All About Scent Work Podcast

Jason Heng is a longtime member of the Nose Work community, having traveled across the United States to compete with his dogs, who has trained and coached teams as a Certified Nose Work Instructor and has officiated trials both as a NACSW Certifying Official and Judge for many years. In this episode, Jason shares his observations both as a trial official and coach, particularly as it pertains to container searches. He discusses how trials have evolved over the years and ways teams have adjusted in response. Jason also highlights what he will cover in his upcoming webinar, Do You Have a Team Mindset? Webinar. For instance, how it could be more advantageous for teams to lean into their strengths, to do what works for them and their dogs, as opposed to attempting to do "all the things", obsessing about what went wrong or what not to do. Be certain to check out the Do You Have a Team Mindset? Webinar today! Speaker: Jason Heng Dianna L. Santos TRANSCRIPT Click here to read the transcript Scent Work University i

In this episode, we have the distinct privilege of speaking with Melissa McCue-McGrath about how she has used Scent Work training within her behavior modification programs, her participation in the Invasive Species Detection Study 2024 for the Spotted Lantern Fly and her upcoming book, Misadventures of the World's Okayest Dog Trainer. This discussion highlights the power of Scent Work, how it can not only build a dog's confidence, but deepen the relationship between dog and handler and that as an activity it encompasses so much more than competition or trialing. Speakers: Melissa McCue-McGrath Dianna L. Santos TRANSCRIPT Click here to read the transcript. Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today! Interested in o

Pressure exists in all our searches, both when we are training and trialing. The question is, what do we do with this pressure? How do we react to it? Should we avoid a pressure point or lean into it? The answer is not quite as clear as you may think. The approach one team takes may be completely inappropriate for another. Also, what a team does will likely change from search-to-search. The choices made are entirely dependent on your individual dog, yourself, your team and the situation at hand. In this episode, we discuss the challenge of giving blanket advice, how nuance matters and ways we can better assess what the pressure points are for our individual dogs, ourselves and our teams while determining which approach will work best. MENTIONED RESOURCES Scent Work U Community We are thrilled to be launching a new community which will focus solely on Scent Work. Tired of being bombarded by a million other things on social media? Come join fellow Scent Work aficionados, team up with a "sniffing accountability-

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Adam Skandarani about their new monthly membership program, Smelly Dog Club. Leveraging their behavioral background, Adam has designed this coaching program to help those teams who are experiencing nagging issues in their searches, whether when training or at trial. Adam discusses how the root causes may not be as simple as they seem. Is your dog truly goofing off and being distracted in the search or is something else going on? Do you need to lean into training more distractors and proofing exercises, or could there be another culprit at work? Applicable for all dogs, whether they have behavioral challenges or not, this discussion will highlight the importance of looking clearly at what is happening to design an appropriate solution. Speakers: Adam Skandarani Dianna L. Santos RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Let's Chat: Smelly Dog Club Livestream Terrific Teamwork: Searches Built on Trust Webinar Intro to Control Unleashed Webinar Control Unleashed and Scent Wo

In Scent Work, there are two players at work: the dog and the handler. Who is taking a leading role and who is supporting? Who is making the decisions, when, why and how? What are these players communicating and are they listening to one another? The roles within the search exist on a shared spectrum of extremes. On one polar extreme, the dog is doing everything and on the other, the handler is directing the entire time. All of us have our preferences for how we want our searches to look and feel or where we will fall on this spectrum. This is where finding the balance comes into play. Reaching the ideal equilibrium for our specific team is a continual endeavor that will never end. Furthermore, our approach should be fluid and malleable, changing and adjusting depending on the given circumstances. Our dog tackling a search they can competently and confidently knock out of the park may have a starkly different approach or game plan to when they are tasked with something brand new or if they demonstrate they ar

The one skill that torments many Scent Work teams is the handler's ability to correctly read their dog. There is so much on the line! Getting a "No" when training is bad enough but hearing the dreaded “No” at a trial, that is so much worse! It can feel as though the floor is collapsing out from under you. Thus, it makes sense that people clamor for a definitive neon sign from their dog, “HIDE IS HERE, CALL IT!” However, this approach is limiting. We are missing a far more intricate picture our dogs are trying to paint for us when we are only obsessed about the hide location. In this episode, we talk about why taking the time to truly learn what our dogs are communicating throughout the entirety of the search, as well as in day-to-day life, is not only worthwhile but fun to do! Speaker Dianna L. Santos RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Who’s Watching Who? Understand the Dog’s Changes of Behaviors (COBs) Webinar with Khara Schuetzner Language of Nose Work: Reading Your Dog Webinar with Michael and Natalie McManus Displacem

Particularly for those teams interested in competing in Scent Work trials, ensuring they and their dogs are ready is an important part of the process. Can they perform in a novel environment and under pressure? This is where mock trials and Sniff N' Go events come into play. Essential information gathering tools, participating in these events should be part of the process before a team steps to the line on trial day. Join us for this discussion with Lori Timberlake of Do Over Dog Training to learn more about the mock trials and Sniff N’ Gos, why they can be so incredibly helpful, what to look for, how to best use them and why instructors and clubs should work to add more of them to the calendar. Speakers Lori Timberlake and Dianna L. Santos RECOMMENDED RESOURCES How to Run CSW Test Prep Classes & Mock ORT/Trials Webinar NACSW Trial Experience Webinar Series: Part 1 (ORT - NW3) NACSW Trial Experience Webinar Series: Part 2 (Element Specialty Trials) NACSW Trial Experience Webinar Series: Part 3 (Elite, Eli

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with the co-founders of K9 Nose Work® and NACSW™, Amy Herot and Jill Marie O'Brien regarding the Instructor Certification Program. In this episode, Amy and Jill discuss why the Instructor Certification Program was created, what prospective instructors can expected from the program, the benefits afforded dogs, handlers and instructors alike and their plans for the future. Speakers: Amy Herot, Jill Marie O'Brien and Dianna L. Santos RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Learn more about the Instructor Certification Program here. See the FAQs about the Instructor Certification Program. Register for the February 2026 Session here. See the K9 Nose Work Newsletter here and subscribe here. TRANSCRIPT Click here to read the transcript. Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking f

This episode features an exciting conversation with Anita Ambani of The Scholarly Scentz, LLC regarding her "Project Poodle", an ongoing endeavor designed to help her young dog Figment become more confident especially when it concern being around people. Throughout this discussion, Anita highlights how she leverages Figment's love for Nosework, to further build his comfort working inside novel interior spaces with people around. We are so thankful to Anita for sharing her experiences, her emphasis on appreciating the dogs for who they are and the need to be creative to best support them. Our primary goal should always be for our dogs to be as confident as possible without pushing the envelope too far. Striking this delicate balance can be a challenge, but can improve our dog's daily lives and overall performance in training and at trial. Speakers: Dianna L. Santos and Anita Ambani WORK WITH ANITA To learn more about Anita, check out her website The Scholarly Scentz, LLC or her Facebook page here. We have been

When training our dogs, it is far too easy to assume all is well. We get one good rep and immediately assume, "the dog got it, now we can progress!" However, does the dog truly understand what we want them to do? Do WE really know what we want them to do?! Do we have a concept of WHY we are doing something, HOW it is being perceived by the dog and WHAT to do if they are indeed confused? In this episode, we delve into how easy it is for there to be breakdown in understanding between what our expectations are and what the dog perceives they should do. Speaker: Dianna L. Santos TRANSCRIPT Click here to read the transcript. Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today! Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog o

Scent Work is a unique dog sport as handlers are encouraged and expected to reward their dogs upon finding a hide or finishing a search. However, does it matter HOW we reward the dog, especially when using treats? "I gave my dog is a cookie, isn't that enough?" NO! In this episode, we speak with Emma Parsons, the author of The New Click to Calm; Solutions for All Dogs in a Challenging World and Teaching the Reactive Dog Class; Leading the Journey from Reactivity to Reliability about the power of effective treat delivery. Pulling from her vast experience working with sensitive and reactive dogs, as well as training and competing in agility and competition obedience, Emma delves into how being more mindful in our treat delivery can make an enormous difference for our dogs. The principles covered in this podcast episode apply to all interactions we have with our dogs, in daily life, when training or even when playing the sniffing game. Do you have a reactive or sensitive dog and looking for more resources to hel

In this Spotlight Series episode, we have the opportunity to speak with Dr. John Strassner, an Expert AKC Scent Work Judge and former AKC Field Representative. We delve into John's admirable enthusiasm for the sport of Scent Work, his desire to give back, grow and continually learn all while having a fantastic time with his own personal dogs. John's love for Scent Work is contagious and we are thankful for all that he has done, and continues to do, for the sniffing community and promoting the sniffing game overall. Be certain to join us on for the livestream discussion with Dr. John Strassner that will be featured on the Scent Work University Facebook Page and YouTube channel. Facebook Page YouTube Channel Speakers: Dianna L. Santos Dr. John Strassner TRANSCRIPT Click here to read the full transcript. Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for

You are taking a Scent Work class, attending a working or webinar, reading a blog or listening to a podcast and you hear the phrase, "break it down". What does this even mean?! How can go about "breaking it down" when training or practicing Scent Work with your dog? We delve into the meaning behind this phrase, discuss the various factors we can play with when training Scent Work and highlight why identifying the smallest pieces of any given exercise is not only important, but can be both exciting and inspiring as well. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Elevated Hides Webinar with Tony Gravley Inaccessible Hides Webinar with Tony Gravley Let's Make Thresholds Work Webinar with Tony Gravley Zone Training in Nosework Webinar with Michele Ellertson Let's Chat: Demystify NW3 Livestream with Lori Timberlake Let's Chat: AKC Scent Work with Dr. John Strassner Upcoming live virtual events Upcoming live webinars Online Courses eBooks Do you have a topic request? Please contact Dianna directly at dianna@scentworku.com. SPEAKER Dia

Have you ever felt as though you were being smothered by a blanket of doubt when it comes to Scent Work? Are you second guessing every little thing you do, paralyzed with fear of making a mistake? Perhaps you are making excuses not to trial, go to class or even practice or train. As an instructor, do you feel your confidence absolutely shattered, concerned you will be found out to not know anything at all? If this sounds familiar, there is a good likelihood you are suffering from imposter syndrome and you are not alone! In this episode we are privileged to speak with Teah Anders and Silke Wittig, Certified Mental Management Coaches, about this crucial topic, how imposter syndrome manifests within the Scent Work community, tips for handlers, competitors and instructors and so much more. Looking to learn more? Check out these resources: Silke Wittig is offering a live webinar through Scent Work University you definitely want to check out, Nerves Poisoning the Fun Webinar. Additionally, Silke offers virtual cons

There exists a world of opportunities in the days immediately before and after a given trial. What we choose to do with our dogs during these days can have an immense impact on our performance on trial day or how we rebound afterwards. In this episode, we discuss some of the things to consider when deciding what to do before and after trial. This is an enormous topic, so this discussion is more geared toward getting everyone thinking. We have some exciting resources coming up that we think will really help in this regard including these two upcoming live webinars: What to Do: Days Before a Trial Webinar What to Do: Days After a Trial Webinar Additionally, we strongly recommend everyone check out Holly Bushard's Strategic Trialing - Choosing Which Venue and When Webinar, it is superb. TRANSCRIPT Click here to read the full transcript. Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are inte

Consequences are all bad things, right? Not necessarily. When training, consequences are merely results, not inherently good or bad. By embracing the concept of consequences, we can make more informed decisions of what we will train, when and how. We discuss ways we can do just that in this podcast episode. Additionally, Dianna mentions Judith Guthrie and Michele Ellertson, both of whom are excellent instructors and trainers. Be certain to check out their extensive library of offerings through Scent Work University, your dog will thank you: Judith Guthrie's Library Michele Ellertson's Library Looking to catch up on our free livestreams? Find the playlist here. TRANSCRIPT Click here to read the full transcript. Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs

Each of us have certain "hats" we wear pertaining to Scent Work. Dog owner. Handler. Competitor. Instructor. Trial official. Trial host. Volunteer. Each "hat" brings with it unique experiences, viewpoints and biases. We can broaden our experiences, push passed blind spots and deficiencies by attempting to experience as many viewpoints as possible. Own a super fast moving dog? Borrowing a classmate's more methodical dog for a class or two to see what that is like, what skills you are missing and further add tools for your toolbox can be an excellent learning opportunity. Have you only competed at a trial but never volunteered? Seeing behind the curtain can give you a whole other appreciation for what it takes to put on a trial! Perhaps you are an instructor who has been teaching in your area for a while. Schedule a road trip to work with some respected colleagues, being a CLIENT for a bit and then offer some pop-up classes and workshops. This way you can experience working with team outside of your region, fle

Training Scent Work offers us a multitude of choices. What training approach, school of thought or tools will we use? Each of us has our own preferences. However, this sometimes leads us to label the options we discarded, or chose to pass by, as "BAD". In this wide-ranging episode, we dive into why this happens and how it can be an issue. Instead, the argument is made that we should learn as much as possible, recognize the effectiveness of all the various options, when best to use them and ask essential questions such as "why, "when", "what" and "how". Essentially, shift away from an emotional response to being more thoughtful and mindful, objectively and honestly evaluating the needs of our dog, ourselves and our team and then making the best possible informed decision, whatever that may be. SPEAKER Dianna L. Santos TRANSCRIPT Click here to read the full transcript. Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are

Choosing to trial with our dogs requires that we ask some questions. Would trialing be the best thing for us, our dogs and our team, right now, at this point in time? The answers will differ from team-to-team, but the act of the purposefully practicing honest advocacy is something everyone participating in Scent Work should do. This approach allows us to better determine which paths or decisions will work best for ourselves as handlers and our team as a whole. This is a necessary process, regardless how we may describe our dog or ourselves. In this episode, we discuss the importance of honest advocacy, how this includes being honest about who our dogs are, what they need and how this may differ greatly from the realities we will encounter at trial. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Be Brave: Using Scent Work to Build Confidence Webinar Canine Body Behavior and Scent Work for Handlers Webinar Control Unleashed and Scent Work: Crazy Calm Start Lines Webinar Conquering Competition Stress Webinar Influence of Dog's Reactivi

When tackling your searches, are you keeping your dog's perspective in mind? Meaning, how they are perceiving the space or environment? Doing so can be harder than it sounds, since we as people are oftentimes desensitized to the normal happenings of a human world. Yet these may be the very things which make a search exponentially more challenging for our dogs. In this episode, we discuss the importance of viewing our searches from our dog's perspective and ways we can better practice this essential skill. Speaker: Dianna L. Santos TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here. Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today! Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at