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Certified
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Find the guidance that fits your team.
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Private Zoom Coaching or Small Group Zoom Classes Tailored to you and your dog.
Expert guidance to build skills, confidence, and teamwork through scent work. Learn in a fun, supportive environment with a certified K9 Nose Work® instructor, former professional certified educator, and active NACSW/AKC competitor. ✔ Personalized coaching ✔ Small group support ✔ Working and audit spots available ✔ Clear next steps |
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From Frustration to Progress
From Stuck to Progressing
I first met Christy at scent work trials, at a time when I was struggling to get my Basenji, Clio, past Novice level. Clio is very different from my previous Nose Work dog, and we were having trouble communicating with each other. |
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Clear Feedback & Practical Coaching
Christy offered to do online coaching sessions, and I began sharing training videos for her to review. During our Zoom sessions, she provided clear, thoughtful feedback on my handling and helped me work through specific challenges like food distractions, AKC Buried, and elevation.
She also helped me create a training plan for the following weeks, which made our work feel much more focused and productive.
Christy offered to do online coaching sessions, and I began sharing training videos for her to review. During our Zoom sessions, she provided clear, thoughtful feedback on my handling and helped me work through specific challenges like food distractions, AKC Buried, and elevation.
She also helped me create a training plan for the following weeks, which made our work feel much more focused and productive.
Experience That Makes a Difference
Christy’s teaching experience, both in person and online, along with her scientific background and years of training dogs for NACSW and AKC trials, makes her a terrific resource for her students.
Real Results and Confidence
Clio is now one Q short of her overall Excellent title in AKC, and she earned her NW1 title. I'm more confident handling and reading her, and Clio is enthusiastic about practicing.
Kristine and Clio
Christy’s teaching experience, both in person and online, along with her scientific background and years of training dogs for NACSW and AKC trials, makes her a terrific resource for her students.
Real Results and Confidence
Clio is now one Q short of her overall Excellent title in AKC, and she earned her NW1 title. I'm more confident handling and reading her, and Clio is enthusiastic about practicing.
Kristine and Clio
Private Zoom LessonsPersonalized support tailored to your dog and your goals. ✔ One-on-one coaching and individualized lesson plans
✔ Flexible pacing based on your dog’s readiness ✔ Ideal for specific challenges or accelerated progress ✔ Personalized homework and feedback between sessions ✔ Best for teams wanting focused support |
Small Group Zoom ClassesFun, engaging learning with a community feel. ✔ Learn alongside 3–6 like-minded teams
✔ More affordable than private lessons ✔ Practice live with coaching in real time ✔ Learn by watching other dogs and handlers ✔ Weekly structure and accountability ✔ Personalized feedback in a small group setting |
Find the Right Class for Your Team
Choose the coaching option that fits where you and your dog are right now. All classes are repeatable so you can continue learning, growing, and having fun together.
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Introduction to
K9 Nose Work® Build engagement, understanding, and teamwork from the start.
Goals
✔ Build confidence ✔ Introduce search games ✔ Strengthen teamwork Focus ✔ Containers & boxes ✔ Motivation & drive ✔ Handler timing Continuing NW/Trial Prep
Increase your dog’s exposure to complex scent puzzles while working through search challenges.
Possible Topics
✔ Trained final response ✔ Elevation, convergence, pooling odor ✔ Trapping and layered hides ✔ Multiple hides ✔ Large, compled search areas ✔ Container searches with distractors Troubleshooting ✔ Box smashing ✔ Elimination in search ✔ Recognizing blank areas ✔ False alerts and odor obedience ✔ Knowing when to end a search |
Introduction to Odor
Confidently introduce your dog’s first target odor with clarity and success.
Goals
✔ Introduce odor in a positive way ✔ Build confidence and independence ✔ Build odor commitment Focus ✔ Pair odor with reward ✔ Build simple search progression ✔ Read your dog and reward timing Handler Skills/Confidence
Strengthen handling skills for clear, confident, trial-ready searches.
Possible Topics
✔ Clear, consistent communication ✔ Better reading of search behavior ✔ Efficient search area handling ✔ Reliable start-line routines ✔ Reliable end of search routines ✔ Smoother leash handling ✔ Confidence in blank vs. odor decisions ✔ Trial readiness and mental strategy Focus Areas ✔Seeing the picture your dog paints ✔Practical handling improvements ✔ Confidence under pressure ✔ Targeted skill refinement as needed |
Your Path Forward
Simple. Supported. Designed for you and your dog.
Step 1: Book Your
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Step 2: Perpare for CoachingMake sure you read and signed the waiver. Set up your training space (check details in your confirmation booking email).
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Step 3: First Coaching SessionWe’ll meet on Zoom for your first session, where you’ll get clear guidance, real-time coaching, and a plan you can confidently move forward with.
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Choose Your Next Step in Nose Work
Get Trial-Ready with Video Review Coaching
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Christy and Boomer Elite search, locker room, unknown number of hides, first place and pronounced (Jan. 24, 2026) Watch our teamwork in action. Can you see when we pass the lead to each other to cover the area thoroughly? Notice how I stay patient as Boomer solves each problem, trusting his clear communication to keep us moving confidently through the search. |
Video Review (One Zoom Call not a Package)
Share your trial video(s) and we’ll review them together in a Zoom session (up to 10–15 minutes of footage per session) and design a training plan.
Price: $60 1 Zoom Call (~40 min)
Popular topics include:
- False alerts and recovery
- Planning and covering the search area
- Missed hides
- Reading your dog’s communications
- Handler skills and common mistakes
- Speed vs Accuracy
- Reading blank areas from your dog's body language
- Specific skills to improve at your dog’s current level
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Zoom coaching really be effective for Nose Work?
Yes, when it’s done thoughtfully.
In Nose Work, your dog does the searching, and my role is to coach you. I help you improve your timing, observation, leash handling, start-line routine, and how you work through odor puzzles as a team.
Many handlers become more observant and confident because they’re learning how to make decisions and create effective practice searches at home.
What if I’m not very technical?
That’s completely okay.
If you can click a link and press “Join,” you can do this. I’ll help you with camera placement and show you how to send video if needed.
Most clients find it much simpler than they expected, and the focus stays on training, not technology.
What equipment do I need?
You likely already have most of what you need:
Do I need experience to start?
Not at all.
Whether you’re brand new or preparing for trial, coaching is personalized to your current level. We build skills step by step so both you and your dog can feel confident and successful.
Where can I find the waiver? To make things easy, your waiver is available in several places; you’ll find it above in the 3-step process, in the main menu, on your confirmation page after booking, and in your reminder emails.
Thank you for taking a moment to complete it before your first session. We appreciate it.
What if I feel nervous about trialing?
You’re not alone.
Trial nerves are very common; even for experienced handlers. Together, we can build clear routines, handling plans, and confidence strategies so you feel more prepared when you step to the line.
I’m also here to support you before and after trials when you need it.
What’s the difference between a coach and an instructor?
An instructor often teaches specific skills; what to do and how to do it.
As a coach, I go a step deeper. I help you understand why things are happening and how to make thoughtful decisions in real time.
That includes:
What if I started my dog myself or used a different method?
You’ll find no judgment here.
I don’t believe there is only one right way to teach or learn. Every dog and handler team is unique, and I enjoy meeting you where you are.
Whether you started on your own, worked with another instructor, or used a different method, I’ll help you build on what your dog already knows and create a plan that helps both of you thrive.
What if I want to take in-person classes too, now or later?
Absolutely.
I encourage you to explore all of your options and choose what works best for you and your dog.
Training at home through Zoom coaching helps you build the skills to create thoughtful, engaging searches and prepare for the kinds of challenges you may see in class or at trial.
By learning to set effective hides and better read your dog, you’ll get even more out of any in-person classes or workshops you choose to attend.
How long does it take to see progress?
Every team is different.
Many clients notice increased confidence, focus, and clearer communication within the first few sessions. Consistent practice between sessions often helps progress happen faster.
We move at a pace that supports both you and your dog.
Is Nose Work good for shy, reactive, or high-energy dogs?
Often, yes.
Nose Work can build confidence, encourage independence, and provide valuable mental enrichment.
Sessions are tailored to your dog’s individual needs so they can learn in a way that feels safe, successful, and fun.
What if my dog isn’t food or toy motivated?
That’s okay.
Part of training may include discovering what motivates your dog and building engagement so searching stays rewarding and enjoyable.
Every dog is different, and we’ll work together to find what works best for yours.
Yes, when it’s done thoughtfully.
In Nose Work, your dog does the searching, and my role is to coach you. I help you improve your timing, observation, leash handling, start-line routine, and how you work through odor puzzles as a team.
Many handlers become more observant and confident because they’re learning how to make decisions and create effective practice searches at home.
What if I’m not very technical?
That’s completely okay.
If you can click a link and press “Join,” you can do this. I’ll help you with camera placement and show you how to send video if needed.
Most clients find it much simpler than they expected, and the focus stays on training, not technology.
What equipment do I need?
You likely already have most of what you need:
- A phone, tablet, or laptop with a camera
- Internet access
- A tripod or safe way to prop your device
- Basic Nose Work supplies such as boxes, bins, or containers
- Odor and hide containers, if applicable
- Toys and/or treats for rewards
- A safe practice area
- A way to secure your dog while you set hides
Do I need experience to start?
Not at all.
Whether you’re brand new or preparing for trial, coaching is personalized to your current level. We build skills step by step so both you and your dog can feel confident and successful.
Where can I find the waiver? To make things easy, your waiver is available in several places; you’ll find it above in the 3-step process, in the main menu, on your confirmation page after booking, and in your reminder emails.
Thank you for taking a moment to complete it before your first session. We appreciate it.
What if I feel nervous about trialing?
You’re not alone.
Trial nerves are very common; even for experienced handlers. Together, we can build clear routines, handling plans, and confidence strategies so you feel more prepared when you step to the line.
I’m also here to support you before and after trials when you need it.
What’s the difference between a coach and an instructor?
An instructor often teaches specific skills; what to do and how to do it.
As a coach, I go a step deeper. I help you understand why things are happening and how to make thoughtful decisions in real time.
That includes:
- Reading your dog
- Knowing when to respond
- Setting up effective training
- Adjusting when things don’t go as planned
What if I started my dog myself or used a different method?
You’ll find no judgment here.
I don’t believe there is only one right way to teach or learn. Every dog and handler team is unique, and I enjoy meeting you where you are.
Whether you started on your own, worked with another instructor, or used a different method, I’ll help you build on what your dog already knows and create a plan that helps both of you thrive.
What if I want to take in-person classes too, now or later?
Absolutely.
I encourage you to explore all of your options and choose what works best for you and your dog.
Training at home through Zoom coaching helps you build the skills to create thoughtful, engaging searches and prepare for the kinds of challenges you may see in class or at trial.
By learning to set effective hides and better read your dog, you’ll get even more out of any in-person classes or workshops you choose to attend.
How long does it take to see progress?
Every team is different.
Many clients notice increased confidence, focus, and clearer communication within the first few sessions. Consistent practice between sessions often helps progress happen faster.
We move at a pace that supports both you and your dog.
Is Nose Work good for shy, reactive, or high-energy dogs?
Often, yes.
Nose Work can build confidence, encourage independence, and provide valuable mental enrichment.
Sessions are tailored to your dog’s individual needs so they can learn in a way that feels safe, successful, and fun.
What if my dog isn’t food or toy motivated?
That’s okay.
Part of training may include discovering what motivates your dog and building engagement so searching stays rewarding and enjoyable.
Every dog is different, and we’ll work together to find what works best for yours.
