Seminars and Workshops

We host nose work seminars and workshops several times a year. Please sign up if you'd like to be notified. Please note that this newsletter is specifically for nose work events. If you're interested in general training events, please sign up for the newsletter on the Country Canine website.


UPCOMING EVENTS

Scent Detection Workshops with Lauralea Oliver CNWI
Summer 2026

Lauralea Oliver of k9inSCENTive will be back in Hawaii in June of 2026. Lauralea is an Ecological Detection Dog Trainer and Handler and an International Speaker on canine scent work and scent detection dogs. Through NACSW she is a Certified Nose Work Instructor®, Trial Judge and Certifying Official. Lauralea has made a career working of with dogs which began in 2000. Her years of experience include working with dogs in many environments and disciplines including shelter and rescue dogs, working dogs, sporting dogs and companion dogs.

Read more about Lauralea here.

CANCELLATION POLICY: There is a $15 cancellation fee for both working spots and auditing spots.

INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS
(for dogs with minimal or no previous experience)
Saturday June 20, 2026
Waialua, Oahu

Scent Work 101 - Saturday June 20, 2026 / 9:00am - 12:30pm

This is workshop for dogs that are brand new to scent work. Dogs of all ages, sizes, and physical abilities are welcome. No obedience experience is required. Dogs have a natural desire to hunt, which can be channeled to food and toy searches using their sense of smell. This workshop is designed not only for the dog owner looking for a fun outlet for their dog, but also for dogs with a variety of temperaments that may benefit from this calming and confidence-building activity:

  • Shy and nervous dogs can gain confidence by using their natural instincts.
  • Excitable dogs will burn mental and physical energy and learn to focus.
  • Old dogs can enjoy a physically low-impact game in the comfort of their own homes.
  • Newly adopted dogs will develop a bond with you since you will work together as a team.
  • Mildly reactive dogs that can’t participate in regular dog sports can enjoy scent work since we work with one dog at a time.

Price for half-day workshop:

  • Working Spot: $135 (attending with dog)
  • Auditing Spot: $35 (attending without dog)
  • CANCELLATION POLICY: There is a $15 cancellation fee for both working spots and auditing spots.

Scent Work 201 - Saturday June 20, 2026 / 1:30-5:00pm

This workshop is for those that have taken an introductory workshop or class series, and are interested in learning the next steps. Dogs will be introduced to:

  • Environmental searches in new interior and exterior spaces
  • Variety of hide placements and airflow challenges
  • Container searches in different formations

Handlers will learn leash handling skills and observation skills that will help them become good partners to their dogs. Participants will also learn the skills needed in order to advance to target odor training.

NOTE: If you are signed up for Scent Work 101, you may also take Scent Work 201, but please be aware that being at a workshop for a full day can be exhausting for some dogs. Please contact Kyoko to discuss whether this is suitable for your dog.

Price for half-day workshop:

  • Working Spot: $135 (attending with dog)
  • Auditing Spot: $35 (attending without dog)
  • CANCELLATION POLICY: There is a $15 cancellation fee for both working spots and auditing spots.

Workshop Attendance Criteria:

  • Dog must be comfortable being crated or waiting in their vehicle between turns.
  • Dog must not have aggression towards people/strangers. Mild reactivity is acceptable.
  • Dog must not have serious aggression towards other dogs. Mild reactivity is acceptable since we will run the dogs one at a time.
  • Dogs with mild separation anxiety may be managed if you bring a helper to sit with your dog when it's not your dog's turn. It is recommended that the primary dog handler observes the other dogs' searches, i.e. when it's not their own dog's turn to search.

Registration

  • Please email kyoko@countrycaninehawaii.com to confirm space availability, and mention which workshop or workshops you're interested in (101 and/or 201).
  • Once space is confirmed, please make your payment using one of the methods HERE. Credit card, Paypal, Zelle or Venmo is preferred, since there is a delay with mailed checks.
  • Working spots will be reserved for you once we receive your payment.

 

SKILL BUILDING WORKSHOPS for AKC NOVICE and ADVANCED LEVELS
Friday June 19, 2026 / Sunday June 21, 2026
Waialua, Oahu

This workshop is for dogs that are competing at the Novice or Advanced levels of AKC Scent Work, or are training at the equivalent skill level. Lauralea will cover airflow challenges, hide placements, motivational exercises, and partnering/handling skills that are relevant for dogs that are newer to target odor and multi-hide searches.

Participants may attend one or both workshops. Hide placements and search areas will be different from one workshop to the next.

  • Friday June 19, 2026 (Federal Holiday) - 9:00am - 12:30pm
  • Sunday June 21, 2026 - 1:30-5:00pm

Price for each half-day workshop:

  • Working Spot: $125 (attending with dog) per half-day workshop
  • Auditing Spot: $30 (attending without dog) per half-day workshop
  • CANCELLATION POLICY: There is a $15 cancellation fee for both working spots and auditing spots.

Pre-requisite: Dog must be on birch and anise odors. Dog must be comfortable being crated or waiting in vehicle between searches.

Registration

  • Please email kyoko@countrycaninehawaii.com to confirm space availability.
  • Once space is confirmed, please make your payment using one of the methods HERE.
  • Working spots will be reserved for you once we receive your payment.


SKILL BUILDING WORKSHOPS for AKC EXCELLENT LEVEL and BEYOND
Friday June 19, 2026 / Sunday June 21, 2026
Waialua, Oahu

This workshop is for dogs that are trialing at the Excellent or higher levels of AKC Scent Work. Lauralea will cover airflow challenges, odor puzzles, blank areas, larger search areas, and partnering/handling skills that are relevant to the higher levels of competition and training.

Participants may attend one or both workshops. Hide placements and search areas will be different from one workshop to the next.

  • Friday June 19, 2026 (Federal Holiday) - 1:30-5:00pm
  • Sunday June 21, 2026 - 9:00am - 12:30pm

Price for each half-day workshop:

  • Working Spot: $125 (attending with dog) per half-day workshop
  • Auditing Spot: $30 (attending without dog) per half-day workshop
  • CANCELLATION POLICY: There is a $15 cancellation fee for both working spots and auditing spots.

Pre-requisite: Dog must be on birch, anise and clove odors. Dog must be comfortable being crated or waiting in vehicle between searches.

Registration

  • Please email kyoko@countrycaninehawaii.com to confirm space availability.
  • Once space is confirmed, please make your payment using one of the methods HERE.
  • Working spots will be reserved for you once we receive your payment.

Scent Detection Workshops with Barbara Schwerdt CNWI
Saturday October 10, 2026
Sunday October 11, 2026
Monday October 12, 2026 (Federal Holiday)

We're super excited to host Barbara Schwerdt again in the fall of 2026. Barbara is a founding instructor with National Association of Canine Scent Work as well as a Certified Nose Work Instructor®, Trial Judge and Certifying Official. Barbara also is an active competitor in the sport with her personal dogs, giving her a diverse nose work background with many great insights to share with students.

Read more about Barbara here.

More workshop details will be posted soon....