By Haylee Dianne
Valleyview Sniff Club, also known as Sniffing Noses Finding Fun, was informally started about four years ago by a few people in Valleyview who wanted to work with their dogs in a way that was positive for them and enriching for their dogs while being inclusive, affordable and providing a safe, friendly community.
Club members believe every positive interaction with a dog, every positive new experience, and every challenge met and problem solved as a team builds communication, confidence and respect between the dog and its owner.
The club welcomes people of all experience levels and aims to meet every dog and handler team where they are, helping them move forward toward a positive, mutually rewarding relationship.
Since it began, Valleyview Sniff Club has offered scent detection, puppy, obedience, tricks, dancing with your dog and rally obedience classes. Teams are encouraged to meet personal challenges and try new activities at a manageable pace while building confidence in both the handler and the dog.
Primary instructor Darlene Levesque has always loved dogs and wants to make the world a better place for them. She has extensive training and experience in scent work and dog behaviour and volunteers as a K9 search and recovery handler.
Other founding members include Josie McKay, a teacher and dog trainer, and Darlene Coriveau, who has raised, shown, trained and competed with dogs for decades. Together, the three have more than 120 years of dog training experience to share. All of the founding members help new members learn and grow.
The club says scent work is suitable for all dogs. It helps build confidence, obedience and communication while engaging the dog’s brain. It is also an activity owners can continue at home, especially during cold weather or when snow is too deep.
Scent work can include working with essential oils and lost items such as wallets, keys, sunglasses or other items. The club also uses gerbils and antlers.
From Aug. 21 to 23, GP Working K9’s, with the help of Valleyview Sniff Club, will host Valleyview’s third annual North American Sport Dog Association (NASDA) canine scent trials at the Valleyview Agplex and fairgrounds.
The event will bring competitors from Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
Classes offered during the trial include Shed, Urban Locate, Trail and Locate, Brace, Lost Item Recovery and challenge games. Dogs search for antlers, gerbils and personal items such as gloves, wallets and watches. The quarry animals are safely contained in quarry boxes.
According to the club, Alberta is the only place where NASDA events use gerbils instead of rats.
NASDA is an inclusive organization where dogs of all breeds, sizes and abilities can compete.
The public is welcome to attend the event. However, dogs that are not registered in the trial will not be allowed on the grounds.
The club also offers puppy classes for vaccinated puppies under 20 weeks of age. The classes are designed to teach manners, build confidence and strengthen communication between dogs and their owners. Obedience classes build on those skills by teaching basic commands. The club says all classes are designed to be enjoyable for both dogs and their owners while introducing new experiences, equipment and challenges.
For more information about Valleyview Sniff Club or upcoming classes, text Josie McKay at 780-524-8517.