Our Services
Small group nose work classes designed to strengthen the handler/dog relationship through clear communication, strategy, and trial-ready search skills.
For additional information regarding schedules, pricing, and availability, please email us at EscentialNWABCs@gmail.com .
Immersive nose work sessions designed for refining skills. Handlers leave with practical techniques they can apply immediately. Ideal for focused improvement.
For additional information regarding schedules, pricing, and availability, please email us at EscentialNWABCs@gmail.com .
One-on-one training tailored to your team. Assessing gaps, strengths, and custom searches for your team. Each session includes actionable feedback and at-home guidance.
For additional information regarding schedules, pricing, and availability, please email us at EscentialNWABCs@gmail.com .
Who We Are
Canine scent work is a sport that welcomes dogs and handlers of all ages, abilities, sizes, and temperaments—creating an opportunity for every team to engage, grow, and compete if they choose. At the heart of our training is the belief that scent work strengthens the unique bond between dog and handler, building trust, confidence, and communication through teamwork. Our greatest passion is helping others succeed, whether that means enjoying the journey, meeting personal training milestones, or reaching trialing goals. We are dedicated to supporting each team as they discover their potential and deepen their connection together.
Email us at EscentialNWABCs@gmail.com
Our Team
I’m Karen Allen and I started scent work/nosework in late 2016 at the suggestion of my dear friend Teri Beeman who knew that my rescue Heeler mix Aspen was not enjoying my own love of Musical Freestyle due to the pressure she felt with a watching audience. Although never dangerous, Aspen was a reactive dog which made it difficult for her to perform and stay focused in Freestyle but she very much loved taking the lead in our hikes and sniffing as she went. After our initial introduction and progressive practice in nosework, Aspen and I started trialing in UKC Nosework.
My second nosework dog, Newton, joined me in July of 2017. While Aspen moved up in trial levels (retiring at age 14), Newton’s own advancement in those same trials was delayed which ultimately translated into an AKC Scent Work Excellent Elite title. Newton went on to earn his AKC Scent Work Master Elite title and in 2025 Newt and I earned the AKC Scent Work Detective title along with UKC Elite Nosework title. That same year, Newton also earned his AKC Tracking Title Certificate.
In March of 2024, I adopted my youngest dog Larkin who is also a rescue and has been successfully trialing in scent work since the beginning of 2025.
Along this journey my love for the sport became so great that I wanted to become an AKC Scent Work judge. For the year of 2020, I focused on exceeding the AKC requirements for judge’s certification; shadowing AKC Expert judges, assisting Senior judges, working with Trial Chairs and working with my mentor judge. At the same time, I continued to trial with Newton who became my own demo dog once I was approved as a provisional judge in March 2021 and subsequently a fully licensed AKC Scent Work judge able to judge all element levels along with Detective. My judging assignments continue and I’ve enjoyed working with thousands of teams across 5 different states. My love of the sport and gained experience have also given me the opportunity to support my local dog training club by teaching and assisting others with scent work classes.
A journey that started with watching Aspen gain confidence in solving odor puzzles - even in front of an audience - has become a desire to share my knowledge and experience with other teams desiring the same thing, which is confidence and enrichment partnering with your dog as it does what dogs do best…following their nose.
Karen Allen
A little about me, Sheela Standley. I’m a retired Veterinary Technician, a Pierce College graduate, and spent 10 years working in vet clinics. I later transitioned into Massage Therapy, where I have practiced for 20 years. I’m married, have four adult children, seven grandchildren, many beloved grand animals—and a dog of my own, who inspired this journey. My five-year-old “Ferrari” field-line Chocolate Labrador, Dove!
My lifelong love of animals began early owning a wide variety of pets, farm animals, and even a few orphaned wild ones. My formal dog training journey began in 2021 with Dove, who quickly showed she needed both mental and physical enrichment. This led us into the world of dog sports, most notably, scent work.
Dove’s enthusiasm for nosework inspired my deep dive into everything from odor theory and hide placement to handling skills, canine cognition, and odor puzzles. Dove is currently competing at the AKC Master level and is one qualf from earning her overall AKC Scent Work Master title. Our training and trialing journey strengthened our bond, sharpened my skills, and reinforced the importance of teamwork and continual learning.
To further develop as a handler and instructor, I have spent the last three years training and trialing and two years assisting with scent work classes at the Spokane Dog Training Club. I continue to learn through seminars, webinars, podcasts, trials, and private study with AKC judge and representative Hallie McMullen. I have also volunteered at both AKC and UKC trials and been on SDTC’s scent work committee.
My teaching goal is to help teams reach their competitive potential while building a deeper, more trusting partnership with their dogs. I am passionate and love to “nerd out” all things scent work. My motto is “Never Stop Learning” and look forward to sharing in YOUR learning journey!