Online Classes
Taught through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, classrooms are open 24/7 and run for 6 weeks. Working and auditing spots available.
NW101: Introduction to Nosework
Strong Foundations. Clear Communication. Odor-Driven Learning.
Nosework is one of the fastest-growing dog sports for good reason — it’s fun, builds confidence, and is suitable for dogs of all ages and temperaments. Nosework is especially helpful for dogs who struggle with reactivity or low confidence. Even in just a few weeks, you’ll see your dog tuning out distractions and focusing on target odor.
This course is unique because we start on odor from day one — no food searching. We use a proven backchaining method similar to the one used to train top detection dogs. The approach is effective for everything from sensitive or unfocused dogs to high-drive workers. Many teams earn their ORT and Novice titles after our introductory courses.
You’ll learn core Nosework concepts: how odor moves, how to handle equipment and hides, how to build strong odor obedience, and how to make searching both clear and motivating for your dog
Get a head start by conditioning your dog to odor using the sample lecture in the Enroll link on the left.
The progression was logical and systematic, but with the flexibility to tailor to the strengths and preferences of each dog. Feedback was timely and very supportive. It was educational to see the variety of breeds of dogs in the class mature in their skills during the course. As someone who has a non-traditional work schedule, finding a quality on-line class is the perfect fit!
I had hesitated to try Nosework because it didn’t seem as exciting as other sports, but as a novice handler with an independent, reactive dog, I wanted to find an activity that might come more naturally to us as a team…we are hooked! It is a special kind of thrill to see my dog starting to understand and search for odor, all in just 6 weeks.
- OPENS July 22, 2026!
- Course runs August 1st – September 11th
- Pricing starts at $65 to audit (Bronze)
- Working spots available (Gold) – work 1:1 with Julie!
- Last day to signup is August 15th.
- Instructor: Julie Symons with TA Denise Gormish
NW335: Nosework Handling: Insights and Improvements
Is your handling helping or getting in the way?
Have you ever walked out of a search wondering whether your handling got in the way of a better performance?
We’ve all been there.
Handling plays a much bigger role in Nosework than many of us realize. Without meaning to, we can create confusion through our movement, timing, leash management, body position, or the support we provide our dogs.
Seemingly small handling decisions can have a big impact on search performance. In this class, we’ll identify common handling pitfalls and learn practical techniques to improve communication, build confidence, and strengthen your partnership.
By the end of the class, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your handling style and practical strategies to better support your dog throughout a search.
Suitable for teams of all experience levels, this course provides a supportive environment to refine your handling skills, develop greater consistency, and become a more effective Nosework team.
Join us to elevate your handling skills and unlock the full potential of your partnership… because the best handling techniques are the ones that make sense for both you and your dog.
- OPENS July 22, 2026!
- Course runs August 1st – September 11th
- Pricing starts at $65 to audit (Bronze)
- Working spots available (Gold) – work 1:1 with Julie!
- Last day to signup is August 15th.
- Instructor: Julie Symons with TA Sarah Rida
This is an amazing course. With the subject of nosework “handling” quite a hot topic right now, with the usual arguments on social media, this course breaks down the philosophy of what we want to get out of our handling and how it affects the dog. From the basic footwork (heck, you can’t handle effectively if you don’t know what your own body is doing in space) to how our dogs read our communications, this course brings it all together without getting caught up in one specific “method.” No matter what sport we do with our dogs, excessive, mindless movement of the handler still “speaks” to the dog, and the dog needs to decipher what is random and what is real. With a proper plan of action, we can all learn to communicate effectively with our nosework dogs – whether we are seasoned handlers or newbies. There is a TON of information in this class, and as always, Julie is the most fantastic instructor, giving feedback that is actionable as well as being happy to engage in discussion about the principles. I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in Nosework, no matter your level. Thank you Julie!
I love that Julie is always seeking information to help her students in relevant ways. She gave us up to date information and handled a variety of views of handling respectfully. Students are safe to express needs and views in Julie’s class. She gives information, but listens to what her students think in response. She encourages ideas and problem solving! I love her classes!
I loved NW335! Having a class dedicated to NW Handling is the perfect complement to FDSA’s nose work program. As always, Julie’s lectures and her feedback were thoughtful and thorough. Handling your NW dog is nuanced, ever evolving and never “one size fits all”. Julie is able to meet her students where they are and offer suggestions to help strengthen each team. Regardless of where you are in your NW journey, I believe that everyone can benefit from this class. Additionally, the class offered a fantastic TA in Sarah Rida! Whether you enroll at Gold, Silver or Bronze, you will definitely gain insight into the role you play as a NW handler. Highly recommend!!