This class introduces dog-and-handler teams to K9 Nose Work. Dogs learn to hunt through the box game using treats or toys, while handlers learn to read their dog's body language. Dogs work individually and rest in crates between runs, and handlers are encouraged to watch other teams to improve their own handling skills. The class builds indoor search skills, adds difficulty to box searches, and introduces other objects and elevated hide locations.

This class continues box work and begins adding environmental search items. Teams search chairs, desks, tables, cabinets, high hides, low hides, and similar objects. Exterior and vehicle searches are also introduced. The class continues building the dog's drive to search, stamina for longer searches, and confidence in new search areas, while handlers work on leash skills, reading the dog, scent theory, and proper reward technique.

This class introduces exterior and vehicle searches, which are part of the sport of K9 Nose Work. Dog-and-handler teams learn to search outdoors in natural areas and around vehicles. Teams apply scent theory in practical settings and build search skills in exterior areas and on a variety of vehicles.

This class begins transferring the dog's desire to search for a primary food reward to odor using essential oils such as birch, anise, and clove. Handlers continue refining leash handling and reward technique, including reward timing and placement as the primary reward is faded. The class returns to interior searches and also includes exteriors and vehicles. Teams are prepared for competition and odor-recognition testing.

This class is for teams that have completed Nose Work I and II and Intro to Odor. Dogs search for odor alone and may be working on birch, anise, and/or clove. Teams gain experience in all four search elements, and teams that want to compete work on trial skills. Because Nose Work is an individual sport, each run is tailored to the specific dog-and-handler team.

This class is for teams with solid experience across all four NACSW search elements who are actively preparing for or have recently completed their first trial. Work focuses on consistency under trial-like pressure — timed searches, blind hides, unfamiliar search areas, and the handler skills needed to call a confident alert. Each run is tailored to the individual team's weakest elements. Dogs should be working reliably on birch, anise, and clove.