About Nose Work Training

Nose Work Training is a comprehensive educational resource dedicated to helping dog owners and handlers discover the extraordinary world of canine scent detection. Based in Boise, Idaho, we provide in-depth training guides, technique breakdowns, and competition preparation resources for nose work enthusiasts at every level of experience.

Our Mission

We believe that every dog, regardless of breed, age, or background, deserves the opportunity to use its most powerful sense in a structured, rewarding, and enriching way. Nose work is uniquely accessible among canine sports because it requires no prior training, no expensive equipment, and no physical athleticism. A senior dog with arthritis, a reactive dog that struggles in group settings, and a young puppy brimming with energy can all find fulfillment and success in scent detection.

Our mission is to make high-quality nose work education freely available to anyone with a dog and a desire to explore the world of scent. We produce detailed, evidence-based training guides written by experienced instructors and competitors. We cover every aspect of the discipline, from the first box search to advanced vehicle sweeps and competition strategy, ensuring that our readers have the knowledge they need to train effectively and enjoyably.

We are committed to force-free, positive reinforcement training methods. Every technique and approach described on our site is grounded in the principles of reward-based learning. We believe that the best results in scent work come from building a dog's intrinsic motivation and confidence rather than relying on compulsion or correction.

Our Team

Tyler Hendricks, Founder and Lead Instructor

Tyler has been involved in canine scent detection for over a decade, beginning with volunteer search and rescue work in the Boise National Forest and transitioning to competitive nose work in its earliest days as a recognized sport. He holds certifications from multiple scent work organizations and has titled dogs through the highest levels of AKC Scent Work competition. Tyler's training philosophy emphasizes understanding the science of olfaction and building a genuine partnership between handler and dog. He specializes in foundation training, competition preparation, and working with high-drive breeds that need structured outlets for their energy.

Megan O'Sullivan, Senior Contributor

Megan brings a background in animal behavior science and a passion for making nose work accessible to dogs of all temperaments. She has particular expertise in working with reactive and anxious dogs, developing modified training approaches that accommodate dogs needing additional support. Megan's articles focus on home training setups, breed-specific considerations, and the practical aspects of incorporating nose work into everyday life. She competes in both AKC Scent Work and NACSW trials with her team of Australian Shepherds.

What We Cover

Our content spans the full spectrum of nose work training and competition. For beginners, we offer step-by-step guides to getting started, selecting equipment, and running first searches. For intermediate trainers, we provide detailed breakdowns of container, interior, exterior, and vehicle search techniques. Advanced content covers competition strategy, multi-odor discrimination, problem-solving for challenging search scenarios, and breed- specific training considerations.

Every article on our site is written from direct experience. We do not publish content based on secondhand information or theoretical knowledge alone. Every technique, strategy, and recommendation has been tested and refined through years of hands-on training with real dogs in real environments. We update our content regularly to reflect current best practices and evolving understanding of canine olfaction.

Our Approach to Training

We advocate for a systematic, progressive approach to nose work training that respects both the dog's learning process and the handler's development. We believe in building a strong foundation before advancing to complex challenges, in ending every session on a positive note, and in tailoring training plans to the individual dog rather than following a rigid one-size-fits-all program.

Our guides emphasize the handler's role as an observer and supporter rather than a director. In nose work, the dog is the expert. The handler's job is to create opportunities for the dog to use its nose, to read and interpret the dog's behavior accurately, and to provide timely reward and encouragement. This handler philosophy permeates all of our content and reflects the fundamental nature of scent detection as a dog-driven activity.

Community and Connection

Beyond our published content, we are committed to building a community of nose work enthusiasts who support and learn from each other. We encourage readers to share their experiences, ask questions, and connect with fellow nose work practitioners through our contact page. The nose work community is one of the most welcoming and supportive in all of canine sports, and we are proud to contribute to its growth and vitality.

We are based at 1674 Scent Trail Road, Boise, ID 83702, in the heart of Idaho's beautiful Treasure Valley. The diverse landscapes of our region, from urban environments to mountain trails, provide an ideal backdrop for training dogs across all nose work elements and conditions.

Get in Touch

We love hearing from fellow nose work enthusiasts. Whether you have a training question, a suggestion for content, or simply want to share your dog's latest scent work accomplishment, we welcome your correspondence. Visit our contact page to reach our team.