The Landis Memorial Scholarship
Goals & Objectives/Purpose:
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.
Scholarship recipients will receive a $500 award upon completion of the 8-day K9 Nose Work® Instructor Training and Certification Course. Limited to one scholarship per course.
About Landis:
Landis paved the way for dogs with behavioral challenges and dog reactivity to become part of a greater community and enjoy classes and competition through the activity and sport of K9 Nose Work®.
Landis was a rescue dog, adopted from Pet Orphans Shelter by Barbara Schwerdt in March of 2007. By 2008, Landis had tried a number of dog training classes and activities, all of which were more stressful than successful. When Landis and Barbara found K9 Nose Work®, they knew it was special, but neither one of them knew it would be the start of a life-changing journey.
Among Landis’ many achievements in nose work are: 2nd place overall in the Inaugural Nose Work Trial, August 2008; recipient of the Harry Award (recognizing a rescue dog with extraordinary ability and spirit in nose work) in the first ever NACSW NW1 trial, January 2009; 2nd place overall at the first ever NACSW National Invitational, June 2013, and one of the first dogs to earn the NW3 Elite title.
The power of nose work extended far beyond ball rewards and titles for Landis, reshaping the way he saw the world around him. One of Landis’ greatest achievements was being able to walk to a search and not react to the dogs in his environment.
Barbara’s life changed profoundly because of Landis’ love of nose work. She became a founding instructor of K9 Nose Work®, a senior faculty member of the NACSW, a trial certifying official and trial judge, and an international workshop and seminar presenter.
Landis lived to be 12 years old, passing away peacefully at home in March of 2019. His spirit and enthusiasm for K9 Nose Work® lives on in countless rescue dogs like him, dogs just waiting to be given a chance to do something life changing.
Eligibility:
Must be enrolled in the 8-day K9 Nose Work® Instructor Training and Certification Course. Must complete the full course to receive the scholarship funds.
Application Procedure:
Submit an essay of no more than 400 words detailing applicant’s past, current, or future work with or special affinity for reactive dogs, or dogs with behavioral needs, applicant’s long and short-term goals in the nose work community, and any additional reasons for enrolling in the CNWI course.
Complete the application form and submit the form and essay to Barbara Schwerdt at [email protected]
Application Deadline:
Application form and essay must be submitted by the end of day 4, segment 1 of the instructor course to Barbara Schwerdt at [email protected]