Unleash your Dog’s Inner Detective with Nosework!

What is it: Nosework (also known as scent work depending on venue) is an activity that taps into one of the most primitive canine senses – their sense of smell. This sport provides a number of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. You and your dog learn to work together as as a team; your dog searches for a hidden novel/target odor and communicates its location to you, and you have to tell the judge that the source of the scent has been identified. This can be as competitive, or noncompetitive, as you want it to be. Nosework training is typically positive reinforcement based, and is a wonderful entry to the dog sport world.  More often than not, nosework begins with searching for food hidden around the house, and slowly evolves into more complex searches and substituting the hidden food for target odors – with the reward of the search being the desired food/treat.

Venues and Rules

There are a variety of venues in which you can compete. Some are easier to get involved with than others; Each has its own set of rules and search criteria. Some of the more recognized venues are:

Tools and Training

To get started, you just need yummy treats and an eager dog! As you get more involved in the sport, you will want a collar or harness that your dog recognizes as their nosework gear, as well as a long line so that your dog can get to some of those further hides while remaining on leash.

When it comes to training, you can look for nose/scent work trainers in your area either via Google, word of mouth, or other similar methods, or you search by organization. NACSW has a list of trainers that have been certified via their program, here: https://k9nosework.com/find-an-instructor-or-class/

Benefits for you and your dog: Nosework provides an abundant number of benefits to you and your dog. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Mental Stimulation – Canine nosework provides the perfect mental workout for your dog’s brain. It engages their cognitive abilities, and requires them to concentrate, focus, and analyze the scents around them.

  • Physical Exercise – while it does not require running, jumping, etc. nosework still requires movement and exploration.

  • Stress Reduction – sniffing allows your dog to engage in a calmer activity while remaining “active.”

  • Enhanced Bonding – this sport creates a great working relationship between you and your dog!

  • Confidence Boosting – with every successful search, your dog gains more confidence in themselves, and in working in new environments, and you gain more confidence in your bond. Additionally, your dog learns to work independently from you, which goes a long way in building confidence in your teamwork.

  • Natural Instincts – Nosework engages your dog’s natural sniffing instincts tapping into their most primal abilities.

  • Low Impact - if you are looking for a sport that is easier on joints and mobility, nosework is a great option, especially for senior dogs.

  • Fun! Above all, this activity provides a fun sport that can be done anywhere. Take your scent kit in the car with you and use it when you find yourself bored, or on a long road trip and need a mental break.

Thurisia Dog’s Do It All!

Thurisia’s Involvement: Thurisia has been involved with canine nosework since the kennel's inception. The Alaskan Klee Kai thrives when working closely with their human companions. While some of our AKK simply love searching for food, many others have made some amazing achievements within the sport. The dogs listed have been active participants:

  • Lyra – The First Klee Kai to earn a NW3 in NACSW, one of the sport’s most elite venues. Lyra has competed in NACSW, AKC, UKC, and USCSS nosework

  • Potion – NACSW NW2, and AKC

  • Maera – NACSW, AKC, UKC, USCSS, as well as certified for Gluten Detection Service Dog work

  • Arwen - UKC

  • Everdeen - UKC

  • Halo - UKC

  • Miko - CWAGS

  • Kooper - CWAGS

  • Kenzie – CWAGS, NACSW

  • Katsu - CWAGS

  • Toshi - NACSW NW2