Help Shelter Dogs by Enrolling in APS-FH K9 Nose Work Classes

Posted May 27, 2025 –  The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor (APS-FH) is launching  K9 Nose Work training at its new APS-FH Education Center, benefiting both shelter dogs and the community.

“An operating education center available for the community was always part of the New Home New Hope shelter campaign. It’s so rewarding to see this dream come to fruition.” Carolyn Haugen, past President of the APS-FH Board

By enrolling your dog in an APS-FH Nose Work class, you’re not only giving them valuable mental enrichment and confidence-building training—you’re also helping shelter dogs. Your class fees directly support this vital program, by allowing APS-FH to continue using Nose Work with its shelter dogs to reduce stress, enhance adoptability, and ensure more dogs find and stay in loving homes.

This initiative is led by Lisa Holt, a renowned canine detection expert with a groundbreaking background in training dogs to detect Parkinson’s Disease. Holt has generously donated her time to train APS-FH staff member Brittney DuCote, who is working toward becoming a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI). Holt and her K9 Detection Club volunteers are also assisting with shelter dog training and have donated funding to equip the Education Center.

“Nose Work is a powerful tool for building confidence, reducing stress, and increasing adoption success,” said Cristin Felso, APS-FH Executive Director. “We started a K9 Nose Work program in our shelter and within four weeks, three of our dogs that had been kenneled for longer than six months were adopted. We credit K9 Nose Work with helping these dogs fit into and stay in forever homes. Thank you, K9 Nose Work and volunteers that help us offer this weekly activity to shelter dogs. We’re incredibly grateful to Lisa and her Team for bringing this opportunity to APS-FH and for making it sustainable for the future.”

Building a Sustainable Training Program

Through Holt’s support and additional funding from PADs for Parkinson’s and the K9 Detection Club, APS-FH is developing a self-sustaining dog training program. This includes, Nose Work, Intro to Odor, Loose Leash Walking, Island Sheep Ball, Good Manners, Puppy Einstein and other future training classes, with proceeds reinvested into shelter programs – such as K9 Nose Work for shelter dogs.

APS-FH is also participating in a groundbreaking research initiative studying the benefits of Nose Work for shelter dogs. Early research suggests that Nose Work training reduces stress, elevates optimism, improves behavior, and increases adoption rates, helping shelters nationwide develop best practices.

Join the Movement

Community members interested in enrolling in Nose Work classes or supporting the APS-FH Education Center can learn more by visiting our website at www.apsfh.com and clicking on the “Classes” tab. 

The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor (APS-FH), established in 1982, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) (ID# 91-1717047) organization dedicated to animal welfare. Our primary purpose is to provide essential programs and services that protect and improve the lives of companion pets. To learn more visit www.apsfh.com