K9 Nose Time

Episode 27: Alert $#!% Finish!

Welcome to K9 Nose Time — hosts Danielle and Lesia discuss recent trialing experiences and upcoming events like the 100 Box Challenge. This episode explains the difference between an ACSW Certifying Official (CO) and a judge, reviews Level Two rules (errors, false alerts, missed hides, timing and rewards), and covers practical tips on leash handling, situational awareness, and how to respond to "no" calls during searches. Listeners will also hear guidance on safe reward practices, when to call alerts/finish, how to handle judge questions, and training advice to build teamwork and confidence in competition. Happy Sniffing!

Episode 26: 2026: Lets get sniffing!

Welcome to K9 Nose Time — the podcast celebrating scent detection for fun. In this episode Danielle and Lesia recap 2025, share highlights from puppy sniffer and intro to nose work classes, and discuss training insights for competition and teamwork. They talk about assessing driving and reinforcement, handling different breeds and ages, navigating ANKC and ACSW trials, learning from setbacks, and setting goals for 2026 including more element trials, maintaining fun, and entering dogs at the right levels.

Episode 25: A Hot Topic!

Welcome back to the K9 Nose Time Podcast! Today we’re talking about a topic that becomes incredibly important as we move into the warmer months — keeping your nose work dog cool, safe, and comfortable when travelling or waiting in the car. Whether you're heading to class or spending the whole day at a trial, your dog’s well-being starts long before you enter the search area. Heat stress can creep up quickly, and the goal is always prevention, not reaction. So let’s talk the simple, practical steps you can take to keep your dog safe.

Episode 24 - Camp, Trials and Class Reboot

In this episode of K9 Nose Time, Lesia and Danielle catch up after a break with updates on their new four-week class format, practical training tips, and how to strengthen the handler-dog connection for better performance in competition. They share camp highlights with International and Australian instructors, discuss favourite classes like 'three-hide puzzles' and 'corners, perimeters and thresholds', and reflect on recent trial experiences, passes and judging/CO perspectives. The episode finishes with a run-through of upcoming events and specialty trials across New South Wales and Australia, plus how listeners can get involved.

Episode 23: Are you ACTUALLY ready for that trial?

New Podcast Episode Alert: Are you ACTUALLY ready for that trial you entered? We’re diving deep into the world of trial preparation and mental readiness in our latest episode of the K9 Nose Time Podcast! Lesia and Danielle share their insights and experiences on everything from preparing for trials, setting realistic goals, and training strategies for newbie dogs, to handling the pressure of trialing whilst being an instructor. Here’s what you’ll get from this episode: Expert tips on preparing yourself and your dog for trials The importance of mental readiness and its impact on performance The do's and don'ts of over-trialing and balancing training with competition A sneak peek into training plans for upcoming Odor Recognition Tests (ORTs) Insights into nosework training and strategies for higher level dogs Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting your scent work journey, this episode is packed with valuable, relatable, and FUN tips you won’t want to miss! Tune in now and get ready to level up your training!