After covering my first AKC Scent Work trial in February, I was invited to photograph the next event, which happened to be NACSW. It was only a few weeks later, and I felt the same nerves walking into something new. This time it was a mix of levels, with dogs competing in NW1, NW3, and Elite Select.
What struck me right away was how NACSW is structured a little differently. Even the lower levels included vehicle searches, something that AKC didn’t have. The dogs started the day with the vehicle searches. It added a different kind of challenge, and it gave me the chance to capture dogs working in environments that looked and felt completely new.
The rest of the trial had the same energy I have already come to love about scent work. Focused dogs, attentive handlers, and that amazing moment of recognition when the alert happens. Every team had their own rhythm, and every search told its own story.
By the end of the weekend, I knew this was something I wanted to keep doing. NACSW had its own flavor, and getting to experience that right after my first AKC event gave me perspective on both. What started as a last minute opportunity at Copper State Scent Work Club had already grown into something bigger, and I left this trial knowing I was hooked.
