Welcome!

If you’re new to K9 Nose Work® or just new to K9 Nose Time, this FAQ is for you. We’ve grouped the most common questions into easy sections so you can get sniffing fast.

Getting Started

What is K9 Nose Work®?
K9 Nose Work® is a scent-detection sport that lets pet dogs learn to search for specific target odours and communicate their finds to their handler. It’s low-impact, confidence-building, and suitable for most dogs and people.

Who are classes for?
Anyone with a dog! We welcome pet dogs, rescue dogs, senior dogs, sports dogs, and dogs who need a calm outlet. No prior obedience or sport experience is required.

I’m brand new. Which class should I choose?
Start with Intro to K9 Nose Work® (Primary) unless you’ve already trained on sport odours. This class builds search drive, confidence, and teamwork using food or a toy as the primary reward.

What comes after the Intro class?
Most teams move to Intro to Odour (Birch, then Anise & CLove), then on to skill-building classes and trial-prep. 

Before Your First Class

How old does my dog need to be?
Puppies can start as soon as they’ve completed their initial vaccinations and your vet is happy for them to attend. We recommend that pupp stay searching in primary classes until they are at least 6 months old. Seniors and dogs returning from injury also do well in Nose Work. 

Vaccinations and health?
Current vaccinations or a titre test are required. Please let us know about any medical or mobility issues so we can set appropriate searches.

What do I bring?

• A flat collar or well-fitted harness and a non-retractable lead (1.8–2m is ideal)

• High-value food (soft) and/or a favourite toy

• Crate or secure car set-up (dogs rest between runs)

• Water and a bowl

• Poo bags

• Weather-appropriate gear for you and your dog

Can I bring family members or a support person?
Yes! Quiet spectators are welcome if space allows. Children must be supervised at all times.

On the Day

Where are classes held?
We primarily run in the Sydney Hills region (e.g., Castle Hill, North Rocks, Galston). Exact locations are provided in your confirmation email.

Parking & arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes early to toilet your dog and settle them in your car/crate. Keep dogs comfortably spaced when moving to and from the search area.

How are classes structured?
Small groups with individual runs. One dog works at a time while the others rest. You’ll get tailored setup and coaching.

What if my dog barks or is excited?
Totally normal! We help channel arousal into focused searching and can give you strategies to manage transitions and waiting.

Dogs With Big Feelings (Reactive / Selective)

My dog is human- or dog-reactive. Can we attend?
Yes—within reason. Our class format (one dog working at a time) is designed to respect and accommodate reactive dogs. Share your dog’s needs on registration so we can plan spacing, parking, visual barriers, and entry/exit routes.

Will my dog meet other dogs?
No nose-to-nose contact. We use distance and management to keep everyone comfortable and safe.

Training Approach

Do you use corrections?
For K9 Nose Work/Scent Work we train with positive reinforcement and modern scent-dog principles. The goal is a confident, independent, drive-to-source searcher and a skilled, observant handler.

What odours do you use?
Sport odours are Birch, Anise, Clove (for ACSW) and Birch, Anise, Clove and Cypress (for ANKC). We introduce odour after strong primary motivation and search mechanics are established.

What will we learn?

• How odour moves, promblem solving and working to source

• Reading your dog’s body language

• Search strategies for Containers, Interiors, Exteriors, and Vehicles

• Trial rules, handling skills, and teamwork

Weather & Safety

Do classes run in wet or hot weather?
We adjust locations, times, or cancel if conditions aren’t suitable. Heat safety is paramount—cars must be well-ventilated and dogs monitored. Any weather-related changes will be emailed/SMS’d to you.

What are your safety standards?

• One dog works at a time

• Clear entry/exit protocols

• Crating or safe car-rest between turns

• No dog-to-dog interactions

• Surfaces and setups checked for hazards

Registration, Payment & Policies

How do I register?
Choose your class on our Courses page and complete the online registration. You’ll receive a confirmation email with location details and what to bring.

Payment
Payment is due at registration to secure your spot. Spaces are limited.

Waitlists
If a class is full, join the waitlist. We’ll contact you if a place opens or when we add a new class time.

Cancellations & refunds
We understand life happens. Please check our current Terms & Conditions on the website for timelines and options for credits or transfers.

Make-up classes
We can’t guarantee make-up sessions due to small class sizes and venue scheduling, but we’ll share homework and guidance if you miss a week.

Photography & video
We may take photos or short videos for coaching and promotion. Let us know if you prefer not to be photographed. You are also welcome to video all of your own class runs. Any videos posted on social media must have the instructors voice removed. 

Pathway to Trialing (ACSW /ANKC)

Do I need an ORT?
To start competing in ACSW, teams first complete a Birch ORT (Odour Recognition Test). We’ll help you decide when you’re ready and what to expect. To compete with ANKC, you do not need and ORT and can just register with DOGS Australia.

How long until we can trial?
It depends on the team. Many teams are ready to attempt Birch after they’ve built strong search fundamentals and odour understanding—often following Intro to Odour and some continuing classes.

Do you offer trial-prep?
Yes—skills classes, element workshops, and mock trials. We also cover handling, reading your dog, and trial-day strategies.

Special Topics

Multiple dogs—can I train more than one?
Yes. Each dog needs its own registration and will work separately.

Can you help with specific challenges?
Absolutely—barrier problems, elevated hides, pooling odour, thresholds, distractors, source commitment, vehicles, and more. Let us know your goals.

Private lessons or consults?
Available on request and subject to instructor availability.

Do you run Mantrailing?
We periodically host Mantrailing workshops taught with positive reinforcement. It’s a separate sport from Nose Work—great for dogs who love working with their nose while following a human scent trail.

Communication

How will you contact me?
We’ll email class details, updates, and any weather-related changes. Please check your spam/junk folder and add us to your safe senders.

Who do I contact with questions?
Use the contact form on our website or reply to your confirmation email. We’re happy to help you choose the right class or plan your training pathway.

Quick Tips for Success

• Bring amazing rewards (this is nose work—make it worth it!).

• Keep your dog comfortable in the car or crate between runs.

• Watch other teams—there’s a lot to learn from observation.

• Practice short, fun searches at home (we’ll give you homework!).

• Celebrate the small wins—confidence builds with every sniff.

Ready to Start?

Explore current classes and register online at k9nosetime.com.au. We can’t wait to see you and your dog discover the joy of searching!