Seminars & Workshops
Advanced Handling to Emphasize
Joy & Drive in the Search
with
DANA ZINN
August 29 & 30, 2026
Olympia, WA
Information and registration – Coming Soon
Advanced Handling to Emphasize Joy & Drive in the Search
Dana joins is returning to Washington to bring her knowledge and first-hand experience in regard to more advanced handling and training concepts to support a truly dog-driven search.
- How can we work with our dogs when confronted with complicated scent pictures, and how do we assess whether they really need help?
- How do we train to build resilience for moments in trials when we choose to take over?
- What are our handling options when we want to make a suggestion?
- What is “proofing” and is it a necessary training tool?
- What should we do when our hide placements don’t go as planned? How long should we let our dog work?
These are just some of the things we will question and examine in this fun-filled and educational 2-day workshop. Dana will use video examples, and video review from live working teams, to facilitate the best learning possible. This will be an open forum for questions, lively discussions, and deep thoughts. You will leave with your minds full and excited to train and trial with your best friend and search partner!
DANA ZINN
Dana Zinn has been working with and training dogs since 1999. Her many years of dog training experience include working at the spcaLA as an Animal Behavior & Training Specialist.
Dana was involved in the first publicly offered nose work class in Long Beach, CA. She not only participated but eventually assisted in instruction. From there Dana became involved in the development of the K9 Nose Work® instructor certification program and in 2008 was one of the very first Certified Nose Work Instructors. Dana has taught nose work classes steadily since then.
Her career in the sport of nose work has included certifying official, supervising certifying official, and trial judge. She was also part of the NACSW education committee and helped to train new certifying officials joining the organization.
Her learning never stops as she continues to teach classes, instruct at camps, compete in trials, create webinars, and teach workshops. One of her proudest moments was placing first in the 2014 NACSW National Invitational.
Dana has participated in a variety of canine activities such as obedience, herding, agility and of course nose work. Dana moved from California with her family to Golden, Colorado in 2008