Sniffs and Giggles

Sniffs and Giggles K9 Nosework dog trainer I have trained and trialed my 2 dogs to AKC Detective Level, UCK Elite Level, CPE "C" Level, NACSW Elite 1.

Mercedes earned her Elite Champion UKC Title. We do this for fun and competition. I have been a NACSW Certified Nose Work Instructor since 2022. I have been an AKC Scent Work Judge since 2021
I have hundreds of hours of watching teams work and setting level appropriate searches. Mercedes earned her AKC Super Elite title with 10 Q's in every element from Novice to Master including Handler Discrimin

ation and her Detective Title. When you work with me, I have the experience to back up my knowledge with results.

05/31/2026

It's not that complicated

05/29/2026

THE INDICATION PROBLEM

One of the biggest mistakes in scent work, detection, tracking, trailing, and cadaver work is handlers forcing an indication the dog would never naturally offer.

Just because a bark indication looks flashy or “operational” does not mean it suits the dog in front of you.

Searching and indicating are TWO separate skills.

A dog can have:
✔ Fantastic hunt drive
✔ Great odour recognition
✔ Strong source commitment
✔ Brilliant environmental confidence

…and still struggle with the indication.

Why?

Because the dog understands the odour…
but not the behaviour being demanded at source.

When handlers rush this process or force unnatural indications too early, frustration and conflict start leaking into the work.

You often begin seeing:
• False alerts
• Leaving source
• Stress behaviours
• Handler dependency
• Reduced confidence
• Slower searches
• Over-arousal

And many people wrongly assume the problem is the odour work.

Often it is not.

The indication should fit the DOG, not the handler’s ego.

Train the indication separately first.
Build fluency.
Create clarity.
Then pair it with odour work later.

Because the best working dogs are not simply highly driven dogs…

They are clear, confident dogs that understand the game.

Train the dog in front of you, not the picture in your head.

🌐 www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk

05/28/2026

At every seminar I teach, I can spot them within 5 minutes.

Not the breeds. Not the experience level. The training history.

Two types of dogs walk in:

*Type 1: The Waiting Dog*
⁃ Looks at the handler constantly
⁃ Waits to be shown what to do
⁃ Follows the food
⁃ Won't engage with obstacles unless guided

*Type 2: The Thinking Dog*
⁃ Offers behaviors
⁃ Problem-solves independently
⁃ Engages confidently with equipment
⁃ Reads lines and sequences

Same breeds. Same intelligence. Same potential.

The difference? How they were trained from week one.

Waiting Dogs weren't born passive. They were trained to not think for themselves.

Every time you lure, you teach: "I have the answers."
Every time you shape, you teach: "You have the answers."

One creates dependence. One creates independence.

The waiting dog will never read a line confidently. Not because he can't — because nobody ever asked him to.

👉Which type is your dog right now?

05/20/2026

Scent cones > boundary cones.

But how do you tell when it’s too far outside the cones?

05/17/2026

Let's not lie to ourselves now. IYKYK.

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Traverse City, MI
49685

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+12316326090

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