Titles and Awards

The ACSW currently offers three national title levels for dogs and handlers competing in the sport of K9 Nose Work®: Nose Work 1, 2 and 3 as well as element titles at the NW3 level and an NW3 Elite title. A title is awarded for passing all four elements of competition in one trial day and must be earned before advancing to the next level of competition.  See the Title Parameters for all 6 levels.

NW1: recognizes proficiency in one target odour.

NW2: recognizes proficiency in two target odors and increases the difficulty level with larger search areas, more hidden odours, and more environmental distractors.

NW3: recognizes proficiency in three target odours and greatly increases the difficulty level.

NW3 Element titles: achieved by successfully completing an individual element three times at the NW3 level. For example, completing the NW3 level container search element at three different trials earns an NW3-C. Earning all four element titles is not equivalent to earning an NW3 title, which requires passing all for elements in one trial day.

Element specialty titles – are currently being considered for future ACSW competitions.

In addition to titles, dogs and handlers can earn awards for individual element placement and overall placement in ACSW sanctioned trials.

Bravo award: This award is presented at each NW1 trial to the most outstanding rescue dog that demonstrates extraordinary ability and spirit in K9 Nose Work. The Bravo award is named in honour of Bravo the Border Collie, a noble rescue dog, and the first to be trained in K9 Nose Work® in Australia.

ACSW