Building Clarity In Nosework: The Handler’s Turn

A Seminar with Michele Ellertson, NACSW CO and CNWI

Sunday April 19th, 2026

Clean Run, 17 Industrial Dr., South Hadley, MA

Registration info coming soon!

This seminar focuses on how handler choices, movement, timing, and decision-making shape canine understanding in nosework. We’ll explore how inconsistency, hesitation, or unconscious pressure can create confusion, and how thoughtful, intentional handling supports clearer communication and more confident searching. We’ll look at how to provide information without micromanaging, when to step in and when to stay out of the way, and how handler clarity allows dogs to work with confidence and purpose. From leash support to using body pressure we will practically look at how our actions build or break the partnership.

Who it’s for: This seminar is for handlers who want to improve how they are making choices during a search, and explore what sorts of handling affects their dog’s clarity.