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.

Her professional background spans environmental science and information technology a background which provides her with a combination of scientific, technical, and practical experience that she brings to Scent Work training and search design.

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 Sports and NACSW programs, giving her broad experience across a variety of search styles and training philosophies.

As a judge and Chief Search Designer Carol is committed to designing fair, thoughtful, and level-appropriate searches that challenge teams while supporting a positive trial experience.

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 training tailored to meet each team’s goals, experience and learning style.

Known for her patient and supportive teaching approach, she works to build clear communication, confidence, and strong teamwork between dogs and handlers.

Whether helping novice teams develop foundational skills or guiding advanced competitors through complex search puzzles, Carol is dedicated to helping each team become the best version of themselves.

Carol is the developer of K9Search.com, an all-in-one Scent Work training application designed for instructors, judges, and handlers.

K9Search.com allows users to easily document searches in detail,

while integrated analytics allow users to visualize performance and track progress over time.

Carol is also the author of Scent Work with Your Dog: A Guide to Training and Trials, a practical guide to training and competing in Scent Work, available on Amazon

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.”