Putting the Mental Game to Work: Applying Mental Management® Techniques to Performance with Teah And
*Recommended to be paired with Introducing Appropriate Stressors with Bridget Beardsley.
Imagine stepping into a Nose Work trial with control over your thoughts—rather than being at the mercy of doubt, fear, or distraction. Instead of those familiar “what ifs” creeping in before or during a search, you’re able to choose thoughts that support confidence and clarity.
This session focuses on practical Mental Management® techniques you can use before, during, and after each search. Learn how to take ownership of your internal dialogue so you can stay mentally steady, focused, and ready to perform—giving yourself the best possible chance to be the handler your dog needs on trial day.
Introducing Appropriate Stressors with Bridget Beardsley
*Recommended to be paired with Mental Management with Teah Anders
Description coming soon
Short Sniffs with Chris Mason
*Recommended to be paired with Scent Theory with Alena Heyer
Description coming soon
Reading the Wind: Odor Behavior and Hide Strategy in Nose Work with Alena Asher
*Recommended to be paired with Short Sniffs with Chris Mason
Explore how scent theory applies specifically to nose work, with a focus on how odor moves through different environments and how that should inform hide placement. We’ll discuss key environmental and dog-driven factors that impact how odor is perceived, sourced, and worked in the search area. The goal is to help handlers set more intentional, effective training scenarios based on real-world scent behavior.
Close Encounters: Navigating Close Proximity Hides and Converging Odor with Silke Wittig
Close proximity hides can blur odor picture clarity for both dog and handler. They are are rarely just “harder hides”, but create unique odor dynamics that challenge sourcing and commitment. From training setups to trial searches, close proximity hides require thoughtful handling and clear criteria.
This presentation addresses the intricacies of close proximity hides and converging odor, training approaches that build confidence and clarity, and discusses how handlers can support effective problem-solving in these complex odor pictures without over-handling.
Announcing Soon
Another exciting breakout session will be announced soon