental Relaxation
Nose work mentally relaxes dogs, helping them focus and escape from overstimulating environments. Engaging in scent detection tasks in busy or noisy settings allows dogs to concentrate on one specific activity, effectively filtering out distractions and promoting mental tranquility.
Inclusivity
One significant advantage of scent work is its inclusivity. Dogs of all ages, breeds, and physical abilities can participate and excel in this activity. It is particularly beneficial for senior dogs or those recovering from injuries, as they can enjoy a mentally stimulating activity without excessive physical strain. This inclusivity ensures that no dog is left out, regardless of their age, breed, or physical condition.
Problem Behavior Management
Scenting games can help manage problem behaviors such as excessive barking, digging, or hyperactivity. Regularly engaging in scent detection exercises makes dogs less likely to resort to destructive or disruptive behaviors born out of boredom or pent-up energy.
Fun and Enriching Activity
Above all, nose work is gratifying for dogs! Sniffing and exploring the world through scents is integral to their nature. Nose work provides a purposeful and enriching activity that keeps their tails wagging and their heart’s content. To sum it up, this sport offers many benefits for dogs, catering to their innate abilities while enhancing their overall well-being. From mental and physical stimulation to reduced stress levels and improved communication with their human partners, scent work is an artful science that celebrates the wonders of a dog’s nose. So, unleash the super sniffer within your canine companion and embark on an adventure that will leave them tail-waggingly happy!
