Practical Tools for Nose Work Teams: Applying Mental Management® Techniques to Your Team with Teah A
Why do we sometimes feel like a different handler on trial day than we do in practice? In this hands-on session, we connect Mental Management® concepts directly to Nose Work searches and team performance.
You’ll learn how to apply specific mental tools during searches, how to use pressure as an advantage rather than an obstacle, and how to show up with intention and confidence when it matters most. Leave with practical strategies you can immediately integrate into your training and competition—and a renewed sense of excitement for your next opportunity to test your skills.
High Hides with Chris Mason
Description coming soon
Building Resiliency with Bridget Beardsley
Description coming soon
Visualizing Odor: Applying Scent Theory to Nose Work Hide Placement with Alena Asher
In this practical session, participants will use baby powder to visualize air currents and odor movement in a search space. Based on their observations and their dog’s working style, they’ll place hides and run their dogs through the setup. We’ll explore strategies for reading the environment, understanding odor travel, and using that knowledge to improve start line decisions and search success. This workshop is designed to turn scent theory into actionable training skills.
Navigating Close Proximity Hides and Converging Odor with Silke Wittig
Another exciting workshop will be announced soon.
Announcing Soon
Another exciting workshop will be announced soon.
Introduction to Trialing with Susan Hinson and Raegan Ruiz
Curious about nose work trials but not sure what to expect? This workshop is designed specifically for handlers who are brand new to trialing and want to feel prepared, confident, and supported before stepping into your first event.
You'll learn about:
- The flow of a typical trial day.
- What to expect in the parking lot and how you'll know when it's your turn.
- The NACSW Virtual Walk-Through website.
- The tools and gear that handlers commonly bring to stay comfortable and help their dogs succeed.
- What to expect in a trial search - who will be there, why they're there, how to know how much time you have, what challenges you should expect to see, and what the judge is looking for.
- The roles that make trials possible - from the CO, judges, and volunteer positions, to the folks behind-the-scenes.
- Learning opportunities including sniff n' gos, mock trials, and volunteering.
You and your dog will get to:
- Search a mock Odor Recognition Test (ORT) so you know what to expect if you haven't already passed yours.
- Run NW1-style searches in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
- Receive coaching and feedback throughout the process, helping you connect everything you've learned and build confidence before entering a real trial.