Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What is K9 Nose Work®?
K9 Nose Work® is a scent-detection activity inspired by professional detection dog training.
Dogs learn to search independently, follow odour and communicate when they have located the source. It provides mental enrichment, builds confidence and strengthens the relationship between dog and handler.
Who can participate?
Almost any dog can enjoy Nose Work, including puppies, senior dogs, rescue dogs and dogs who are shy, sensitive or reactive. No previous obedience or dog sport experience is required.
Where should complete beginners start?
New teams should begin with Intro to K9 Nose Work®.
Dogs learn to search independently using food or a favourite toy, while handlers learn how to set up searches and understand their dog’s searching behaviour. Introductory training is available both in person and online. In person classes may have up to a 6 month waitlist.
To join the waitlist please contact us : CONTACT US
We have trained elsewhere. Which class should we choose?
Please contact us with information about your dog’s experience, known odours, competition level and current training goals.
We can recommend the most suitable class, workshop or private lesson.
Training Pathway
What is the usual training pathway?
Most teams begin with:
Intro to K9 Nose Work®
Dogs develop motivation, confidence and independent searching skills.
Intro to Odour
Teams begin searching for Birch and learn to recognise, follow and locate target odour.
Progression Classes – teams on all odours
Teams continue developing their skills through themed classes, workshops and online training.
What courses are currently available?
Our class structure changes regularly so we can offer different skills, search areas and training challenges throughout the year. View our current in-person classes, online courses and upcoming training options here:
View Current Courses
In-Person Training
How are in-person classes structured?
Classes are run in small groups, generally with a maximum of six dog-and-handler teams.
One dog searches at a time while the other dogs rest safely in their vehicles or crates. This allows each team to receive individual coaching and provides space for dogs who may be uncomfortable around others.
Where are classes held?
Classes are currently held throughout the Hills district in Sydney. Castle Hill, Galston, North Rocks and Annangrove.
Online Training
Do you offer online Nose Work training?
Yes. Our online options allow you to train from home while receiving instruction, exercises and ongoing support.
Online training may suit:
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People outside our in-person training area
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Dogs who find group environments difficult
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Handlers who need flexible training
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Existing students wanting additional support
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Teams working on a particular skill or challenge
How does online training work?
Depending on the program, online training may include:
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Live Zoom sessions
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Session recordings
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Training exercises and homework
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Demonstration videos
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Group discussions and questions
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Instructor feedback
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Video review
Full details are provided with each course.
Do I need special equipment?
No specialised equipment is needed to begin. Introductory students will generally need cardboard boxes, high-value rewards, a lead or harness and safe areas in which to search.A phone or camera may be useful for recording training runs.
Does my dog attend the Zoom session?
Zoom sessions are primarily for handler education, theory, discussion and questions.
Practical searches are completed separately at home, allowing you to train when your dog is ready and in a suitable environment.
Do I have to attend live?
Live attendance is encouraged, but recordings may be provided depending on the program.
Please check the individual course information to confirm recording access.
Can complete beginners learn online?
Yes. Online introductory training is designed to guide new teams through the foundations step by step.
Can I combine online and in-person training?
Yes. Many teams use both.
Online training provides additional theory, exercises and feedback, while in-person classes allow dogs to search in new environments.
Before Your First In-Person Class
How old does my dog need to be?
Puppies can begin once they have completed the vaccinations appropriate for attending a group environment. We often offer a Puppy Sniffers class! These are fun confidence building classes that help puppies prepare for the Intro to Odour class down the track.
Senior dogs and dogs with mobility limitations can also participate. Please tell us about any health or mobility concerns so searches can be adjusted where appropriate.
Does my dog need to be vaccinated?
Dogs attending in-person training must have current vaccinations or appropriate titre testing.
Please do not attend if your dog is unwell or may have been exposed to a contagious illness.
What should I bring?
Please bring:
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A flat collar or well-fitted harness
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A non-retractable lead
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Plenty of high-value food
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A favourite toy, if appropriate
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Water and a bowl
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Poo bags
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A safe vehicle or crate setup
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Weather-appropriate equipment
Additional requirements will be included in your class information.
Why does my dog wait in the car or crate?
Only one dog searches at a time.
Resting between runs helps dogs decompress and creates a safer environment for dogs who require additional space.
Your dog must have a safe and weather-appropriate resting setup.
Can family members attend?
Quiet spectators may attend where venue space allows.
Children must be supervised and follow all instructor and venue safety directions.
Reactive, Shy and Sensitive Dogs
Can reactive dogs attend?
Yes, in many cases.
Our one-dog-at-a-time structure supports many dogs who are reactive, shy, sensitive or uncomfortable around other dogs.
Please provide clear information about your dog’s needs before attending. In some situations, a private or online lesson may be the best starting point.
My dog is worried about people. Can they participate?
Often, yes.
Nose Work allows dogs to work independently without needing to interact with unfamiliar people.
Please contact us before booking so we can recommend the most suitable option.
Will my dog interact with other dogs?
No. Dog-to-dog greetings are not part of our classes.
Dogs are given space when entering, leaving, toileting and moving between their vehicle and the search area.
Will an instructor handle my dog?
Handlers generally work their own dogs.
An instructor will not approach or touch your dog without discussing it with you first.
Training Methods
What training methods do you use?
K9 Nose Time uses positive reinforcement and modern scent-detection training principles.
Our training aims to develop:
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Motivated and confident searchers
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Independent problem-solving
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Strong drive to source
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Clear communication
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Skilled and observant handling
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Safe and enjoyable searches
Do you use corrections?
We do not use corrections to teach scent searching.
Dogs should feel confident making decisions, following odour and working independently without fear of being wrong.
Which target odours do you use?
ACSW competition uses Birch, Anise and Clove.
ANKC Scent Work uses Birch, Anise, Clove and Cypress.
Dogs are generally introduced to target odour after developing strong searching foundations.
Weather and Safety
Do classes run in wet or hot weather?
Classes may continue in light rain or move undercover where possible.
Times, locations or activities may be adjusted when conditions are unsafe. Registered students will be contacted about any changes.
What happens in hot weather?
Dog safety is our priority.
Search duration, class times and locations may be adjusted. Dogs must never be left in an unsafe vehicle, and handlers are responsible for suitable ventilation, cooling and water.
What safety procedures are used?
Our procedures include:
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One dog working at a time
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Managed entry and exit routes
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Appropriate spacing between dogs
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Safe vehicle or crate rest
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No dog-to-dog greetings
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Search areas checked for hazards
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Searches adjusted for individual dogs
Competition and Trial Preparation
Do I have to compete?
No. Many people participate purely for enrichment, confidence and enjoyment.
Competition is optional.
What competitions are available?
Australian teams may compete through Australian Canine Scent Work and Dogs Australia member organisations.
Each organisation has its own rules and progression pathway.
What is an ORT?
An ORT is an Odour Recognition Test used within the ACSW competition pathway.
A Birch ORT is required before entering an ACSW NW1 trial. Additional odour requirements apply at higher levels.
An ORT is not required to begin ANKC Scent Work competition.
How long will it take before we are ready to compete?
There is no fixed timeline.
Readiness depends on your dog’s confidence, odour understanding, ability to search in unfamiliar environments and your handling skills.
Your instructor can help you assess your team’s readiness.
Do you offer trial preparation?
Yes. Trial preparation may include:
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Skills classes
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Element workshops
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Blind searches
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Mock trials
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Fun runs
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ORT preparation
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Advanced handling sessions
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Elite-level training
Private Lessons and Other Activities
Do you offer private lessons?
Private in-person and online lessons may be available, subject to instructor and venue availability.
They can assist with specific training challenges, competition preparation, video review or individual handling feedback.
Can I train more than one dog?
Yes. Each dog requires their own training position and will work separately.
Do you offer Mantrailing?
K9 Nose Time periodically hosts positive reinforcement-based Mantrailing workshops.
Mantrailing is separate from Nose Work and teaches dogs to follow an individual person’s scent trail.
Do you run special events?
Throughout the year, we may offer fun searches, Scent Detectives events, mock trials, workshops, training days, ORTs and scent work trials.
Upcoming activities are advertised through our website and social media pages.
Communication
How will I receive class information?
Class details, venue information, reminders and changes are generally sent by email.
Urgent weather or venue updates may also be sent by SMS.
Please check your spam or junk folder if you are expecting information.