About Us

Carol Happel

With a strong foundation in both science and canine sports, Carol brings a thoughtful, team-centered approach to scent work judging and instruction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, a background that deepened her understanding of environmental conditions, airflow, odor movement, and the many variables that influence scent detection work.

Carol has earned advanced accomplishments across multiple scent and dog sport organizations, including AKC Master Scent Work titles (SWM) and Master Handler (SHDM), the USCSS Detective Dog Champion title (DDCH), and the prestigious Barn Hunt RATCHX title. She has also trained and competed in CPE Scent Sport and NACSW programs, giving her broad experience across a variety of search styles, rule structures, and training philosophies.

As a judge, Carol is committed to designing fair, thoughtful, and level-appropriate searches that challenge teams while supporting a positive trial experience. She values clarity, safety, accessibility, and good search flow, with careful attention to how environmental conditions, odor behavior, and search design affect the dog-handler team. Her goal is always to create searches that allow dogs to work confidently and successfully while appropriately testing the skills required at each level.

As an instructor and trainer, Carol believes that every dog and handler team is unique. She focuses on individualized training sessions tailored to each team’s goals, experience level, learning style, and challenges. Known for her patient and supportive teaching style, she works to build clear communication, confidence, problem-solving skills, and strong teamwork between dogs and handlers. Whether helping novice teams develop foundational skills or guiding advanced competitors through complex search problems, Carol is dedicated to helping each team become the best version of themselves.

Through her judging, teaching, and continued study of scent theory and canine behavior, Carol strives to promote thoughtful, ethical, and enjoyable scent work training that strengthens both performance and the bond between dog and handlers.

Testimonials

Here's What other people say about us:

"As a judge, Carol creates well thought out search areas that both challenge the dogs and meet all the requirements of the applicable governing body. Her experience and knowledge of Scent work helps participants achieve their best "

"I am pleased to recommend Carol Happel as a scent work judge. I have known Carol for many years while competing in both agility and scent work. She is an excellent instructor with extensive scent work knowledge. I have trialed under Carol as both an AKC and USCSS judge, finding it an enjoyable experience."

“My dog has taken Carol’s introductory, novice, and intermediate scent work classes. No two classes are ever the same and she makes sure to include elements from both AKC and USCSS. She’s a top notch instructor and judge!”

"My dog and I have trialed under Carol many times. I have found Carol to be fair and supportive to our efforts. Whether we "Q" or "NQ" Carol has always encouraged us in our pursuit of competence in nosework. "

“I enjoy trialing under Carol. She is a fair, fun and creative judge. Very friendly for novice level and challenging in upper levels.”