Trial day success in K9 Nose Work is never accidental—it's built through preparation, strategy, and the handler’s ability to support the dog from start to finish. In this powerful and highly practical webinar, NACSW-certified instructor Tony Gravley breaks down the essential handler skills that directly influence performance, confidence, and consistency across all levels of competition.
Whether you're trialing in NW1 or preparing for the intensity of Elite and Summit, this webinar will give you a clear roadmap for what YOU, the handler, must do before, during, and after each search to bring out your dog’s best work.
✔ Pre-Trial Preparation
Build the right skills before entering any trial, from leash handling and odor theory to scenario rehearsals and mindset conditioning.
✔ Complete Equipment & Travel Checklist
Know exactly what to bring, how to prepare your gear, and how to set up your dog and yourself for a calm, organized trial day.
✔ Arrival and Start Line Procedures
Learn how to settle in, evaluate the search site, and set a consistent, productive start-line routine that strengthens your dog’s confidence.
✔ Handling Skills Inside the Search Area
Understand how to manage the leash, maintain neutrality, read subtle changes of behavior and ensure your dog has access to all productive scenting areas.
✔ Strategy for Every Competition Level
Breakdowns for NW1, NW2, NW3, Elite, and Summit—what changes, what matters, and what handlers must adjust as searches become more complex.
✔ Supporting Your Dog on Challenging Hide Placements
Learn when to step in, when to step back, and how to help your dog without interfering with their independent problem-solving.
✔ Reward Sequence & Reinforcement Philosophy
Why you should never change your reinforcement routine on trial day—and how consistency builds long-term success.
Your dog brings the nose—you bring everything else.
When handlers understand their role, maintain clarity, and support their dog appropriately, performance becomes more confident, consistent, and enjoyable for both partners.
This is Part 2 of a two-part series:
This webinar has been approved for 2 NACSW CEUs.
Scent Work Instructor
We are committed to offering outstanding learning opportunities that will benefit both you and your dog as you embark on your sniffing journey.
