National Association of Canine Scent Work

08/19/2025

Results have been posted for the Mount Kisco, NY, Colesville, MD, Reedsport, OR, and Huntington Beach, CA trials.

08/11/2025

Did you know that per the NACSW trial premium, competitors are asked not to visit, contact, nor train at a trial site prior to an event?

This guideline is especially important for sites that are not open to the general public or that do not regularly host other events. For example, some trials have been held at private businesses where competitors have shown up at the front desk requesting a tour to assess whether the location is suitable for their dog to search in. You can imagine how frustrating this is for business owners, especially when it disrupts their workday. In some cases, hosts have even lost access to trial sites because of such incidents.

However, for public venues like baseball stadiums that host regular games, we do not expect you to avoid attending a game. If there’s a “dog day at the park,” it’s perfectly fine to bring your dog. The same goes for wineries—if they’re open for business and you’re there to enjoy a glass of wine or a tasting tour, that’s acceptable. But if you show up on a day they’re closed to the public and demand a tour to scout potential search areas, that becomes a problem. It could be considered unsportsmanlike conduct and may jeopardize the host’s ability to use the site in the future.

If you ever have questions about a trial site, the trial host is the appropriate person to contact.
We hope this helps clarify the reasoning behind this policy. It’s not so much about the perception of cheating as it is about protecting the host’s relationship with the site.

08/06/2025

Results are posted for the Anchorage, AK, Bettendorf, IA, Jefferson, WI, Altamont, IL, Red Lodge, MT, Rochester, NY, and Pillager, MN trials.

08/05/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CBBVRyns2/
Use these exclusive links to register:
NACSW
In-Person: https://whova.com/portal/registration/pXdzUlO819titrHgU7BP/oqgl4mlj?source=vc7fbxmc
Virtual: https://whova.com/portal/registration/pXdzUlO819titrHgU7BP/r2u9iwp0?source=ewf6az15

08/04/2025

Last week we showcased small dog Maddie doing the SAC Containers search and here we have the large version!
Thank you to Isobel Goodchild and Pebbles for sharing their video of a terrific search.

2022-Level 1-Containers-Pebbles

08/04/2025

Congratulations to those NACSW Teams who successfully earned a Skills Achievement Challenge title in February 2025!

February 2025 Skills Challenge Titles

NSA1
Mikayla Mirando-Stevens & Baney

NSA2
Sara Tagget & Vivian

NSAM
Beth Nugent & Kai
Lisa Godfrey & Scramble
Sara Tagget & Desi
Sara Tagget & Vivian

07/31/2025

Do You Know the difference between Elite (ELT), Elite Premier (ELT-P) and Elite Select (ELT-S) trial levels?

The sport of K9 Nose Work is constantly evolving and changing with the needs of its members. NACSW has responded and created advanced levels of competitions designed for experienced teams. Each offers a distinct format and purpose. Here is a recap of the various elite level trials and what to expect.

In 2015, the NACSW introduced the Elite Division.
Eligibility: This level is open to all teams who have achieved their NW3-ELT title.
What to expect: A typical trial day at the elite level challenges endurance, strategy, and advanced skills across four search areas. These areas aren't limited to specific elements like interior, exterior, container, or vehicle searches, but can be a varied combination, such as an exterior search that includes vehicles.
Scoring: Points are accumulated towards titles. There are four titles at this level: ELT1, ELT2, ELT3 and ELT-CH. A score of 43 or higher is required to keep your points.

In 2023, the NACSW introduced the Elite Select trials.
Eligibility: This level is open to teams that have achieved one NW3 title or one Level 3 Element Specialty Trial (EST) title, teams that are competing in the ELT Division, and Elite Champions (ELT-CH). This half day trial format will provide more trial opportunities for advanced teams. Senior dogs will have a half day format to showcase their talent, and younger dogs will have more opportunities to hone their skills
What to expect: ELT-S trials are half day trials with 4 search areas. The goal is to test elite level skills in smaller search areas, with shorter times and less challenges stacked in a single search.
Scoring: Teams will accumulate points towards their ELT-S title. 350 points are required to earn the title. Teams can continue to compete to earn multiple ELT-S titles. A score of 50 or higher is required in order to keep your points.

In 2024, the NACSW introduced Elite Premier trials
Eligibility: For teams that have earned their ELT-CH title.
What to Expect: A single full day event, typically with 4 search areas and the same level of challenge as an elite trial.
Scoring: Teams will accumulate points towards their ELT-P title. 400 points are required to earn the title. Top teams will have the opportunity to earn bonus points towards their title. The 1st place team overall will earn 40 bonus points, 2nd place will earn 30 bonus points, 3rd place will earn 20 bonus points, and 4th-10th will each earn 10 bonus points. Teams are required to earn a score of 60 or higher at a single trial day in order to keep their points. Teams can continue to compete to earn multiple ELT-P titles.

You can find the details for all trial levels in the rule book at: https://nacsw.net/trial-information/trial-rule-book

07/28/2025

In our new series we will be sharing recent Skills Achievement Challenge submissions in order to showcase those teams who have earned SAC titles.
Congratulations to JoLaine Jones-Pokorney and Maddie and thank you for sharing your videos showing the Containers and Multiple Hides Skills Challenges from the 2022 Skills Challenge #1.
JoLaine commented when ask if we could share her videos how much Nosework has helped Maddie with her anxiety. She started out being too scared to put her head in a box and look at her now!
Nice work JoLaine and Maddie!

07/22/2025

Congratulations to those NACSW Teams who successfully earned a Skills Achievement Challenge title in January 2025!

January 2025 Skills Challenge Titles

NSA1
Regina Allen & Hunter
Kathleen Nienhouse & OJ
Marion Jones & Henner
Sally Nusslock & Fia
Kathleen Dahmer & Sailor
Ellen Withrow & Charly
Ellen Withrow & Ripley

NSA2
Callie Kiehl & Lucy
Callie Kiehl & Cosmo
Anne Colgan & Moby
Sally Nusslock & Solas
Sara Tagget & Desi
Gwenth Beaven & Gigi
Gwenth Beaven & Frankie
Ellen Withrow & Charly
Ellen Withrow & Ripley
Annette Meredith & Noodle

NSA3
Doris Dyar & Maggie
Tami Sullivan & Clodagh

NSAM
Lori Yearian & Mocha
Mary Oberson & Hobbit
Gwenyth Beaven & Gigi
Gwenyth Beaven & Frankie
Anne Colgan & Moby
Yvonne Winstanley & Tanner
Sally Nusslock & Solas
Marjorie Miltenberger & Steady
Madelyn Davidson & Wesley
Ann Borgstrom & Mane
Deirdre Crofton & Treva
Tami Sullivan & Argus-Pilot
Ellen Withrow & Charly
Ellen Withrow & Ripley

07/22/2025

News from the NACSW K9 Nose Work® Education division...

Email from NACSW-K9 Nose Work Celebrating our growing community—plus resources and events to support your Nose Work journey View as Webpage 📰 Welcome to the K9 Nose Work® Community! This newsletter i

07/21/2025

Results for the Walpole, MA, Fayette, MO, Dunmore, PA, Houlton, WI, and Leadville, CO trials have been posted.

07/14/2025

Results for the Livonia, MI, Brainerd, MN, and Leadville, CO trials are posted.