Explore every episode of the podcast K9 Nose Time

Welcome to K9 Nose Time, the podcast celebrating scent detection for fun. In this episode we unpack container misses, false alerts and distractors, discuss odour thresholds and arousal, and share practical training tips for reading your dog and improving team confidence in trials.

We also talk about building a positive training approach, exposing dogs to varied environments, and keeping the joy in nose work whether you trial or just train for fun.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Welcome to K9 Nose Time Podcast with hosts Danielle & Lesia. The podcast dedicated to scent work and nose work enthusiasts across New South Wales and Australia!

In this episode, we’re taking a moment to reflect on an eventful 2024—a year full of training, trialing, and sniffy adventures. We'll share personal achievements, lessons learned, and progress made within the scent work community. Plus, we’re setting our sights on an exciting 2025 filled with new goals and opportunities. Tune in as we celebrate the journey, the wins, and the growth of this incredible sport. Let’s keep those noses working!

Welcome to this episode of K9 Nose Time, the podcast dedicated to the fascinating world of scent detection. Join hosts Danielle and Lesia as they delve into the terminology used in Australian scent work and nose work, clarifying common confusions for newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

Discover the origins and methodologies behind K9 Nose Work, a trademarked training approach developed by ex-detection dog handlers, and learn how it has evolved and been adapted in Australia. The episode also explores the role of different trial organizations, such as ACSW and Dogs Australia, and how they contribute to maintaining high standards in scent work competitions.

Welcome to K9 Nose Time, the podcast celebrating scent detection for fun. Join us for insights into building a connection in your team, tips for competency and success in competition, and to keep up to date with recent and upcoming scent work events here in New South Wales and around Australia.

In this episode, hosts Lesia and Danielle recap a weekend filled with back-to-back nosework trials. They discuss the highs and lows of hosting and competing, sharing their personal experiences and the valuable lessons learned. From navigating searches to dealing with unexpected challenges, they provide a detailed look at what it takes to succeed in nosework competitions.

Lesia and Danielle also share stories of the diverse range of dogs that participated, from seasoned veterans to enthusiastic newcomers. They reflect on the importance of maintaining a strong connection with your dog and the joy that comes from working together as a team, regardless of the trial outcomes.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or new to the world of scent detection, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to hear about their plans for future trials!

Get your expressions of interest in for Mantrailing too! The newest scent work sport in NSW!

Welcome to K9 Nose Time, the podcast celebrating scent detection for fun. Join us for insights into building a connection in your team, tips for competency and success in competition, and to keep up to date with recent and upcoming scent work events here in New South Wales and around Australia.

In this episode, we discuss the upcoming K9 Nose Time hosted events, including Nosework 1 on July 20th and Nosework 3 on July 21st. We also share tips and strategies for preparing your dog for these trials, emphasizing the importance of practicing foundational skills and creating a fun, motivating environment for your canine companions.

Additionally, we highlight the return of our classes on July 30th and the introduction of four new beginner classes this term. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or new to scent work, there's something for everyone at K9 Nose Time.

Stay tuned for more updates and a big announcement!

Welcome to K9 Nose Time, the podcast celebrating scent detection for fun. Join us for insights into building a connection in your team, tips for competency and success in competition, and to keep up to date with recent and upcoming scent work events here in New South Wales and around Australia.

In this episode, we delve into the challenges and solutions for training dogs not to eliminate in search areas. This issue can lead to instant disqualification in competitions, making it crucial for teams to address. Our hosts, Danielle and Lesia, share their experiences and strategies for maintaining focus and consistency in training.

We discuss the importance of setting dogs up for success, recognising the signs of distraction, and implementing effective handling techniques. Learn how to establish a reliable pee cue, manage anxiety, and create a clear search routine. Tune in for practical advice to enhance your scent work training.

In this episode, Danielle and Lesia dive into the intricacies of what happens when your dog gets to source in a search. They explore key questions like when to pay, why we pay, and what exactly we are paying for. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the nuances of scent work and the importance of reward timing.

This episode unpacks some of the benefits and potential side effects of engaging your furry friends in multiple sports while aiming to keep their scent detection abilities sharp.

Our hosts share their training experiences and highlight how each dog's skills and interests guide their training journey. They underscore the importance of establishing a solid foundation in all sports and discuss the delicate balance needed to avoid confusion while trying to enhance their scent detection prowess.

The discussion further emphasizes letting dogs lead during scent detection, stating it reveals much about their unique personalities and inherent problem-solving abilities. The episode ends with a reminder of caution against rushing dogs into odor training and competition. Instead, strengthening the core nose work skills and keeping a balance with other sports are advised for optimal outcomes.

Both hosts discuss the significance of foundational training in nose work, the viable transition from food searching to odor searches, and pinpoint how a well-rounded training program can contribute to a dog’s overall skill set if delivered with clarity and context. The podcast ends with useful tips on rewarding dogs for their best performances during training.

Join us in this stimulating conversation and discover the intricacies of dog training, helping you unlock your canine companion's true potential.

Planning ahead for 2024

Goals for handlers

Goals for dogs

Record keeping and accountability

NW3 Online

Nurturing New Nosework Puppies: First steps with socialisation

Introducing Flare and Bug, we talk about creating confident puppies through thoughtful socialisation. What to think about, and how to go about introducing your puppy to the world.

This week we talk about: 

• Dec 3, 2023 Level 1 Exterior Element Trial in Dural
• Second-guessing the hide location
• How handler trial behaviour can differ from training
• Building back clarity after a trial

Podcast: nosetime.podbean.com

Website: www.k9nosetime.com.au

Instagram: @k9nosetimeofficial

Twitter: @k9nosetime

This week we talk about:

• What does your team need for trial day?
• What to expect at ACSW and ANKC trials
• Trialing with reactive dogs
• Searching skills at an ORT & Novice Levels

Lesia Burford (K9 Nose Time Lead Instructor & CNWI) and Danielle Leong (CPDT-KA) are both K9 Nose Time Instructors, taking classes at Castle Hill, NSW Sydney. Danielle also runs her business Confident Canines that specialises in behavior modification and training.

You can contact us at:

Lesia Burford - hello@k9nosetime.com.au 

Danielle Leong - k9confident@gmail.com 

Happy Sniffing!

A debrief on the Nose Work 2 trial from Sunday, October 29 in NSW. 

We chat about:

- Our experience in the searches

- The Dog in White

- Calling Alert & Finish

- What is on next! 

Happy Sniffing!

- Lesia & Danielle

This week we chat with Danielle from Confident Canines about:

• ORT's Odour Recognition Tests
• Tips for training in a class setting
• Treats and distractors!
• Not being boring with food!
• Upcoming Events

- Lesia Burford

I had a chat with Danielle Leong from Confident Canines a few days after the Inaugural Nose Work 3 Trial held on the Sunshine Coast in QLD, hosted by Ultimate K9. Listen in to get some first impressions, find out what was new, unexpected, and just how much fun it was! Happy sniffing!

K9 Nose Time (Lesia Burford) caught up with Confident Canines (Danielle Leong) to chat about the recent Inaugural K9 Nose Work Down Under Camp! 

Photo: Nettle from Confident Canines taken by Lesia Burford

K9 Nose Time: www.k9nosetime.com.au

Instagram: @k9nosetimeofficial 

Facebook: @k9nosetime

Confident Canines: https://www.confidentcanines.com.au/ 

Instagram: @k9confident

Inaugural K9 Nose Work Down Under Camp information for campers, working teams, and auditors. 

Jennifer Gambell from the logistics team talks about the facilities, accommodation, meals, group classes, daily structure, and more!

A quick chat about what you can expect at an L1C Element Specialty Trial

Happy Sniffing!

I hope you enjoy this chat with Danielle from Confident Canines! We are talking all about puppies and touch on expectations, training, learning from the past, management, fun and connection. We also chat about some things you can do to prepare for your puppy and also some of the ways Danielle is incorporating training into everyday life and preparing her pup to be a good canine citizen and a future dog sport partner. 

You can find more details about Confident Canine on her website at Confident Canines

Photo: Nettle and Rory

Join Lesia from K9 Nose Time and Danielle from Confident Canine for a chat about training Nose Work with intent. 

A brief look at how ACSW and ANKC both include intentional distractors in their trials in Australia. Some training ideas and troubleshooting when dealing with intentional and unintentional distractors. 

Join Lesia from K9 Nose Time and Danielle from Confident Canine to discuss odour ethics, care and storage. Plus the latest events from around NSW. 

What is an element trial? Structure and requirements. 

Training gaps trialing can show us?

This week at K9 Nose Time: Vehicles and wind direction.