Discover the new search and scenting dog sport. Dogs love it. 

Inspired by working Detection (Sniffer) dogs, nosework harnesses a dog’s natural instinct to use his nose to find hidden scents. Dogs learn to recognise, discriminate, and search for a specific target odour. Dogs then build love for the search, hunting drive, and search skills. 

The search becomes a fun ‘game’ for both the dog and the human. The activity increases ‘feel-good’ hormones in your dog’s brain, making your dog happy and more relaxed. Nosework involves problem solving and burns mental and physical energy, providing a safe way to keep dogs fit and healthy at any age or disabilities. It helps dogs gain confidence and independence, and it strengthens the bond between you and your dog. 

Suitable for virtually all dogs, even for socially challenged, shy / fearful, ageing, or disabled dogs. You can search almost anywhere without the need for equipment. No prior training or dog sport experience required.

Play it as a fun enrichment activity or even compete in trials. The sport is huge overseas and is rapidly growing in New Zealand. Nosework trials are now being held around the country through the Scent Sport Association New Zealand (SSANZ) and DogsNZ.

Upcoming courses

Introduction to Nosework - Odour

4 weeks. Dogs learn to recognise, discriminate, and search for a target odour (Clove Bud oil) and have fun searching. Plenty of personalised attention and support. 

Date: Saturdays 16 March - 13 April 2024 with a break on Saturday 30 April for Easter

Time: 11:30 am to about 12:45 pm

Location: Indoor training facility at 120 Robert Street, Whangarei

Cost: $180 per person - includes a complete odour starter kit

Bookings: Essential (small groups) Max 4-5 dogs

Requirements:

Dogs must be comfortable and not reactive to other dogs and humans when working/learning in close proximity. (Reactive dogs would need to be accommodated by individual arrangement or in a different course).

All dogs entering the training facility must be up to date with vaccinationsWhatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Advanced Nosework Skills

3 weeks. Develop the teamwork necessary for successful trialing. 

For Happy Tails Nosework - Odour graduates only.

Dates: To be scheduled

Time: 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm

Location: Indoor training facility at 120 Robert Street, Whangarei

Bookings: Essential. Limited spots. 

Newton searches a vehicle

Newton searches a vehicle

Group Nosework practice sessions

For teams that have completed the Introduction to Nose Work (odour) course. We meet regularly to practice with our dogs in different environments, and share learnings and training ideas. It’s great fun even if you haven’t practiced much with your dog. For those interested in competing, it’s a great opportunity to brush up on skills.

What’s so great about Nose Work

  • It makes dogs very happy because it satisfies their natural instinct to use their nose

  • A more happy and relaxed dog as the activity increases the ‘feel-good’ hormones in the dog’s brain

  • Dogs easily burn mental and physical energy – it provides a safe way to keep dogs fit and healthy at any age or disabilities

  • Builds confidence and focus in many dogs

  • Strengthens bonds between you and your dog

  • Suitable for virtually all dogs, even for socially challenged, shy and fearful, ageing, or disabled dogs (dogs search one at a time)

  • You can search almost anywhere without the need for equipment

  • No prior training or dog sport experience required

My Nose Work experience

Buzz qualified as novice nosework dog (SSANZ) Dec 20

Buzz qualified as novice nosework dog (SSANZ) Dec 20

  • Qualified/Fastest search in trial, Novice Nosework trial - Kaiwaka 1 April 2023

  • Accepted to the panel of judges for SSANZ Novice Nosework trials (July 21)

  • Organised a mock nosework trial - Whangarei 18 July 2021

  • Nosework workshop by Gaye Stammers (NZ), 16 Jan 21

  • School of Canine Science - online: Scent for Six (still studying - October 2020)

  • Steve White (USA) - HITT (Hydration Intensified Tracking Training) – Tracking in the Real World (urban tracking), Scentsational! (Scent detection and training methods), Thousand-Hour Eyes (Scenting Dogs) - 26 - 28 October 2019

  • Online/streaming: Dave Kroyer, Randy Hare, Ramsey Nosework

  • Detector Dog Training workshop Held by Northland Regional Council on training pest plant detection dogs with John Taylor, Invercargill, 20 and 21 April 2018

  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, School of Scent Sports, Developing Advanced Nosework Skills online course in October/November 2017

  • Detection dog training workshop by Guus Knopers, K9 Training (NZ), February 2016

  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, School of Scent Sports, Introduction to Nosework online course in September 2015

  • ‘Super Sniffer’ training workshop by international scent detection work expert Debby Kay in March 2015

  • Comprehensive 3-day K9 Nose Work® training seminar presented by Jill Marie O'Brien (USA), co-founder of the American National Association of Canine Scent Work LLC® (NASCWTM) in May 2014

I practice Canine Nose Work extensively with my own two dogs and continuously further my nose work knowledge and skills through training DVDs and instructional books.

Videos

Watch short videos of Canine Nose Work practice sessions.