Discover how to elevate your dog’s scent detection skills by mastering your role as the handler. Whether you train in a group or completely on your own, your actions, timing, and planning directly shape your dog’s success.
In this webinar, Tony Gravley will breakdown the essential responsibilities of the handler: how to read your dog, support independent problem-solving, avoid over-handling, build confidence, and structure training sessions that produce reliable, trial-ready results.
Perfect for all levels of K9 Nose Work enthusiasts looking to deepen the handler-dog partnership.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series:
- Part 1 - Know Your Role: The Handler's Role in Training
- Part 2 - Know Your Role: The Handler's Role in Trialing
CEUS
This webinar has been approved for 2 NACSW CEUs.
Should You Take This Webinar
Are you training or trialing in Scent Work? Knowing your role as a handler and ensuring you are being as effective as possible when training Scent Work. This webinar is for you!
Are you a Scent Work instructor? Garner ideas you can share with your clients to ensure they are staying in their lane and not inadvertently taking over the dog's role when they are training.
What Our Clients Are Saying
He brought up all of the items I'm guilty of and how to correct it.
Michael T. Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Training Webinar
Tony's different points of view on training
Lori Y. Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Training Webinar
I love Tony's webinars! I really like his style (I especially appreciate that even with his amazing background with training detection dogs, he doesn't treat all us sport/pet people like ninnies), and he has so much knowledge to offer. Including some ideas I've never heard from other instructors before. And he's fun. :-)
Joanne O. Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Training Webinar
The questions from the participants and Diana’s. The concept of doing the “nosework slide.” Practical tips for how to be a better handler
Sheila D. Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Training Webinar
Tony always has valuable insight during his presentations. I think that the nosework community is at a crossroads with respect to handling - how much should the handler be involved and when and if we need to step in. I appreciate his balanced view.
Colleen H. Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Training Webinar
All of it was useful even if I had sound knowledge of a few principles. It's always helpful to hear it stated in a different way. Tony's ability to break training into steps and he also has good analogies.
Lisa W. Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Training Webinar
Another amazing webinar by Tony! Super helpful advice on how to support your dog without guiding. There were some things in "protecting the training environment" (such as not letting other dogs watch) and setting out soccer dots as part of training that I'd either not heard before, or which hadn't been impactful. I also found the tip about taking your dog aside for 10-15 seconds when they get stuck in a search to be extremely helpful.
Beth H. Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Trialing Webinar
Tony’s clear explanations and reasons for dog’s searching behaviour and your influence.
Shirley W. Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Training Webinar
Being able to learn from an experienced professional. Valuable and accessible.
Laurie M. Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Training Webinar
Scent Work Instructor
Tony Gravley
The proud Owner and Founder of Next Generation K9, TWG Group LLC, Tony is a sought-after instructor, trial official and workshop presenter with over 30 years of experience as a Trainer, Instructor, Manager and Handler of Police and Military Working Dogs.
Passionate About Scent Work
We are committed to offering outstanding learning opportunities that will benefit both you and your dog as you embark on your sniffing journey.