07/02/2026
We received this great email and video from CNWI Julie Madden in Anniston, AL, who is using her skills with K9 Nose Work to enrich and better the lives of rescue and shelter dogs in her community.
When I have space in a class, I will include a rescue/foster dog at no charge as long as I can get a volunteer to serve as handler. The experience is great for all of them, and occasionally I get one that is a nose work rock star.
Meet Birdie, a year old mix currently being fostered in Anniston, Alabama. Birdie’s foster mom brought her to my recent Intro to Nose Work (1) and (2) classes. She’s about a year old, 35 lbs., and friendly with people, dogs and cats. She can be shy in new environments and nose work has helped her a lot. She has become amazingly independent and persistent while searching.
Check out the video to see her progress. We think Birdie is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon mix. She was surrendered after being found in a neglected home environment.
Birdie has some separation anxiety, which has improved over time. During her first few classes she would wail non-stop in the crate room, but over time the exposure to other dogs in crates in a safe place has really helped. She often barely barks now while waiting her turn.
It’s something to see this snuggle bug switch to a searching machine while doing nose work. It’s also great for everyone to see that nose work ability can be just as strong in dogs still waiting for forever homes.
Birdie is being fostered in Anniston, Alabama. She's about a year old, 35 lbs., and maybe a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon mix. I teach nose work classes and Bi...
