Meet the Education Team

Steve DeTata has been involved in K9 Nose Work® since 2010.  He started as a student and competitor before attending the NACSW K9 Nose Work® Instructor Program in Tulsa, OK in 2013 and has been teaching K9 Nose Work® ever since. Steve is an NACSW Trial Certifying Official, Trial Judge, Odor Recognition Test Certifying Official and Judge.

As a member of the K9 Nose Work® Education Division Staff, he is responsible for ensuring prospective instructors have completed their requirements to become Certified Nose Work Instructors and that existing instructors maintain their continued education requirements. He is a member of the K9 Nose Work Shelter Program Staff, responsible for promoting the program and advising/mentoring shelters on starting and maintaining a shelter program and is a member of the NACSW Disciplinary Action Committee. Former roles included an NACSW National Trial Coordinator, and NACSW Skills Challenge Evaluator. He served as the first Western United States representative for the NACSW Trial Division Rule’s Committee.

Steve has attended numerous detection dog seminars and took part in a year-long Naval Research Lab Detection Dog Study with his dog, Juliet. He has been involved in animal rescue since 2008, volunteering his time at municipal animal shelters and private rescue groups. He ran his own pit bull rescue group, resulting in over 50 pit bulls being saved from Los Angeles County Shelters and placed into new homes. He has implemented K9 Nose Work® Shelter Programs at several shelters in Orange County, CA.

Steve is retired from a 35-year career in the investigation and security industry and now focuses on K9 Nose Work® full time.