Dog Talk with Julie

Dog Talk with Julie offers a progressive series of K9 Nose Work classes: Introduction to K9 Nose Work (1) covers history, philosophy, handler observation, and getting dogs focused on food/toy searches indoors. Introduction to K9 Nose Work (2) introduces searches in vehicles, exteriors, and closed containers. Introduction to Odor teaches dogs to search for birch and anise odors in all four elements (interiors, exteriors, vehicles, containers). Advanced Nose Work introduces clove odor and prepares dogs for odor recognition tests and competitive trials.

Private Nose Work Classes are also available. Classes are one hour, and students are expected to do 15 minutes of homework twice a week. New classes start when 3-5 students are enrolled.

Pricing Summary

Group classes (Introduction to K9 Nose Work 1 & 2, Introduction to Odor, Advanced Nose Work) are $140 for a six-week session. Private Nose Work Classes are $35 for 45 minutes. Payment is due at the first class for group classes or the day of the lesson for private lessons, accepted by check, cash, credit card, or PayPal.

Policies

Group classes are non-refundable, but services can be rescheduled due to an emergency conflict (e.g., COVID). Students must attend four of six sessions to pass. Make-up sessions may be scheduled at the instructor’s option for emergency conflicts. If a dog becomes ill after payment, a make-up class can be rescheduled.

Proof of current parvovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, and rabies (for dogs over four months) vaccinations is required. Dogs should not show signs of illness, and no female dogs in heat are allowed in classes. Participants must be at least 16 years old, and dogs at least six months old.

Julie Madden is the owner of Dog Talk with Julie, a business specializing in nose work training for dogs. She is a certified nose work instructor through the National Association of Canine Scent Work®. Julie’s journey into nose work began in 2013 with her dog Mocha, who was dog reactive, and she found nose work transformed Mocha’s behavior by providing a job, burning energy, and building trust.

Dog Talk with Julie aims to help owners have fun with their dogs in a safe and fun environment, transforming behavior by providing mental and physical exercise, building confidence and focus, and strengthening the bond between dog and owner. Nose work is described as detection dog training where dogs search for food and novel odors, allowing any dog to participate regardless of breed or prior experience. It is beneficial for shy, scared, high-energy, older, or dog-reactive dogs.

Accomplishments

Julie Madden is a certified nose work instructor through the National Association of Canine Scent Work®. She completed her certification in September 2017 and has been teaching nose work classes since then. Her personal journey with her reactive dog, Mocha, inspired her to become an instructor.

How to Get Started!

Interested individuals should fill out the form on the Contact page or call Julie at 256-371-9456. A Pre-Class Questionnaire and Class Rules and What to Bring document are available for review.