Training on an Island: The Art of Working Solo in Canine Nose Work Webinar

Join Tony Gravley for this insightful webinar designed for handlers who often find themselves training alone — what we call training on an island. This session dives deep into both sides of the leash, exploring not only the handler’s responsibilities when working without a coach or group but also the dog’s role in developing independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills.

Tony will highlight the most common pitfalls handlers face when training by themselves—such as unintentional patterning, over-handling, and loss of objectivity—and provide clear, practical solutions to help you avoid them. You’ll learn effective strategies for setting hides, maintaining motivation, and accurately assessing your progress, all while ensuring your dog continues to grow in skill and enthusiasm.

Whether you’re an experienced competitor or a dedicated hobbyist, this webinar will help you transform solo training into a powerful and productive learning opportunity for both you and your canine partner.

CEUS

This webinar has been approved for 2 NACSW CEUs.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

"Tony is able to break down his complex understanding in ways that help the rest of us. Dianna is wonderful in the session, as well." Kerry T.

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY ABOUT THIS WEBINAR

"1. Looking at more in-depth ways to create variables
2. Building sequential learning searches
3. Goal setting
4. When/how to abandon a search (or not)
5. "Falsing at source" - learned a ton
6. "Lessen the convergence" - hadn't thought of it that specific way when making environmental adjustments.
7. Open vs Closed mouth alert behavior sequences - will look for that more. I love watching for specific details like that (i.e., which nostril used while skimming a container seam...)
8. "Emotions" leading to the "biggest disconnects.." (even though for a future webinar.. Really struck a chord to be able to help students that are struggling, and to keep myself in check while trialing and staying in the moment (always my goal at trial)" Barb H.