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Barn Hunt
Barn Hunt is an exciting scent-based activity where dogs get to sniff, climb, search, and explore in a safe, supportive environment—and come away feeling like total rockstars.
For high-energy dogs, Barn Hunt offers the perfect mix of mental stimulation and physical movement. It gives them a job to do that’s both fun and fulfilling, helping them focus their energy and learn how to stay calm and think, even when they’re buzzing with excitement.
For nervous or cautious dogs, Barn Hunt is a gentle, empowering way to build bravery. There’s no pressure to get it right—just opportunities to explore at their own pace, try new things, and discover that the world isn’t so scary after all. Every successful search is a boost in confidence, and every small win matters.
Best of all? Dogs absolutely love it. Whether they’re charging through straw bales or pausing thoughtfully to sniff out a hidden scent, they’re learning to regulate their emotions, trust their instincts, and feel good in their own skin—all while having a blast.
Barn Hunt for High-Energy Dogs
Two Ways to Channel Energy & Build Self-Control:
Weekly Indoor Group Classes: Structure, Focus & Engagement in a Calm Environment
My weekly classes are designed to teach high-energy dogs how to think before they react – and how to use their brains and their bodies in productive, confidence-boosting ways.- Each dog works individually to reduce over-arousal
- Plenty of rest breaks to practice settling between activities
- Fun, focused scentwork challenges that burn mental energy
- Consistent routines to help dogs predict and prepare for what’s next
- Coaching for caregivers on managing excitement and emotional arousal
Monthly Barn Workshops: Let Loose (Just a Little) in a Real Barn Setting
Once a month, we take things to the next level with a workshop in an actual barn—a new environment with exciting smells, sights, and surfaces. Dogs practice staying regulated and responsive even when things get interesting.
- Navigate real-world distractions in a structured setting
- Work on staying calm before and after high-energy activities
- Channel drive and enthusiasm into controlled search games
- Practice emotional balance in a novel, but supported environment
Perfect for: Dogs ready to test their skills in a slightly more stimulating space without being overwhelmed.
When: One Sunday per month
Where: Nutley Farm, between Poole and Dorchester
Duration: 2 hours
It’s Not About Calming Down. It’s About Tuning In.
Your high-energy dog doesn’t need to be “fixed.” They need the right kind of structure and outlet – a way to learn how to manage themselves in a world full of excitement. With support and repetition, they’ll learn that being focused, and calm is just as rewarding as bouncing off the walls.
Ready to Help Your Dog Find Their Off Switch?
Whether your dog needs steady weekly support or an occasional challenge in a new space, barn hunt is will guide them toward balance, not burnout.
Barn Hunt for Nervous Dogs
Nose Work, Small Wins & Big Bravery for Nervous Dogs
Using the fun and rewarding world of scentwork, we help dogs unlock their natural instincts, build trust in themselves, and take on the world – one straw bale at a time.
These aren’t competition classes – they’re safe, supportive spaces where dogs learn to explore, climb, sniff, and succeed at their own pace.
Choose the Setting That Suits Your Dog:
Weekly Indoor Classes: Confidence in Company
My small-group Barn Hunt classes offer a supportive space for dogs to explore scentwork and obstacles without overwhelm. They are the perfect way to give your dog gentle, structured exposure in a predictable environment. Each session is designed to build on the last, helping your dog gain confidence slowly and steadily, surrounded by a small group of like-minded pups. Benefits of the weekly Barn Hunt classes:- Work around other dogs without direct interaction
- Individual attention within a small group setting
- Gain confidence with gentle background activity
- Build resilience in a fun, controlled setting
- Learn through observation as well as participation
- New challenges each week, always at your dog’s pace
Monthly Barn Workshops
Real-World Adventure in an Authentic Barn Setting
Once a month, I hold Barn Hunt workshops in a real working barn. Dogs can put their skills into practice in a novel, slightly more stimulating environment – at a pace that still feels safe and supported.
- Navigate straw bales, scent tubes, and natural barn elements
- Exposure to new sights, smells, and surfaces in a controlled way
- Opportunities to generalize confidence to new locations
- A “graduation field trip” feel for dogs in weekly classes—but all are welcome!
Perfect for: Dogs ready for a bit more challenge or variety in a calm, structured format.
When: One Sunday per month
Where: Nutley Farm, between Poole and Dorchester
Duration: 2 hours
Why Barn Hunt for Confidence?
For nervous dogs, success in safe, low-pressure environments can completely change how they see the world. Each time your dog solves a scent puzzle, climbs a bale, or chooses to engage instead of shut down, they’re learning that new things aren’t so scary—and that they are capable, brave, and amazing.
- Every session is designed around:
Small, achievable goals - Positive reinforcement only
- Zero pressure, maximum encouragement
- Supportive community for both dogs and humans
Confidence That Goes Beyond the Barn
What your dog learns in class doesn’t stay in class. Dogs begin to walk taller, approach walks and outings with more curiosity, and show more resilience in unfamiliar situations. Because confidence is transferable, and we’re here to help build it—one sniff, step, and success at a time.
Join the Confidence Club
Whether your dog thrives on routine or enjoys the occasional adventure, our Barn Hunt-based confidence program offers the perfect balance of structure and challenge.
Barn Hunt Just for Fun
Whether your pup is a seasoned sniffer or just starting to explore their nose power, my Barn Hunt classes are the perfect outlet for natural canine instincts—minus the pressure of competition. I offer a joyful, confidence-building environment where dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages can experience the thrill of the hunt!
Weekly Indoor Classes
Held in my state-of-the-art indoor ‘barn’ facility, these classes focus on:
- Building foundational skills – hunting, alerting, climbing, tunneling
- Confidence and teamwork between dog and handler
- Progressive challenges that grow with your dog’s ability
- A fun, relaxed atmosphere—no trial stress, just play and learning
Perfect for total beginners or those looking to sharpen their dog’s scenting skills!
When: Wednesday evenings
Where: Pawseidon Canine Rehab Centre
Duration: 1 hour
Monthly Real-Barn Workshops
Ready to level up? Once a month, we head to a real working barn for an authentic barn hunt experience—hay dust and all!
These workshops include:
- Realistic barn-style setups with multiple search challenges
- Skill-building stations for different experience levels
- Group and individual searches
- Time for off-leash decompression in a safe farm setting
When: One Sunday per month
Where: Nutley Farm, between Poole and Dorchester
Duration: 2 hours
It’s all about fun and enrichment, not competition (although you can earn your titles if you’d like to)
Ready to Join the Hunt?
Spots fill fast! Whether you’re looking for a weekly sniff-and-play or a big monthly adventure, I’d love to welcome you and your dog.
