Welcome to
Birch & Hound
Step into your dog’s world and discover the joy of K9 Nose Work® at Birch & Hound. Through classes and workshops in Atlanta, Georgia, your dog can put their sniffing superpower to work - building confidence, solving problems, and enjoying mental and physical exercise. Whether you’re exploring a new activity or working toward competition goals, you’ll learn to see the world through your dog’s nose and build a stronger bond along the way.
About
I’m Beth Lassiter, founder of Birch & Hound, and a PNWI (Prospective Nose Work Instructor) through NACSW (National Association of Canine Scent Work). I earned a BS in Mathematics and Mathematics Education from North Carolina State University and briefly taught high school calculus and statistics before returning to NCSU for a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering. After graduating, I spent 15 years in management and technology consulting, followed by the last eight years as an Enterprise Architect. So how did I get here??I've had dogs my entire adult life, and dabbled in dog sports throughout. However, my first Nose Work partner was a Doberman Pinscher named James Bond. He opened the door to seeing the world through my dog’s nose, and I loved the deep bond we developed through the sport. For him, every training session offered a new problem to solve. For me, it offered a chance to learn more about how he experienced the world. Competition wasn’t his favorite, so we spent most of our time simply enjoying the activity together.During the pandemic, I began training online with Michael & Natalie McManus of Ready Sit Go, which dramatically changed my training philosophy and skillset. Despite the end of the pandemic, I continue to train virtually with Michael & Natalie. Virtual training also enabled the inadvertent introduction of Nose Work to my cat, Ben, but unfortunately he has no venue in which to compete.Today, I have the honor of working with Collins, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who loves life, including competitions. He has a NW3 title (NACSW), and is just a few qualifying scores away from his AKC Scent Work Master title. His enthusiasm for sports (well, treats) has forced me to grow as a trainer - titling in AKC Obedience, Rally, CAT, Fast CAT, FETCH, and Tricks. And because he never stops, he is also a Therapy Dog and occasionally moonlights as an animal actor.After more than 10 years in Nose Work, I began teaching in 2026. I love seeing the light bulbs turn on for both dogs and students, and watching the bonds between them grow. It has reignited my passion for teaching - and learning. In fact, continuous learning is at the heart of my approach. I believe that none of us ever have it all figured out, that the world is full of "it depends", and that our job is to remain open.I consider it a tremendous privilege to be able to join you and your dog in your training journey.
Offerings
Birch & Hound offers in-person small group K9 Nose Work® classes and workshops for dogs and handlers, from beginners discovering the activity of searching to experienced teams preparing for sport competition. With supportive, individualized instruction you and your dog will learn how to become partners to each other in the dance of Nose Work.We are currently offering the following classes:
- Intro to K9 Nose Work®
- Intro to Odor
- FoundationsAdditionally, Birch and Hound will be hosting Michael McManus from Ready Sit Go Dog Training for 3 days of Nose Work training: Jan 16-18, 2027. (Keep scrolling to learn more.)Please email for more information about any of our offerings.
Michael McManus
Jan 16-18 2027
Join us for any or all 3 days of learning with Michael McManus from Ready Sit Go Dog Training.Location: Lawrenceville Kennel Club, Lawrenceville, GAJan 16 (1-5pm): Drill, Baby, Drill
Foundation Exercises to improve Nose Work fundamentals
Working Spot: $150, Audit Spot $50Jan 17 (8am-5pm): Game Day
Learn to cope with stress and competition anxiety by turning it into fun and excitement! Each game will focus on different skills or attitudes that you can then apply to everyday searches.
Working Spot: $300, Audit Spot $100Day 3: How to Read Your Dog Like a Book
Learn to read everything your dog is telling you throughout a search.
Working Spot: $150, Audit Spot: $50Private lessons are also available: $100 per hourEmail us to learn more.
