Glossary

Nosework

A dog sport in which dogs search rooms, vehicles, outdoor areas and containers for a specific trained odor and alert their handlers.

Also called: nose work, scent work trials, K9 nose work, AKC Scent Work, canine nose work

Nosework is a competitive sport based on the way detection dogs work. A dog is taught to find one or more target odors, usually essential oils such as birch, anise or clove, and to show the handler where they are. Searches take place in containers, interiors, exteriors and vehicles, and the handler follows the dog's lead.

Several organizations run trials, including the National Association of Canine Scent Work and the American Kennel Club, each with its own rules and levels.

Most dogs can compete, including mixed breeds, seniors and dogs that are shy or reactive, since the dog works at its own pace. It is not the same as professional detection work, which is trained for real hazards, and it is open to ordinary pet owners.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Scent work Any activity in which a dog uses its nose to find a target odor, from backyard hide-and-seek games to trained detection jobs. Sense of smell A dog's main sense, thousands of times more sensitive than ours by some estimates, with far more scent receptors and a dedicated airflow in the nose. Enrichment Giving a dog chances to use its natural abilities, such as sniffing, chewing, foraging and problem solving, to improve its well-being. Snuffle mat A fabric mat with many strips or pockets in which food is hidden so that a dog has to sniff and forage for it.