National Association of Canine Scent Work

National Association of Canine Scent Work

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This page is for those interested in the sport activity and/or competition of K9 Nose Work®.

The National Association of Canine Scent Work® (NACSW™) sets the standards governing the sport of K9 Nose Work. NACSW is the only official sanctioning and organizing body for K9 Nose Work titles and competition. The art and practice of K9 Nose Work has now reached dogs of all shapes and sizes and has made basic search dog skills available to companion dogs, creating a new urban sport arena for dog enthusiasts.

09/02/2026

Results for the Cambria, CA, Dunkirk, NY, Easton/Lutherville, MD, and Meeker, CO trials have been posted.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Simplify with Our Webinar! 09/02/2026

Check out what is happening with the NACSW K9 Nose Work Education Division....

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Feeling Overwhelmed? Simplify with Our Webinar! Email from NACSW-K9 Nose Work Ready to Boost Your Nose Work Game? Sign Up for Our Upcoming Webinar!     WEBINARS QUICK LINK For individual webinar information - see below. webinar spotlight.... Feelin

Training Fest North Texas - K9NoseWork.com 08/24/2026

NACSW K9 Nose Work Training Fest Event - NorthTexas
Calling all scent work enthusiasts! 🐾 Join us in Pottsboro, TX for a weekend of K9 Nose Work® Training Fest — North Texas!
📅 Nov 14 & 15, 2026
Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned searcher, this is a weekend of training and fun in the Lone Star State. Spots fill fast, so don't wait —we have had a couple spots open up. DO NOT MISS THIS CHANCE.🌵Auditors welcome too!
👉 k9nosework.com/workshops/training-fest-north-texas

Training Fest North Texas - K9NoseWork.com NACSW® Education Division K9 Nose Work® Training Fest North Texas 2026 Join the founders of K9 Nose Work, Amy Herot and Jill Marie O'Brien, along with two long-

08/24/2026

Results from the Greenfield, MA, North Bend, WA, Johnstown, NY, and Chelsea, MI trials have been posted.

08/01/2026

National Association of Canine Scent Work's K9 Nose Work Education Division is pleased to present:
Air vs. Odor Movement: What Every Handler Needs to Know
with Dr. Lindsay Waldrop, Ph.D.
DATE/TIME: Thursday August 20, 2026 / 10:00 am – 11:30 am Pacific Time
Understanding how odor moves is essential for handlers who want to accurately interpret their dog’s behavior during a search. While air movement plays a role, it is not the same as odor movement—and confusing the two can lead to misreads in the field. This webinar breaks down the fundamentals of odor behavior, including plume formation and odor availability, and explores how air movement influences—but does not define—odor movement. Handlers will also learn practical ways to visualize airflow so you can better predict and understand how odor is actually traveling in your search environment.
https://conta.cc/4pPlBf4 E

NACSW Skills Achievement 2022: Challenge #1, Containers, Level 3 07/30/2026

Do you have a little extra downtime this summer? It's the perfect opportunity to sharpen your nose work skills by tackling the NACSW Skills Challenges!

These challenges aren't just fun—they're designed to build the same skills you'll need in future trials. From improving your dog's independence and problem-solving to strengthening your handling skills, each challenge helps prepare your team for real trial scenarios. As an added bonus, you can even earn NACSW Skills Achievement titles along the way!

Check out these beautiful independent searches from Team Ouija. Independent searching is one of the most valuable skills a nose work dog can develop, and the Skills Challenges are a fantastic way to build that confidence and teamwork.

https://youtu.be/1UGXQysDQx0?si=HyxlX00qXyQA8LK-
https://youtu.be/nUPygHYW5Ao?si=ks6SGsXzsyvm3hVH
https://youtu.be/vTFidy6OON8?si=J0acmAiUNbI-a_1r

NACSW Skills Achievement 2022: Challenge #1, Containers, Level 3 Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/20/2026

Results for the Encinitas, CA, Leadville, CO, Woodbury, MN, and Los Osos, CA trials are posted.

07/16/2026

Did you know about the “Ask for Hide Information” option when you need a little extra support during a search? It was created to support teams when things just aren’t going as planned.

We all have off days — and so do our dogs. Maybe nerves are high, maybe the environment is overwhelming, or maybe the search just isn’t clicking. NACSW recognizes that scent work is a journey, and sometimes teams need a moment of clarity to keep moving forward.

💬 What “Ask for Hide Information” Allows
The “Ask for Hide Information” option gives handlers the ability to request specific help from the judge before or during the search. This can include asking:
- How many hides are in the search, or
- Where the hides are located
This option is designed to give teams a way to turn a challenging moment into a learning opportunity. It’s a supportive tool — not a penalty, not a failure, and certainly not something to feel discouraged about.

⏳ When You Can Use It
Handlers may request this information before the search begins or while the search is in progress. Once the search is over, the option is no longer available.

📝 How It Affects Scoring
Teams who choose to use “Ask for Hide Information” are simply marked as Absent for that search. This keeps scoring fair and consistent while still allowing the team to participate, learn, and finish the day with confidence.

❗ What It Doesn’t Cover
It’s important to note that “Ask for Hide Information” does not apply to questions about normal search parameters such as:
- Time limits
- Number of hides or hide ranges already provided in the briefing
- Search boundaries
Those are standard briefing details and can always be clarified with the judge.

💛 A Tool for Growth, Not Judgment
The “Ask for Hide Information” option is one of the ways NACSW supports learning, resilience, and teamwork. It ensures that even on tough days, teams can walk away with valuable experience.

07/13/2026

Results have been posted for the Livonia, MI, Leadville, CO, and Sparks Glencoe, MD trials.

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