Nosey Dogs

27/03/2026

I am incredibly honored to share that I’ve been selected as a recipient of the Landis Memorial Scholarship through the National Association of Canine Scent Work.

This recognition means so much to me—not just personally, but for the dogs I am so passionate about working with. Nosework has the power to give every dog a voice, especially those who need extra time, patience, and confidence-building to truly thrive.

Through my journey with Rooney and earning our Elite Championship, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative this sport can be. This scholarship will allow me to continue growing, learning, and creating opportunities for all dogs—including reactive and sensitive dogs—to shine.

Thank you to NACSW for this incredible honor and for supporting handlers and dogs on their journey. 💙🐾

20/02/2026

About Nosey Dogs LLC
Nosey Dogs LLC offers engaging, confidence-building nosework classes for dogs of all backgrounds and experience levels. Founded and run by Carey Garvey, Nosey Dogs is built on the belief that any dog who can smell deserves a chance to play the game.
Carey has been actively competing in nosework with her dog Rooney since 2020. The team competes at the Master level in AKC, and Rooney has earned the Elite Champion title with NACSW. Carey is currently a Prospective Nose Work Instructor (PNWI) with NACSW and is on track to become a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI). She is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and lives with four rescue dogs, giving her hands-on experience with a wide range of temperaments and needs.
Nosey Dogs welcomes all dogs, including those who may need extra space or support in a group environment. Classes are held in a group setting, but dogs work one at a time, allowing each team to focus and succeed without pressure from other dogs or people. This thoughtful structure supports confident sport dogs as well as reactive, shy, anxious, or easily distracted dogs.
Nosework taps into a dog’s natural hunting instincts, building confidence, independence, and trust between dog and handler. No prior training or competition goals are required—whether you’re looking for enrichment, confidence-building, or competitive foundations, Nosey Dogs LLC welcomes you and your dog.
Come let your dog sniff, search, and succeed—at their own pace.

19/02/2026

Education Division of the National Association of Canine Scent Work
The K9 Nose Work® methodology was designed to bring the activity of scent detection to as many dogs and people as possible, regardless of training history or individual skill sets.

Through instructor training and certification, we are focused on expanding the underlying K9 Nose Work® philosophy envisioned by the founders, which was the genesis of scent detection competition around the world. K9 Nose Work® is designed to be a dog-driven, easily accessible activity and strives to have consistency of application through the certification of instructors.

Mission
To create opportunities for dogs to develop their natural scenting abilities, and to conduct competition design and trial sanctioning, official instructor certification, and education in an ethical, enriching, canine-centered environment.

Vision
We strive to harness dogs’ searching and scenting instinct to build strong human-animal bonds through scent detection activities that encourage mutual respect and illuminate the amazing abilities of our canine companions.

As the premier canine scent work organization, we endeavor to reach as many dog-handler teams as possible through the NACSW℠ Trial Division and the K9 Nose Work® Education and Instructor Certification program.
Philosophy and Guiding Principles
Philosophy
The K9NW℠ philosophy is to embrace the journey and enjoy every moment of learning with your dog.

Dogs perform best and are the most joyful when we allow them to learn on their terms. They are happiest using their natural abilities, especially their amazing olfactory sense.

The human-canine bond deepens when dog handlers expand their understanding of canine communication. This is accomplished by carefully observing dogs as they independently seek odor sources in their environment. These odors can be primary reward scents or target scents the dog has been trained on.

A K9NW dog should enjoy decision-making freedom while searching and be supported by the handler, not controlled. A hallmark of K9NW dogs is joy expressed through scent detection. K9 Nose Work® enables humans to discover and appreciate what dogs can teach us, such as how scent moves depending on environment and conditions.

Guiding Principles of K9NW℠ Education
The K9NW℠ Guiding Principles are intended to help shape the culture of all K9NW℠ classes, workshops, and educational events. They are the parameters that define what K9NW℠ is and how it should be represented.

Safety – Physical and mental health and well-being of all dogs.
Diversity – Acceptance of all dog ages, temperaments, and physical fitness. See Behavior section of this guide for rare exceptions.
Autonomy – Creating an environment of self-discovery and individuality for dogs and humans.
Support – Allowing dogs freedom to use their natural instincts.
Commitment – Adhering to the principles of positive, reward-based training.
Trust – Always believing and relying on the amazing ability of dogs to teach us how to better understand them and their world.
Partnership – Strengthening the human-canine bond through K9NW℠.
Respect – Value every person and dog as an individual with their own strengths and needs.
Photo courtesy of Scott Peterson

13/02/2026