National Association of Canine Scent Work

07/30/2026

Do you have a little extra downtime this summer? It's the perfect opportunity to sharpen your nose work skills by tackling the NACSW Skills Challenges!

These challenges aren't just fun—they're designed to build the same skills you'll need in future trials. From improving your dog's independence and problem-solving to strengthening your handling skills, each challenge helps prepare your team for real trial scenarios. As an added bonus, you can even earn NACSW Skills Achievement titles along the way!

Check out these beautiful independent searches from Team Ouija. Independent searching is one of the most valuable skills a nose work dog can develop, and the Skills Challenges are a fantastic way to build that confidence and teamwork.

https://youtu.be/1UGXQysDQx0?si=HyxlX00qXyQA8LK-
https://youtu.be/nUPygHYW5Ao?si=ks6SGsXzsyvm3hVH
https://youtu.be/vTFidy6OON8?si=J0acmAiUNbI-a_1r

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/25/2026

Don’t forget to use the NACSW 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

In person or virtual. Register today.

07/20/2026

Results for the Encinitas, CA, Leadville, CO, Woodbury, MN, and Los Osos, CA trials are posted.

07/16/2026

Did you know about the “Ask for Hide Information” option when you need a little extra support during a search? It was created to support teams when things just aren’t going as planned.

We all have off days — and so do our dogs. Maybe nerves are high, maybe the environment is overwhelming, or maybe the search just isn’t clicking. NACSW recognizes that scent work is a journey, and sometimes teams need a moment of clarity to keep moving forward.

💬 What “Ask for Hide Information” Allows
The “Ask for Hide Information” option gives handlers the ability to request specific help from the judge before or during the search. This can include asking:
- How many hides are in the search, or
- Where the hides are located
This option is designed to give teams a way to turn a challenging moment into a learning opportunity. It’s a supportive tool — not a penalty, not a failure, and certainly not something to feel discouraged about.

⏳ When You Can Use It
Handlers may request this information before the search begins or while the search is in progress. Once the search is over, the option is no longer available.

📝 How It Affects Scoring
Teams who choose to use “Ask for Hide Information” are simply marked as Absent for that search. This keeps scoring fair and consistent while still allowing the team to participate, learn, and finish the day with confidence.

❗ What It Doesn’t Cover
It’s important to note that “Ask for Hide Information” does not apply to questions about normal search parameters such as:
- Time limits
- Number of hides or hide ranges already provided in the briefing
- Search boundaries
Those are standard briefing details and can always be clarified with the judge.

💛 A Tool for Growth, Not Judgment
The “Ask for Hide Information” option is one of the ways NACSW supports learning, resilience, and teamwork. It ensures that even on tough days, teams can walk away with valuable experience.

07/13/2026

Results have been posted for the Livonia, MI, Leadville, CO, and Sparks Glencoe, MD trials.

07/04/2026

07.07.2026 THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED!

We're Searching — and This One's for the Dog People: Website & IT Specialist (freelance, remote)

Are you a tech-savvy problem-solver who loves dogs as much as we do?

We're the home of K9 Nose Work® and NACSW, the sport that celebrates the incredible power of a dog's nose — and we're growing!

We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable freelance contractor for website content management, information services, and IT administration. We need someone who's excited to support our community of passionate handlers and educators by keeping our website sharp, our information flowing, and our operations running smoothly.

This is a remote contract position well-suited to someone who is self-motivated, communicates clearly, and takes pride in accurate, polished digital work. Hours range from 5-10 per month.

IT Requirements
• Proficiency navigating the WordPress backend
• Comfortable with WordPress website building tools, including WPBakery Page Builder
• Ability to resize and crop digital photos for web use
• Comfortable editing and formatting rich text in Word and WordPress
General Requirements
• Strong attention to detail, particularly for website editing and content accuracy
• Timely and clear written communication via email
Responsibilities
• Update and maintain content on the NACSW K9 Nose Work Education Division website
• Perform routine IT support and administrative tasks as needed
• Manage and format digital assets including photos and rich text content
• Coordinate with division staff to ensure information is current and accurate

Ready to join the pack? Send your resume and a brief intro to: [email protected]

07/02/2026

🐾 20 Years of K9 Nose Work® — and the searching continues! 🐾
The NACSW® Education Division just dropped a packed lineup. Don't miss out:
🎓 Instructor Certification Program — Registration is OPEN, but this is the LAST scheduled course of 2026 and only a couple of spots remain. If becoming a CNWI is on your radar, now's the time.
💻 Upcoming Webinars:
7/7 – Confident Communication: Public Speaking Skills for Nose Work Instructors (Heather Sumlin)
8/20 – Air vs. Odor Movement: What Every Handler Needs to Know (Lindsay Waldrop, PhD)
9/12 – Short Sniffs: Quick, Easy Searches for Your Busy Life (Chris Mason, CNWI)
10/28 – Implementing Double Blind Exercises for Your Detection Dog (Fred Helfers, CNWI)
🌟 CANIS Conference 2026 (Oct 7–10) — Catch NACSW co-founders Jill Marie O'Brien & Amy Herot plus a stacked roster of CNWI speakers on the Affiliate Dog Sport Stage.
👉 Full details, webinar registration & instructor info: k9nosework.com

https://conta.cc/44C3lMn

Email from NACSW-K9 Nose Work 20 years of K9 Nose Work...and the searching continues.     WEBINARS QUICK LINK For individual webinar information - see below.   Instructor Certification Program ***Regi

07/01/2026

Join us for an engaging webinar focused on enhancing public speaking skills specifically for K9 Nose Work instructors or anyone that has to communicate effectively. This session will provide valuable insights on how to communicate with confidence and clarity, fostering stronger connections with your students. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your teaching effectiveness. Register now!
Registration: https://conta.cc/3SY3w21

A message from Heather
https://conta.cc/3QQvDj6

06/30/2026

Looking for ways to have some sniffing fun indoors while beating the heat?

Why not tackle one of the NACSW Skills Challenges? They're a great way to build your dog's skills, keep training interesting, and give you both a fun goal to work toward.

Here's Myles showing off one of the 2022 Skills Challenges—the Multiple Hide Search!

Have you tried a Skills Challenge yet? We'd love to hear which one is your favorite!

06/29/2026

Results for the Somers, CT, Salem, OR, Lockport, IL, New Wilmington, PA, Burlington, WI, Inver Grove Heights, MN, De Pere, WI, Deming, WA, Loveland, CO, Red Lodge, MT, and Delran, NJ trials have been posted.