What is Nosework?

Nosework is a K9 sport that was created to be similar to professional detection dogs.  Dogs must find hidden target odors while ignoring distractions such as food or toys and alert their find to the handler.  When the dog successfully finds the target odor they are rewarded with food or a toy, whichever is better for them.  All breeds of dogs are welcome as well as dogs that have disabilities such as being blind or missing a limb.

There are two recognized kennel clubs that host nosework or scent work trials.  There are several other organizations that have developed programs and are hosting trials but only two will be recognized as an official title for your dog.  UKC calls their program Nosework and AKC calls their program Scentwork

United Kennel Club Classes (Full Trial and/or Individual Element Trials) consist of the following:Elements: Pre-Trials,

Containers, Exterior, Interior & Vehicle.  Each element has five levels that increase with difficulty.

Levels & Target Odors : Novice (Birch), Advanced (Anise), Superior (Clove), Master (Myrrh)  & Elite (Vetiver)

They also have Handler Discrimination with three levels, Novice, Advanced, and Excellent

For more information on the UKC Nosework program please click on the link below.

American Kennel Club Classes:

Elements: Containers, Interior, Exterior, Buried & Detective

Levels & Target Odors: Novice (Birch), Advanced (Anise) Excellent (Clove) and Master (Cypress).  The Detective class can have one or all of the odors present.

AKC also has a Handler Discrimination program with the same four levels, Novice, Advanced, Excellent & Master.

For more information on the AKC Scentwork program please click the link below.