Nose Work

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Welcome to our blog! Whether you're raising a new puppy, working through training challenges, or simply looking for ways to enrich your dog's life, you'll find practical tips, expert advice, and training insights to help you every step of the way. From behavior solutions and socialization to enrichment activities and the latest in positive reinforcement training, our articles are designed to help you build a stronger relationship with your canine companion. Grab a cup of coffee, explore our latest posts, and discover new ways to help your dog thrive.

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Arousal vs. Drive in Nose Work

For dogs with naturally high arousal levels, excitement can sometimes create the same challenges we see with stress responses. While the emotion may be positive, the nervous system is still operating in a heightened state, and that can make it difficult for a dog to think clearly and perform effectively. In scent work, this can show up in several different ways. Some high-arousal dogs become busy and chaotic in their searches. They may race around the search area, bounce betw

Victoria Kander

Jul 87 min read

Learning From "No": Why Trial Setbacks Make Better Teams

Every competitor heads to the start line hoping to hear one word: "Yes." A "Yes" means your training came together. It means you earned the title, qualified, or accomplished the goal you set for yourself. But eventually, every competitor hears another word. "No." It can be disappointing. After weeks—or even months—of preparation, a "No" can feel discouraging, especially if you've traveled long distances or invested significant time and effort to compete. However, that little

Victoria Kander

Jun 293 min read

Train Hard to Trial Easy: Why Trial Preparation Matters

When we think about preparing for a nosework trial, it's easy to focus on one thing: finding more hides. While search experience is important, it is only one piece of what truly prepares a team for competition. Trials are demanding—for both the dog and the handler. Ask yourself: Is your dog ready to step to the start line with only a few seconds to acclimate to a completely unfamiliar environment, whether it is exciting, distracting or scary? Can they confidently ignore distr

Victoria Kander

Jun 263 min read

Nose Work Volunteer Roles

Descriptions of Volunteer Roles Below are brief descriptions of each volunteer role for an NW1, or NW2 or NW3. There are slight...

Victoria Kander

Aug 14, 20245 min read

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