National Association of Canine Scent Work

03/17/2025

Results have been posted for the Westminster, MD, Blaine, WA, Califon, NJ, Pflugerville, TX, Thaxtor, VA, Kent, WA, Gainesville, GA, Phoenix, MD, and Phoenix, AZ trials.

03/10/2025

Results have been posted for the Farmville, VA, Rome, GA, Ft. Collins, CO, Winterset, IA, Foxboro, MA, Stokesdale, NC, Spring City, PA, and Elgin, IL trials have been posted.

03/04/2025

Results from the Youngwood, PA, Pomfret, MD, Oakville, WA, Augusta, NJ, Santa Paula, CA, Shawnee, OK, Keystone Heights, FL, and San Rafael, CA trials have been posted.

03/03/2025

Hello NACSW Membership,
We hope that everyone is getting ready and warmed up for all of the Spring time trials and ORTs that are fast approaching. It is wonderful to see such a large number of trialing opportunities being presented to members!
The NACSW wanted to remind everyone that as a handler at an event (trial or ORT) we should be prepared to search as we approach the start line. The time allowed at the start line is to give handlers a moment to acclimate and collect themselves and you may be prompted by the Judge to begin if the time taken at the start line is excessive. (NACSW Rule Book version 12.3 Aug. 2024 page 9)
This means that any cameras or timers should be on and ready to go, dogs should be prepared to begin searching (a quick leash change is absolutely fine) and the handler should also be prepared to begin the search.
Handlers must also be self-contained for each search. This means that any items you might be carrying or have removed from your person or dog, such as a coat, glasses, extra leash or collar or any other objects must be taken with you and carried on your person during the search. They may not be set down at the start line or anywhere in or around the search area to be retrieved by the handler at the end of the search.
Volunteers, Judges or any other person in the search area, other than your own spectator, may not be asked to hold or transport any objects from the start line to the exit by the handler at the end of the search.
Any person who needs an ADA accommodation is exempted from having to be self-contained, to the extent necessary for the reasonable ADA accommodation. For example, this can include the use of a personal mobility device to move from one area to another at an event.
We appreciate your understanding in regard to this reminder. Any questions may be sent to [email protected]

02/26/2025

Results have been loaded for the Paso Robles, CA, Benson, AZ, and Albuquerque, NM trials.

02/18/2025

Results for the Chino, CA, Califon, NJ, White Plains, NY, Lutherville-Timonium, MD, Wilson, NC, Lakewood, NJ, Medford, NJ, Bellingham, WA, Modesto, CA, and Honey Brook, PA trials have been posted.

02/10/2025

Results for the Veneta, OR and Murfreesboro, TN trials have been posted.

02/07/2025

Certifying Official Training Class - 2026
We will be offering a CO Training Class for those interested in becoming a NACSW Certifying Official in 2026
Dates and Information are now up on the NACSW website with info on when we will begin accepting applications.
Questions can be sent directly to [email protected]

As the number of trials increases annually, it is important that we continue to grow the number of NACSW Certifying Officials to meet the demand. We are excited to continue our Certifying Official Training program to offer more individuals the opportunity to become Certifying Officials for NACSW. Ou...

02/03/2025

Results for the Vista, CA and Northridge, CA trials have been posted.

02/02/2025

Opening Soon: NACSW Training Fest Pacific Northwest May 2025.
https://k9nosework.com/workshops/training-fest-pnw-2025/
We are beyond excited to announce K9 Nose Work Training Fest in the stunning Pacific Northwest! This is a unique opportunity for dog owners and trainers to come together for a weekend filled with fun, learning, and bonding with our canine companions. The event is designed to cater to all skill levels, whether you are a novice handler or an experienced trainer, theres something for everyone!
Throughout the weekend, we will offer a variety search experiences that emphasize skill building and team work, ensuring that both dogs and handlers feel supported and encouraged. From nose work basics to advanced search challenges, participants will have the chance to deepen their understanding of canine scent work while enhancing their teamwork and communication skills.
We believe in fostering a sense of community among dog enthusiasts, so we encourage you to share this event with fellow dog owners and trainers.
Dont miss out on this enriching opportunity to strengthen the bond with your dog while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the K9 Nose Work community and embark on a weekend that promises to be both educational and enjoyable. We cant wait to see you there!
Sign ups for initial participant draw opening soon. Click link below for more information./

NACSW® Education Division K9 Nose Work® Training Fest Pacific Northwest 2025 Get ready to unleash your excitement for the NACSW’s K9 Nose Work® Training Fest™ Northwest 2025! This exclusive event…

01/21/2025

Results from the Flemington, NJ, Elmira, OR, Marble Falls, TX, Redlands, CA, New Rochelle, NY, Sheridan, OR, Melrose, FL, and Clayton, AL trials have been posted.

01/15/2025

Results for the Oakdale, CA, Greensboro, NC, Lithia, FL, Hartfield, VA, and Centreville, MD trials have been posted.

01/10/2025

Thank you to all of you who have participated in the Skills Challenge! The team has enjoyed watching and judging your submissions.

We wanted to update you on some dates for the 2025 Skills Challenge.

Our 2025 Skills Challenge will start on February 1st, 2025 at 12:00 AM and will run until December 31st, 2025. For the 2025 Skills Challenge we will be reopening all previous Skills Challenges and you may enter some or all of them with your dog. Even if you have sent submissions for these skills in the past, you can submit again in 2025 with new set-ups.

How does SAC titling work?

The Skills Achievement Challenge title is listed as NSA1, NSA2, NSA3 and NSAM (Master) and is based on the number of points earned.
• NSA1 requires a minimum of 40 points
• NSA2 requires a minimum of 70 points
• NSA3 requires a minimum of 100 points
• NSAM requires 120 points

Points are earned by submitting successful completions of each of the four Skills for that challenge year. Points are determined by the level of each skill completed.

For example, if a team submits two Skills at Level 3, one Skill at Level 2 and one Skill at Level 1 and all are judged to be completed successfully then the team would earn a total of 90 points and a NSA2 title.

Teams do not have to submit all four Skills at the same level in order to title but may mix and match depending on their dog’s abilities at the time of submission.

A more comprehensive description of each of the level requirements can be found in the NACSW Rule Book

Can a dog earn more than one SAC title for the year?
Yes! Dogs may earn more than one SAC for the title year or over several years.

What does this mean?

It means that if your dog earned a NSAM in 2021 you can earn that same title each year! They can also earn all four of the SAC titles each year by submitting and successfully completing all of the different levels.

If your dog earns more than one of the same SAC titles they are then listed as NSAMx2 or NSA1x4.
If your dog earns SAC titles at different levels they would then be listed as NSA1, NSA2x3, NSA3x3, NSAMx6 for example.

Skills Challenge information and submission form can be found on the NACSW website at: https://www.nacsw.net/challenges
If you have any questions please email [email protected]
Thank you,
The Skills Challenge Team

The purpose of this challenge is to show that the dog can differentiate between the suspended source of odor and the pooling odor on objects on the ground below the hide.  

01/09/2025

NACSW has been continually interested and supportive of the scientific research related to dogs, behavior and scent work. We had the good fortune of collaborating with the Naval Research Lab back in 2016 where we met Lauryn DeGreef-Silk, PhD and participated in a number of studies. We have continued our relationship with Dr. DeGreef-Silk and are exploring a number of research projects with her at her lab at Florida International University, Global Forensic and Justice Center.

If you would like to contribute to any of that research, we invite you to use the following link to make a tax free donation.

Use the GFJC “Give” link and then receive a receipt for tax write off. Click the box “This gift is in honor, memory, or support of someone” and then enter your name to ensure it ties to you specifically.

https://gfjc.fiu.edu/give/

Happy New Year!
Amy Herot & Jill Marie O'Brien

Support our efforts to advance the forensic disciplines across the world in the pursuit of justice.

12/31/2024

Results for the Waukesha, WI, Bellingham, WA, Cu***ng, GA, Salem, OR, Williamsburg, VA, and Crownsville, MD trials have been posted. happy New Yesr everyone!

12/23/2024

Results from the Marriottsville, MD, Cedar Park, TX, and Jefferson, GA trials have been posted. Happy Holidays!

12/18/2024

If you haven't signed up for the Joint Educational Conference hosted by NACSW & IPCA there is still time to get the early bird rate, but no matter when you sign up... do it so many great speakers.
For more info and to register: https://cnca.com/k9-sport-scent-work-conference/
Speaker line up:
Lindsay Waldrop, Ph.D.
Simon Gadbois, Ph.D
Brenda Mills, DVM
Tony Gravely, CNWI
Melissa Casanova, CNWI
Natalie McManus, CNWI
Michael McManus, CNWI, CAAE, CATT

12/16/2024

Results from the Ontario, CA and Pittstown, NJ trials have been posted.