About Sandra
A lifelong student of the search.
Instructor, competitor, and AKC and ASCA judge, teaching teams to trust the dog’s nose and understand the work.
Sandra Tung
I have competed in K9 Nose Work since 2011 and taught Nose Work and Scent Work since 2020. The dogs I have trained and trialed have taught me that good training meets the dog in front of us.
My own teams have competed through NACSW Elite and Summit and in AKC Scent Work, including Detective. I have trained dogs with different temperaments and search styles, and I bring that range of experience to each class.
I have judged AKC Scent Work since the program began in 2017 and judge ASCA Scent Detection nationally. I completed Segment 1 of the NACSW Certified Nose Work Instructor program in 2025.
How I teach
I care about what the dog learns from each hide. I start with a strong desire to hunt, use progressive challenges, and reward at source. I want handlers to recognize odor-driven behavior without adding pressure that changes the picture.
As a team grows, the work becomes a collaboration: the dog follows odor; the handler helps with access, coverage, and timing. I teach both partners to contribute while keeping the dog’s answer its own.
- Teaching
- Group Nose Work and Scent Work classes since 2020
- Judging
- AKC Scent Work and ASCA Scent Detection
- Competition
- NACSW Elite and Summit; AKC Detective
- Location
- Based in Bothell, Washington
Continue the conversation
Let’s work with the dog you have.
Tell me your dog’s experience and what you hope to build together.
My own teammates
The dogs behind the work.
Meet Cajun, Chiron, and Jelly Bean—the dogs I train, trial, and keep learning with.
