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The Dog-Driven Search: Handling Our Nose Work Dogs to Promote Independence, Joy, and Enthusiasm
The Dog-Driven Search is a handler's guide to working with a dog in the wonderful sport of nose work. Authors Zinn and Sternberg provide detailed explanations of human body language and the nonverbal conversations we are always having with our dogs. This book teaches the human half of the team how to fully support and trust the canine half of the team, so together they can experience the wonder of engaging in the dog's olfactory world.
Dana Zinn began her dog training career in 1998. She crafted her skills while volunteering, and eventually working at a shelter in Los Angeles. She then started her own dog training business where she helped clients with issues ranging from puppy training to aggression. Dana has studied under and worked with some of the top trainers and behaviorists in the country.
Sue Sternberg has devoted her personal and professional life to helping dogs and people live together happily. She is the author of numerous books and DVDs on dog adoption, canine body language and behavior, especially aggression. Her work educating shelter personnel on training, temperament testing and environmental enrichment has helped countless dogs find their forever homes.
Dana Zinn began her dog training career in 1998. She crafted her skills while volunteering, and eventually working at a shelter in Los Angeles. She then started her own dog training business where she helped clients with issues ranging from puppy training to aggression. Dana has studied under and worked with some of the top trainers and behaviorists in the country.
Sue Sternberg has devoted her personal and professional life to helping dogs and people live together happily. She is the author of numerous books and DVDs on dog adoption, canine body language and behavior, especially aggression. Her work educating shelter personnel on training, temperament testing and environmental enrichment has helped countless dogs find their forever homes.
- GenresDogs
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2024
20 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 11, 2026
I really learned a lot from this book. At the point where I I’m currently trialing (elite) I found it very interesting to observe how my dog and I work together compared to the suggestions in the book. He’s actually much less independent than I thought he was!
This might be a little bit of an information overload for people just getting started in nosework, but on the other hand, it might save you from cementing some bad habits into your practice!
The main point that I took away was, “trust your dog” which my various in-person teachers have also emphasized. But there comes a point when the dog is stuck in a fruitless search, or has failed to reach the far side of the room in a short search where the handler needs to do something in my opinion. In an untimed search, I can sit and watch my dog for 10 minutes, but is that really keeping his "bank of joy and enthusiasm" full, or is he overstimulated or frustrated?
I am thankful that I have a dog who has about as much joy and enthusiasm for searching as it is possible to fit into a canine skull. He lives for the search. So I have it easier, as Sternberg and Zinn say, I can make occasional withdrawals from that bank and not damage his love of the sport. There were some things in the book like the membranes between objects or whatever that I just couldn’t wrap my head around, but maybe I’ll give it another reading in a year or two and see if it makes more sense.
It’s not a totally professionally produced book and I ended up having to read it through a PDF reader sort of app. I’d recommend buying the paper one if you’re investing. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this for people at NW3 and above.
This might be a little bit of an information overload for people just getting started in nosework, but on the other hand, it might save you from cementing some bad habits into your practice!
The main point that I took away was, “trust your dog” which my various in-person teachers have also emphasized. But there comes a point when the dog is stuck in a fruitless search, or has failed to reach the far side of the room in a short search where the handler needs to do something in my opinion. In an untimed search, I can sit and watch my dog for 10 minutes, but is that really keeping his "bank of joy and enthusiasm" full, or is he overstimulated or frustrated?
I am thankful that I have a dog who has about as much joy and enthusiasm for searching as it is possible to fit into a canine skull. He lives for the search. So I have it easier, as Sternberg and Zinn say, I can make occasional withdrawals from that bank and not damage his love of the sport. There were some things in the book like the membranes between objects or whatever that I just couldn’t wrap my head around, but maybe I’ll give it another reading in a year or two and see if it makes more sense.
It’s not a totally professionally produced book and I ended up having to read it through a PDF reader sort of app. I’d recommend buying the paper one if you’re investing. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this for people at NW3 and above.
September 2, 2025
the authors are dog trainers, not writers. if you can forgive a bit of repeating and rambling, this is an excellent book with a refreshing approach to nosework. the writers focus on independence and joy for the dog which is exactly what I aim to get out of the sport.
there's humor, good illustrations (would be better in color), and practical training exercises you can use. follow this 'method' and your nosework journey will be transformed
there's humor, good illustrations (would be better in color), and practical training exercises you can use. follow this 'method' and your nosework journey will be transformed
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews