Private Session Student Page

Before Session Start:

  1. Read through this page to understand what materials to prepare, private session structure & rules, as well as building directions and where to park.

  2. Read the Hog Dog Property Rules

Materials Needed

1. Your dog should be on a back-clip type harness or a buckle collar – no choke, slip or prong/pinch or head collars. Electronic collars are not permitted on the grounds.

2. Your dog should be on a flat, lightweight leash of 6-15 feet in length. No chain or retractable leashes.

3. Treats! Bring smelly, delicious, mouthwatering treats for your dog. Examples would include sausage, meatballs, hot dogs, cheese, grilled chicken, salmon etc. Please DO NOT bring kibble or plain dog cookies or treats that crumble. Make sure the treats are cut up to be appropriately sized to your dog, usually no larger than a black bean.

4. Plenty of water and a bowl for your dog in the car.

5. A collapsible/travel crate to set up inside the building for your dog to rest in between searches. Your dog must be able to be crated quietly (see #7 if your dog cannot be crated inside).

6. Yourself, ready to have fun and learn with your dog!

7. A comfortable resting area in your car for your dog. The area is safe if you wish to leave your trunk/windows/doors open (as long as your dog is crated). I will cancel and refund/reschedule your session if temperatures are too hot. Click here for tips on keeping your car cool

Recommended but not Required:

1. A Bait Bag to keep your treats in. I personally like the Voila! Brand.

2. Book by Dana Zinn and Sue Sternberg “The Dog-Driven Search: Handling Our Nose Work Dogs to Promote Independence, Joy, and Enthusiasm”
E-book Paperback

Private Session Structure & Rules

1. In a class setting, dogs work one at a time and rest between searches. As searching is mentally demanding, giving dogs time to recover and process what they’ve just done is important. During these rest periods, we’ll use the time to review what happened in the search, talk through observations, fine tune handling and prepare for the next round.

2. A light at the front door indicates if you can enter the building at the start of class. Green light: enter without your dog. Red light: Wait for green.

3.  At all times, keep dogs a safe distance (a minimum of six feet) from one another, more if possible.  No meet and greets. If you see a dog has a red bandana/ribbon, please give them more space.

4.  Potty your dog before class, and when possible, before each run.  The nature of the work may trigger the desire to eliminate anyway.  If you think that your dog may be getting ready to go, excuse yourself and gently take him outside.  If you are unsuccessful, don't reprimand the dog.  Leave it be and gently take him outside.  Plan to clean up after your dog when you return to the the classroom.

5.  Dogs will work both on and off leash inside the building.

6.  Be patient with your dog.  There's no need for frustration.  Continue to support your dog.  The goal is to keep it fun for both the dog and the handler.

7.  Leave all obedience at the door,  including "No" or "Leave it."  If you need the dog to leave something during a search, just quietly encourage the dog to move away.  Be careful not to leash correct the dog.

8.  Please ask questions, but know that some will be tabled due to time limitations.

9.  At the discretion of the instructor and facility, videotaping or photography of your own dog may be allowed during runs but may not be posted to social media without the permission of your instructor.  There may be some videotaping by your instructor for educational purposes, which will only be used if you have signed a photo/video waiver.

Building Directions

The classroom is a roughly finished space over a garage, so please dress to keep yourself comfortable.

When you turn left at the Hog Dog/See Spot Grin sign, you may notice No Trespassing signs. Please know that these do not apply to you—you have been invited and are attending class.

Aerial view of a private residence surrounded by green fields and trees, with a driveway leading to the house. Various annotations including arrows and colored circles are present, indicating specific areas or paths.

Overhead Map:

Orange arrow: The entrance and exit to Hog Dog

Blue arrow: The dirt road that leads up to the building

Red circle: The See Spot Grin building where classes are held

Yellow squares: Parking areas

Outdoor scene with an agricultural building and a structure covered in moss with a large red arrow pointing to it, trees, and a gravel path with an open metal gate under a gray sky.

The red arrow indicates the building where classes are held. Turn right at the dirt road and go up the hill.

Wooden steps leading to a dirt parking area with multiple parked cars, surrounded by trees with fall foliage.

Parking Directions

A gray house with a door and steps, surrounded by parked cars, bare trees, and an open field. Colored circles and an arrow are drawn on the side of the house.

Parking as seen from the front door of the building

The front door of the building. Green light: enter without your dog. Red light: Wait for green.