Nosework Game: It's About Time!

We played this game on May 30, 2025, at the Colorado Springs Trolley Museum. Twelve teams worked four search areas - two exteriors, one vehicle, and one mixed element (containers and exterior). The total search time was 12 minutes, and the handlers were told that all of the searches had an unknown number of hides, but none of the searches were blank. The distractions at this location are tough!

The learning objective of this game is to manage your time effectively, get comfortable using a timing device, learning to read when your dog is finished with a search area, remembering to call "finish," and efficiently covering your search area.

The Rules:

Four searches are set, any elements. All teams will do all the searches, if they have enough time. Searches may have a known number of hides, an unknown number of hides, or a range of hides.

A total time for all four searches will be determined, and each handler must use their best judgement on how to spend that time. You don’t have to announce before your search, and you may adjust on the fly. 

The goal is to learn how much time you really need to complete a search, and to get comfortable using self-timing devices.

Handlers will be allowed to see the search areas to plan their time strategy.

Handlers must call “Finish” in each search to stop the time. Failure to call finish means the time keeps running!

A 30-second warning will be given just before the end of the total time.

Handlers are allowed to wear timing devices.

One false alert is allowed in each search, a second false alert ends that search.

Eliminating in the search area (peeing/pooping) ends that search.

Start Line Routines - Do You Have One? Do You Need One?

Josie - photo by David Leer, Creekwalker Photography

 In the exciting world of canine nosework, every element of the search contributes to success—from the dog’s training and drive, to the handler’s skill in reading subtle cues. But one of the most overlooked yet critical components of a successful search is something that happens before the dog even takes its first sniff: the start line routine.

What is a Start Line Routine?

A start line routine is a consistent, intentional series of actions and cues that a handler and dog perform before beginning a nosework search. Much like an athlete preparing to sprint or a musician settling before a performance, the start line routine helps both dog and handler focus, establish clear communication, and prepare mentally and physically for the task ahead.

Why the Start Line Routine Matters

1. Sets the Tone for the Search

The moments at the start line are not just logistical—they’re emotional and psychological. Dogs are keen observers of human behavior. If a handler is calm, confident, and focused, that energy transfers to the dog. A solid routine communicates to the dog: "We are working now. This is our job."

2. Builds Predictability and Confidence

Dogs thrive on routine and clarity. A consistent start line ritual—such as a specific cue, a breath from the handler, or a brief pause—gives the dog an anchor in an otherwise variable environment. Whether it’s a novel search area or a distracting trial setting, the routine provides a comforting structure.

3. Activates the Dog’s Scenting Mindset

Nosework isn’t just about sniffing—it’s about purposeful, focused odor detection. A start line routine can help “switch on” the dog’s search brain. For example, allowing the dog to take in the wind and scan the environment before releasing them with a cue like “Find it” helps orient them to the task.

4. Improves Handler Awareness

It’s not just for the dog! A start line routine helps the handler pause, breathe, and observe. It creates a checkpoint to assess the environment, note the dog’s body language, and mentally review the search strategy. Handlers who rush the start line often miss key information their dog is already picking up.

5. Consistency Under Pressure

In competition, nerves can interfere with performance. A well-rehearsed start line routine can serve as a grounding ritual, helping both dog and handler remain centered even when adrenaline spikes. It provides a familiar script to follow, reducing the chance of miscommunication or premature releases.

What a Good Start Line Routine Might Include

While every team’s routine will be unique, here are some common elements:

• Approach with Purpose: Calmly walk to the start line with your dog, maintaining focus.

• Pause and Settle: Take a breath. Let your dog take in the environment.

• Switch your leash/longline from the collar to the harness

• Cue Connection: Make eye contact or give a light verbal cue to signal readiness.

• Check-in Moment: Note your dog’s body language—are they focused, distracted, or already sourcing?

• Start your timer

• Clear Release: Use a consistent verbal cue or hand signal to begin the search.

Final Thoughts

A great start doesn’t guarantee a perfect search—but it dramatically increases the odds. Investing time into developing and practicing your start line routine is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve performance in nosework. It strengthens communication, sharpens focus, and lays the foundation for confident, connected searching.

So next time you gear up for a search, don’t overlook the start line. Instead, treat it as a sacred space—where trust is built, purpose is set, and the real magic of nosework begins.

TIME! Deciding Which Self-Timer to Use at Detection Trials

I'm not an affiliate of any device - I'm not providing links to suggested devices, nor do I recommend any specific device. Do an internet search to find out how to purchase a timer.

"Thirty seconds!"

Do those words cause your stomach to flip-flop just a little?  Once you have progressed beyond NW1/novice you might start to think about using a timing device to let you know when to call "finish."  The higher levels of sport detection competition have larger search areas and shorter search times than NW1/novice.

When should you use a timer? Certainly in AKC Master and Detective searches, which don't have a 30-second warning. The timer allows you to call "finish" before time is up, saving your team from an NQ score, or lost points. I find a timer very helpful in Elite searches. I can budget my allotted search time in very large search areas, by dividing the time spent in different sections. Some handlers may find a timer useful for lower levels, too.

Which device is right for you?  Some of the common options are your cell phone, a simple stopwatch, or an interval timer.

Cell phone: PROS - you already have one, no need to buy another device. CONS - usually pretty bulky and heavy. And I would probably get a spam call during a search.

Stopwatch: PROS - fairly inexpensive, usually easy to use. CONS - you have to look at it to know how much time you have left. You can wear it around your neck.

Interval timer: PROS - can be set to vibrate or beep at your predetermined intervals. Not terribly expensive, depending on the model. Can be set to alert you each minute, or other intervals of time, as well as the final time. Can be worn on your wrist or put in a pocket. CONS - takes practice to set it, and takes a little time to reset it between searches.

Smart watch - I've never used one, so I can't offer any opinions. Some people recommend them, though.

Choose the device that works best for you!

Ask your instructor or others in your nosework class if you can borrow their device for a training search or two to get the feel of the timer without having to buy one.

Whichever device you choose, use it during training sessions so you are completely comfortable with adjusting the variables. Make starting the device part of your start line routine so you won't forget to push the button. Been there, done that, and it's hard to figure out how to effectively divide a huge Elite search area when you're not sure how much time you have left. That's stress I don't need during a search.

10 Useful Skills for Sport Detection Dogs That Don't Have Anything To Do With Odor

1. Marker training (clicker)  - For training the skills on this list!
2. Some sort of indication behavior - a nose freeze is my current go-to
3. Stay or wait, on a platform or not - for doing skills reps, the dog can wait on the platform while the handler rearranges the search. Also good for posing in front of all those ribbons and awards.
   
4. Work with food in the handler's hand - this makes it quicker to reward, and trains the dog to ignore distractions in a search
5. Work with a toy in the handler's hand - same as #4
6. Play with a toy (all the way back to the car) - stress relief, prevents the dog from delaying finding hides because they don't want to go back to the car.
7. Look! - For checking areas in the search that may have been missed
8. This Way! - For calling your dog back into a search area
9. Name (means turn to me) - I only use the dog's name if "This way!" isn't working, but it's really useful in real life
10. "Good" - wait while a treat is brought to you, for rewarding at source and for rewarding stays in position

Elite Select - NACSW's New Trial Format

 EDIT November 15, 2024 - ELT-S is the most fun EVER!

First published January 10, 2024

The Reader's Digest version - it looks like fun! I'm going to give it a try. The first ELT-S trials in Colorado will be held in Loveland on March 9, 2024, and will open for entries on January 24.

 I finally had a chance to watch some of the debrief videos from NACSW's new half-day trial format "Elite Select." Elite-S was launched in October of 2023 as a half-day trial with Elite challenges. Great for older dogs who may struggle with a full day of long searches, it's also a great way for NW3 teams to get a feel for Elite.

Watch debrief videos here: https://walkthrough.nacsw.net/

In order to compete in an Elite-S trial, a dog needs to have at least one NW3 title, or an NW3 element title (any element). Dogs who are competing in Elite or Summit are eligible.

The trials that I looked at had somewhat smaller search areas and tighter times than regular Elite. Each trial had a "speed search" with a maximum time of under 75 seconds with no 30-second warning.  

Each trial has 100 points available. A team needs 350 points to earn the ELT-S title. Each additional 350 points earns an ELT-Sx2, etc. The team must earn a minimum of 50 points in order to keep the points from that trial. The ELT-S title is separate from the ELT-1, ELT-2, ELT-3, and ELT-CH titles.

From the Rule Book: ELT-S

• All three odors can be used including a combination of the three in one hide

• There will be 4 search areas in an Elite-S trial

• Elite searches are not defined as single element searches but may be a combo of elements (for example vehicles may be in an exterior search area and the whole area including the vehicles will need to be searched)

• There may be an unlimited number of hides in each search area and for the total day (no maximum number of hides)

• There may be blank search areas (no hides) in a trial day

• Number of hides in each search area may be Known, Unknown or have a Range (for example 2 - 5 hides). This information is given to the handlers

• Searches may be on or off leash. This is determined by the CO and may include safety of the dogs and/or what the site may support.

• Hides may be inaccessible in Vehicles, Exteriors or Interiors searches (for example: inside a cabinet, behind a car wheel, in a stack of chairs and many more)

• Hides may be placed at ground level (for example: in a crack, under a rock or door mat, at the base of a bench or table leg and many more)

• There are no height restrictions in an Elite search and hides may be placed at any height

• In each search area the time will stop and the search will end when the handler calls “Finish” 

Ideas for Rewarding Your Dog Without Freezing Your Hands

Squooshi tube and Train & Treat

Winter is here - along with freezing, chapped hands from giving your dog treats outside. There are solutions!

Here are some suggestions for keeping your hands warm and your dog happy! I don't get any kind of kickback or commission for recommending these products.

1. REFILLABLE SQUEEZE TUBES

Refillable squeeze tubes are made for baby food, but they are great for filling with treats your dog would love too. Mash up some canned dog food with water to thin it out, put it in the tube, and keep your gloves on when you reward your dog. 

https://www.cleanrun.com/product/squeeze_tubes/index.cfm?ParentCat=675

https://www.amazon.com/haakaa-Reusable-Storage-Squeezable-Washable/dp/B099DZZNZK?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/A7E219C6-D5BB-4126-BAB7-35430C8E9577?ingress=2&visitId=f84671c4-a311-4e6c-897c-919c45f7ce43&ref_=ast_bln

2. PRE-FILLED SQUEEZE TUBES

When I was researching for this post, I found several options for squeeze tubes that are already filled with tasty treats for dogs. You can also find baby food pouches in any grocery store pre-filled with soft food. Be sure to introduce these to your dog before using them as a reward - some dogs may not like being surprised by a food tube.

https://www.barkpouch.com/

https://www.chewy.com/purebites-plus-squeezables-skin-coat/dp/382714

https://www.chewy.com/f/doggiewater_f1v153213

3. TREAT DISPENSER

https://www.cleanrun.com/product/train_n_treat_dog_treat_dispenser/index.cfm?ParentCat=675

This gadget is fairly easy to use while wearing gloves. I bought this several years ago because as my elderly terriers' vision deteriorated, they started to bite my fingers when taking treats. Here's how it works - place a piece of string cheese or hotdog in the bottom, secure it with the spring holder, then press the button to eject a small slice of cheese/hotdog. It's more expensive than the other options. Dash and Josie are happy to demonstrate it for you here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/jklXAZjvN6k

What other cold weather hand-savers are out there?

Rules and Regulations, and a Spooky Sniff and Go

This is pretty obvious, but read the rules for each organization you trial with. NACSW premiums contain this phrase:

Complete rules are available at www.NACSW.net. It is the responsibility of each competitor to read and understand the current NACSW™ Rule book prior to participating in a NACSW™ event.

AKC trials have this phrase in the premium:

In consideration of the acceptance of this entry, I (we) agree to abide by the rules and AKC Official Entry Form regulations of The American Kennel Club in effect at the time of this event.

Rules and regulations are excruciatingly boring to read, but it's heartbreaking to NQ because you didn't know the rules. If you have questions about the rules, you can always ask your CO (at NACSW trials) or judge (at AKC trials) during your briefing. Current regulations are here -


NACSW: https://www.nacsw.net/trial-information/trial-rule-book

AKC: https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-scent-work/regulation-resources/

USCSS: https://www.uscaninescentsports.com/rules/

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Several people have asked me what a sniff & go entails - it's a nosework event set up like a trial but is run just for fun. The term comes from obedience fun matches, called a "Show & Go." There are no ribbons or titles, you can ask for as much help as you want, there are usually no prerequisites for entering. It's just great practice for a trial.

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Julie Harbican hosted a fun Spooky Sniff N Go at All Breed Rescue's facility. Julie and the ABRT crew set up three searches - containers, and two interiors. SO MANY DISTRACTIONS!! There were skeletons, spiders, spooky sounds, things hanging from the ceiling, webs, and so much more.