Some people call it nose work; others call it scentwork, which is correct?

The National Association of Canine Scentwork (NACSW) developed the term “K9 Nosework”  (trademarked by NACSW) along with the beginning of the sport’s foundations, in 2006.  As the sport has grown, other organizations, including AKC, began to offer events and activities in the sport, and the term “scentwork” is also now commonly used to describe similar activities, classes, and events. I tend to use the two terms interchangeably.

How do I know if my dog will like nose work?

Dogs love the activity of searching and being rewarded. At first, they are searching for food, and it is self-rewarding! Many pet dogs appear to be bored – and nose work gives them games to engage their brains, puzzles to solve, and the chance to be with you, while you are focused on them (and not on your phone or computer)!

You are never under any obligation or pressure to take it to the level of competition, although many enjoy that aspect. I have advanced students who do not trial but just love to see their dogs enjoying interesting scentwork searches.

My dog has a disability; can she do nose work?

I have students whose dogs are deaf, as well as students with tripod dogs! If we can ensure your dog can search safely and comfortably, we can try nose work with her!

What supplies should I get prior to the first nose work class?

Bring a hungry, rested dog and a variety of treats, of different value, cut into small pieces – that is all you need at first!

All other gear can gradually be acquired as needed, and your instructor will help you locate sources for it.

As dog sports go, scentwork has minimal expenditures.

My dog is reactive; can he still take class?

My policy is as follows-

With scentwork, we require lots of space entering and exiting the classroom, and dogs do not participate together in class, but singly, with their handler. Even so, all scentwork class handlers must be able to control their dog by leash when entering and exiting the classroom area or search area, and while walking their dog to eliminate or to return to the car, even if the dog sees other dogs. This is true for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.

If your dog will be aggressively reactive to me, as the instructor, or reactive to other students (humans) sitting quietly watching, private lessons will be necessary.

We have done obedience classes, that will help with nose work, right?

Yes, it’s great you have done some work with your dog in a class on manners and behavior!

But, on the other hand . . . scentwork is quite different, it is dog driven. Between the two of you, the dog is the expert in this activity, not the human. You will be fostering your dog’s ability to search confidently and independently of you. Your job is to read your dog’s behavior as he or she is searching. This can represent a very big change from your usual dynamic with your dog (think of how much we control and command in our dogs’ lives). It can be adjustment for both the human and the dog – but ultimately, this will strengthen your connection with your dog!