2026 Class & Workshop Schedule
*** Pre-registration & payment required for all classes.
Goal Focused Handler Nosework Class
This class is designed for dogs that are on target odor. Handlers can decide what they’d like to focus on; teamwork, search challenges, handling, reading their dog, etc. It’s a 5 week class with the first 2 nights in novel locations & 3 nights at Four Paws Rehabilitation.
Thursdays 6:15-7:15 October 8th & 15th. $25./drop-in
Email:thehealthyk9@gmail.com
Fall Fit Dog Workshops
Fit Dog Workshops are a fun, healthy activity for you and your dog. Improve your dog’s health (flexibility, strength, cardio), reduce stress, and encourage the bond with your canine companion.
- October 10th 1-3 at Four Paws Rehabilitation in Mt. Pleasant, MI. – 2 spots left
- October 24th 1-3 at Blue Rock Dog Training in Orange, MA. – FILLED
Workshop includes skills for both Level 1 & 2 Fit Dog .
For More Information: thehealthyk9@gmail.com
Foundations Dog Training Class
The purpose of this class is to communicate and teach a set of foundational behaviors to our dog. Dogs will learn that their handler is the key to politely navigating and exploring their world. Dogs will learn the command “place”, impulse control, recall, sit, down, stay, and the beginnings of loose leash walking. This class is part of the Lifelong Learning offered through Mid-Michigan College.
Monday Class Begins November 16th 5:00-6:00 – 5 weeks in Harrison, MI
Location: Ken Kerswill Theater Lab, 1375 South Clare Ave, Harrison
Tuesday Class Begins November 17th 5:00-6:00 – 5 weeks in Mt. Pleasant, MI
Location: Four Paws Rehabilitation, 1206 N. Fancher, Mt. Pleasant
Canine Good Citizen Dog Training Class
The Canine Good Citizen class is to ensure that our companions (dogs), can be a respected member of our community. The behaviors taught during class are both practical and functional for dogs. Behaviors include welcoming a friendly stranger, sit/down on cue, walking through a crowd, walking with a loose leash and coming when called.
The optional Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluation on the last day consists of a list of 10 skills. Dogs must pass all 10 items listed to earn a CGC title. A CGC title can be earned by purebred and mixed breed dogs. Printable list here.
Monday Class Begins November 16th 6:30-7:30 – 5 weeks in Harrison, MI
Location: Ken Kerswill Theater Lab, 1375 South Clare Ave, Harrison
Tuesday Class Begins November 17th 6:30-7:30 – 5 weeks in Mt. Pleasant, MI
Location: Four Paws Rehabilitation, 1206 N. Fancher, Mt. Pleasant
What to bring to class: 6’ leash (no retractable leashes), high value treats, flat buckle or martingale collar (harnesses need to be evaluated by the instructor)
Optional items: treat pouch, 24” x 18” rug or yoga mat, grooming brush
2027
Introduction to Nosework – Before Odor
This is a foundational class for dogs and handlers to learn the sport of K9 Nosework. The class will focus on building a dog’s natural hunting instincts in a fun and safe environment. It will strengthen the dog’s confidence, independence, and problem solving skills.
Prerequisites: NONE. Canine Nosework is designed to be a low-stress, confidence building activity for dogs of all breeds, ages and experience levels.
6 week Remote Class – Beginning in January 2027
Email: thehealthyk9@gmail.com
Nosework Skills – Introduction to Odor
This class is based on the National Association of Canine Scentwork training methods.. Introduction to Odor is an introductory course for dogs and handlers to learn the sport of K9 Nosework. The class will focus on the basic concepts of searching for odor, how to handle & store odor, how to make a “hide”, how to place appropriate hides and teaching your dog “odor obedience”.
This class will introduce initial odor imprinting, expanding on hunting skills (games), and developing a start line routine. Birch, Anise & Clove odors will be introduced. We’ll cover gear and handling skills as well as introducing searching interior spaces.
Prerequisites: NONE. Introduction to Nosework – Before Odor course sets the foundational work but not required. Canine Nosework is designed to be a low-stress, confidence building activity for dogs of all breeds, ages and experience levels.
5 week Remote Class: TBA
5 week In-person Class: TBA
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Canine Fitness Program (known as Fit Dog)
The Fit Dog program was developed by the American Kennel Club. They are a fun series of courses designed to improve a dog’s overall health, strength, flexibility, and balance through safe, fitness-focused exercises and games.
The classes are taught by certified instructors and use positive reinforcement based methods to teach skills like body awareness, coordination, and mental stimulation. One goal is preventing injury by increasing the dog’s body awareness and enhancing the bond between dog and owner. Exercises range from basic foundation movements in Level 1 to more advanced skills like figure eights and rear paw targets in higher levels. The curriculum used is designed by experts in the canine fitness field. Certified Instructor: Michelle Lehr, Intentional Canine
Prerequisites Include: Dogs must have completed a puppy or basic obedience class. Dogs that are recovering from injuries or that are in pain are not eligible.
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- Fit Dog Level 1: Introduces foundational exercises such as foldback down, tuck sit and front paw targeting.
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- Fit Dog Level 2: Continues to build on Level 1 skills and includes rear paw targets, leg weaves, and pop-ups.
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- Fit Dog Level 3: Focuses on more advanced fitness skills like figure eights, side stepping, elevated nose touch and rear limb stretches.
**All levels count towards the AKC Fit Dog Titles; Bronze, Silver & Gold.
Introduction to Nosework – Before Odor
The nosework classes are based on the National Association of Canine Scentwork training methods.. This is a foundational course for dogs and handlers to learn the sport of K9 Nosework. The class will focus on building a dog’s natural hunting instincts in a fun and safe environment. The primary goals are to strengthen the dog’s confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills, while improving the human-animal bond and developing a partnership.
Handlers will learn to read their dogs unique behaviors to know when they are hunting, sourcing and indicating. This course is designed to set your dog up with skills to jump right into the world of canine scent sports. Instructor: Michelle Lehr, CNWI
Prerequisites: NONE. Canine Nosework is designed to be a low-stress, confidence building activity for dogs of all breeds, ages and experience levels.
Nosework Skills – Introduction to Odor
The nosework classes are based on the National Association of Canine Scentwork training methods.. This is an introductory course for dogs and handlers to learn the sport of K9 Nosework. The class will focus on the basic concepts of searching for odor, how to handle & store odor, how to make a “hide”, how to place appropriate hides and teaching your dog “odor obedience”.
This class will introduce initial odor imprinting, expanding on hunting skills (games), and developing a start line routine. Birch, Anise & Clove odors will be introduced. We’ll cover gear and handling skills as well as introducing searching interior spaces. Instructor: Michelle Lehr, CNWI
Prerequisites: NONE. Introduction to Nosework – Before Odor course is helpful but not required. Canine Nosework is designed to be a low-stress, confidence building activity for dogs of all breeds, ages and experience levels.
Nosework Skills – Search Elements
The nosework classes are based on the National Association of Canine Scentwork training methods. Teams will learn skills to search interiors, exteriors, containers and vehicles. The handlers will learn to navigate the unique challenges that come with each search element. Dogs will have the opportunity to sharpen their hunting skills. Handlers can become more confident with reading their dogs change of behavior, sourcing odor and indications. Handlers continue to learn effective techniques, such as practicing clean behavior chains, that will support their canine partner.
Instructor: Michelle Lehr, CNWI
Prerequisites: Nosework Skills – Introduction to Odor course is suggested. Dogs should be able to search for birch, anise & clove. Canine Nosework is designed to be a low-stress, confidence building activity for dogs of all breeds, ages and experience levels.
Nosework Skills
This class is designed to provide opportunities for the handlers and their dogs to sharpen their skills. Handlers will learn how to support their dog while maintaining the dog’s searching independence, as well as reinforce clean start line practices. Skills may include aging hides, thresholds, corners and tight spaces. Dogs will learn to search in areas without odor, known as blank areas. Skills to navigate hide placement challenges as well as increasing the number of hides in search areas. Lessons will include reinforcing foundational searching skills. At least half the lessons will be in novel locations. It’s always a good time for handlers and their partner to continue to read each other amidst a search area. ANWI Instructor: Michelle Lehr, Intentional Canine
Prerequisites: Nosework Skills – Introduction to Odor course is helpful but not required. However, dogs should be able to search for birch, anise & clove. Canine Nosework is designed to be a low-stress, confidence building activity for dogs of all breeds, ages and experience levels.