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Therapeutic Nose Work
We are pleased to introduce a new enrichment and skill-building offering at The Veterinary Behavior Center: Therapeutic Nose Work. Nose Work is a dog-led activity that encourages problem-solving, independence, and emotional regulation using sniffing and searching. While often this activity is fun enrichment or a competitive sport, at TVBC we are offering this primarily as a therapeutic, behavior-informed service tailored to each dog’s emotional and behavioral needs. ​
This offering is led by Jessica Char, one of our Behavior Therapy Technicians at TVBC. Jessica focuses on working with dogs who experience fear, anxiety, and difficulty navigating everyday environments. Her background includes extensive experience supporting confidence building, decompression, separation-related challenges, and enrichment-based skill development using emotionally safe, dog-led approaches. She brings a thoughtful, individualized lens to nose work, ensuring activities are adapted to each dog’s needs and goals.
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Therapeutic Nose Work can support:
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Confidence building and independence
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Decompression and stress regulation
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Dogs with global fear or anxiety
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Structured interaction in fearful or unfamiliar contexts
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Incorporating novelty in a controlled way
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“Baby readiness” and other life transitions that require indoor enrichment when bandwidth is limited
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Dogs who cannot participate safely or comfortably in typical class settings
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Or just join us for a fun bonding activity and learn more about the sport!
There are no prerequisite skills needed to participate in nose work.
Private Workshops – Available Now!
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This option is designed for pets who benefit from individualized support or want to work on very specific goals. While most people opt to do workshops in person, we’re also open to virtual coaching, which means cats and dogs can both participate.
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Schedule: Flexible scheduling Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Format: Six 30-minute private sessions
Location: In person at TVBC or virtual
Open to: Current and new clients
Pricing: $540.00 for 6 sessions
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Group Classes – Coming Soon!
The benefit of our group classes is that you get to observe other dogs searching and allow for a more affordable option to participate.
Dogs work separately and are kept out of view of one another. Dogs with a history of reactivity or aggression towards humans should start with private sessions.
These classes are perfect for beginners or those who’ve just started nose work. If you already have a foundation of nose work, reach out to learn whether group work or private work are the better options for you.
Schedule: Wednesdays at 5:15 PM
Format: Four 60-minute classes
Location: In person at TVBC
Open to: Current and new clients
Pricing: $265.00 for 4 sessions
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Click the button below to express interest, get signed up, or join the waiting list for the group classes