Training on an Island: The Art of Working Solo in Canine Nose Work Webinar
- Instructor: Tony Gravley
- Common Issues, Training On Your Own, and Trial Prep Program
- Length: 90 minutes
- CEUS:
- Recorded & On-Demand
- Continual Access
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.
This webinar has been approved for 2 NACSW CEUs.
Are you training Scent Work? Learn how to ensure your practice and training sessions you are doing on your own are indeed effective and avoiding common pitfalls and issues.
Are you a Scent Work instructor? Garner ideas you can share with your clients when they are practicing and training outside of class.
All the information and links to other sources
Lori Y. Training on an Island: The Art of Working Solo in Canine Nose Work Webinar
The questions asked and answers were very useful. The checklists are very useful.
Sheila D. Training on an Island: The Art of Working Solo in Canine Nose Work Webinar
lots of good examples of the pitfalls that people fall into and ways of getting out! suggestions to ensure that you are not overhanding
Colleen H. Training on an Island: The Art of Working Solo in Canine Nose Work Webinar
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. Training on an Island: The Art of Working Solo in Canine Nose Work Webinar
Tony was great as always and spent so much extra time with us to ensure that he covered all our questions and that the information was clear. Love the examples of the checklists that he provided for training.
Venita L. Training on an Island: The Art of Working Solo in Canine Nose Work 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. Training on an Island: The Art of Working Solo in Canine Nose Work Webinar
The excellent breakdown of splitting apart training with a focus on both the dog's progress and handler's handling skills. And loved the handouts to use during training. Thank you!
Lisa W. Training on an Island: The Art of Working Solo in Canine Nose Work Webinar
I have attended numerous workshops with Tony in-person, maybe a webinar or two...this was one of his best ones... affirmed many things I already knew & the audience questions were super and the checklists are invaluable!!!
Sue R. Training on an Island: The Art of Working Solo in Canine Nose Work Webinar
So many good ideas to be intentional with training, reviewing and making a plan to continue to move forward. Love the checklist tracking.
Kim C. Training on an Island: The Art of Working Solo in Canine Nose Work Webinar
Scent Work Instructor
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.
We are committed to offering outstanding learning opportunities that will benefit both you and your dog as you embark on your sniffing journey.