Frequently Asked Questions for Instructor Program

A: This is a comprehensive program designed to incorporate all the foundational principles of the K9 Nose Work® methodology to take dogs from the basics of independent hunting development through trial preparedness and beyond.

The course is currently held online and consists of 8 full days split into two course weekends (Friday-Monday), known as Segment one and Segment two.  We use Zoom and Google Classroom as our teaching platforms.  Attendees are required to attend live with their cameras and microphones on, as it is a very interactive course.

In addition to the attendance of the 8 course days, participants will need to submit the following in order to complete their instructor certification:

• Résumé or Bio
• Training Strand (Dates of Intro to K9NW/Exteriors/Vehicles/Odor classes you’ve taken with a CNWI℠, ANWI℠ or PNWI℠ as a student)
• Applied Training Strand (Dates of Intro to K9NW/Exteriors/Vehicles/Odor classes you have taught)
• Video recordings of your Introduction to K9NW/Exteriors/Vehicles/Odor classes (week 1 and week 5/6)
• Instructor Evaluations from your students
• Training/Hours Log
• ORT or ORT alternative

Participants will have two years from day one of Segment one to finalize certification. 

Course registrants will receive more detailed information about the requirements once the course starts.

A: The instructor course is currently taught online via the Zoom and Google Classroom Platforms. 

A: The most important requirement to enter the course is a passion for learning from the dog, a commitment to and understanding of the concepts that are the backbone of the K9 Nose Work® training principles and a desire to become an dedicated instructor for both the human and dog student.

Having a basic understanding of the foundational components of K9 Nose Work® is recommended.

A: Please submit your request at the Instructor Course Contact Form. You will receive additional details about the course.  If, after reviewing them, you would like to be added to the early notification/wait list for the next course, there will be instructions in the details on how to do that.  You will also receive announcements via Constant Contact about future courses.

A: The course currently costs $2,500.00 USD. This includes 8 days of course days and guidance through the certification process. The course fee must be paid in full at the time of registration in order to save your spot.

A: We don’t advertise our course dates publicly. We do announce them via Constant Contact to those who’ve inquired about our instructor course. To receive the announcements, please submit a request at the Instructor Course Contact Form. You may need to periodically check your spam folder, as announcements occasionally end up there.

A: The course runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time for each of the 8 course days.

A: Yes, we welcome participants from all countries.

A: Yes.
You will also receive a comprehensive instructor manual with class curricula, handouts, etc.
In addition, we have a mentorship program for our instructors-in-training.

A: Each weekend covers various aspects of the K9 Nose Work® program and general scent work understanding. Segment Two builds on Segment One. Exact curriculum timelines can vary from course to course.

Below is a basic outline of the course.

SEGMENT 1:

Introduction, foundation philosophy of K9 Nose Work
What is K9 Nose Work, its history, and key concepts. Understanding how the foundational methodology applies to the overall process for instructors

Introduction to K9 Nose Work
How to start dogs in K9 Nose Work on primary (food/toy), why we start the way we do, and how to run classes.

Introduction to Odor
How to introduce target odor to the equation in a class setting

Behavior Considerations for the K9 Nose Work Class Environment
A rudimentary review of behavior as applicable to running K9NW classes and interacting with dogs in class

Introduction to Vehicles & Exteriors
Half of day will be vehicles, and half will be exteriors. How to introduce the concepts of other elements both for primary and target odor.

SEGMENT 2:

 Learn From the Dog
A precursor to understanding hide placement. This day reviews how/why learning from the dog is critical in setting hide and making the necessary adjustments for the various stages of learning in the dog.

 Hide Placement
Discussion of types of hides, training considerations.  Students will make hide placements plans in their breakout groups and see some of those searches run by dogs through video. Analysis and strategy of hide placement techniques will be discussed.

 Skill Building
Skill building focuses other topics related to more advanced training and techniques including thresholds, patterns, multiple hides, elevation, inaccessible hides and final response training.

 Competition
Instructors are familiarized with NACSW competition, competition training in general, and how to prepare students.

A: The Landis Memorial Scholarship was created in 2025 to recognize and support aspiring Certified Nose Work Instructors who show a passion and commitment to making a difference in the nose work community, specifically with reactive dogs and their humans. Click here for more info.

A: Not at this time.

A: Six CEUs for each day of course attendance.