Top competitor, FDSA Instructor, International Seminar Clinician, Podcaster, SAR K9 Handler

Stacy Barnett

Stacy Barnett, founder of Scentsabilities Nosework, is a highly successful top competitor, working dog handler, and talented instructor. Stacy is available both online and in person. Online classes are available through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy and through the Thinkific platform. Frequent webinars and workshops available.

Train with stacy

Nosework

Learn with Stacy

Online Classes through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy

Classes are geared towards all levels of competitors, regardless of your venue of choice! Come see why Stacy’s FDSA classes receive consistent accolades.

See Upcoming Classes and FDSA Webinars and Workshops

Exclusive Coaching Community

Join a supportive and intimate group of fellow enthusiasts with personal access to Stacy and weekly events.

Learn More About the Scentsabilities Nosework Coaching Community

ZOOM Coaching for 1 on 1 Access to Stacy

Zoom Sessions targeting YOUR needs are available. 30, 45, 60 minute options. Let’s review your videos and craft a plan for YOU.

See Zoom Coaching Options

Learn about Nosework on the blog and podcast

Want access to free educational resources? Read Stacy’s blog and listen to her podcast which she co-hosts with Robin Greubel of K9Sensus Foundation, K9 Detection Collaborative

Read the Blog OR Listen to the Podcast

NEW Premium Content

Unlimited LIFETIME Access to recent webinars as well as upcoming class offerings outside of FDSA now available!

See NEW Premium Content OR 35+ Videos on Demand for 2024 and older webinars

Distraction Camp and Intentional Handling and Hide Setting Camps

Come to the K9Sensus Foundation in Lucas, IA for unique and immersive training with Stacy Barnett and Robin Greubel.

For more information on camps

What is Nosework?

Nosework is one of the fastest growing dog sports in the world. It’s modeled after real world detection.

In Nosework, your dog searches for essential oils, usually on cotton swab. You may search inside buildings, out in the open, boxes and luggage, on vehicles and even buried in the ground! Every search is different and exciting. This is a timed sport where the dog’s skill and handling come together.

Nosework is a sport that every dog and handler can do. It’s a great way to focus hyper dogs and calm nervous dogs. You will be surprised how Nosework can build confidence. Plus it’s FUN!

What can it do for your dog?

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Engage his brain

Did you know that 1/8th of your dog’s brain is dedicated to olfaction? Nosework engages the whole canine brain in ways that your dog loves.

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Build Confidence

Doing Nosework the right way builds confidence biologically and soothes the canine brain. It can build confidence and reduce fear-based reactivity.

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Build Your Bond

There is nothing so beautiful as a handler working lockstep with a scenting dog. Your dog will love spending time with you doing Nosework!

Latest Blog Posts

Your Dog is a MASTER at Reading YOU!

Our dogs are MASTERS at reading us. That’s kind of their whole thing!! Your dog has been studying you since the day you brought them home. They know what your face does when dinner is coming and what your shoulders do right before you grab the car keys. Most of us couldn’t name half the little things we do that they’ve already picked up on.

So of course they’re watching you in a search area. If our body, our leash or our timing has been giving them answers, they’ll use them! Why wouldn’t they? Reading you is easy. Working odor in a tight spot with wicked airflow is hard.

Here’s the part that surprises people… it goes both ways. While our dogs are reading us, they’re also training US. Think about it. Your dog gets close, looks back at you, you lean toward the hide, they find it, and they get paid. Next time they look back a little sooner… and you help a little sooner. Nobody planned it, but you’ve BOTH been trained! The dog learned that the look gets an answer, and you learned that helping gets a find.

It feels like teamwork, and in a way it is. But that kind of teamwork falls apart the minute you’re on a blind hide and don’t have the answer to give.

Let Sun and Shade Move Your Odor

I get asked about fans a LOT. Can you use a fan to teach your dog about airflow? Absolutely!! Fans are great for isolating one idea at a time…. and I DO use them! But if you're setting up in your backyard or local park... you might already be standing in one of the...

Cataloging… or Shopping?

“Cataloging” is one of those words we hear a lot in nosework. It sounds pretty sophisticated, doesn’t it? It makes it sound like the dog is taking inventory of the search area, gathering information, and making a plan. Is it possible that that is what is happening?...

“I will seek out Stacy again. I so enjoyed her teaching style and sharing her experiences really helps prepare you. I feel I have a good plan and much better understanding of what we need to succeed at the higher levels of NoseWork.”

“Stacy is so organized - works individually with each dog at the stage they are at -lots of positive feedback and helpful critiques. Love how she breaks complex ideas down into the parts and has us practice each of the parts before putting them together into the whole exercise.”

“Another phenomenal six weeks!!! Class after class Stacy brings out the best in everyone and provides detailed insight and feedback. She ensures success and encourages her students to challenge themselves while building confidence.”

Success

Training Philosophy

Stacy structures everything around her Pyramid: The Four Cornerstones of Trial Preparation. Confidence and Motivation are sacred. Emotions can be trained. Arousal is a habit. These are core concepts of what she teaches.

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