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 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 home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

#allaboutscentworkpodcast #instructorcertificationprogram #k9nosework #nacsw #amyherot #jillmarieobriend #scentworkinstructor #noseworkinstructor #instructortraining #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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 incredibly fortunate to host Anita for several webinars and virtual events. Click here to see the full listing of Anita's offerings through Scent Work University.

RESOURCES FOR SENSITIVE DOGS

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 or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

#allaboutscentworkpodcast #projectpoodle #sensitivedogs #peoplearescary #buildingdogsconfidence #fieldtripsearches #novellocations #incrementaltraining #dogtraining #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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 or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

#allaboutscentworkpodcast #dogtraining #doesthedogunderstand #akcscentwork #nacsw #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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 help them succeed in a daily life, at class or when trialing with them? Be certain to check out Emma's Click to Calm: Turning Fear and Frustration Into Focus Through Positive Reinforcement Webinar.

Speakers:

Dianna L. Santos

Emma Parsons

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. 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 home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

#allaboutscentworkpodcast #emmaparsons #clicktocalm #treatdelivery #effectivetreatdelivery #powerofrewards #reactivedogs #sensitivedogs #akcscentwork #nacsw #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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 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 home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

#allaboutscentworkpodcast #johnstrassner #loveforscentwork #enthusiasticaboutscentwork #akcscentwork #nacsw #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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 [email protected].

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 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 home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

#allaboutscentworkpodcast #breakingitdown #smallestpieces #incrementalprogression #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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 consultations and coaching throug her business, HeRo Canine Consulting.

Teah Anders offers online and in-person Mental Management seminars and coaching through her site noseworkmind.com.

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. 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 home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

#allaboutscentworkpodcast #impostersyndrome #teahanders #silkewittig #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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:

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 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 home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

#allaboutscentworkpodcast #daysbeforeatrial #daysafteratrial #strategictrialing #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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. 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 home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

#allaboutscentworkpodcast #consequences #judithguthrie #micheleellertson #schoolofthought #k9noseworktrainingmethod #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity

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, flex your training chops and develop new skills.

In this episode, we discuss how broadening our experiences will help us grow as individuals, professionals, dog owners and handlers.

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 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 home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

#allaboutscentworkpodcast #wearallthehats #broadenexperience #trainingpreferences #schoolofthought #k9noseworktrainingmethod #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity