Description
Containers: The Path to Reliability
with Leah Gangelhoff, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, CNWI
Registration is closed. Walk-ins welcome!
Sunday March 22, 2026
9:00AM – 5:00PM
MasterPeace Dog Training
Franklin, MA
Current limit is 70 attendees. Walk-ins welcome!
- There will be 6 demonstration teams.
- The teams will be coached by Leah and demonstrate the seminar material for all attendees’ education.
- See “About this Seminar” section for more information.
- Please read all seminar information on the webpage including policies and related procedures before registering.
- Registration is closed. Walk-in registrations will be available the day of the event.
- All participants must agree to the COVID/health policy below.
LEAH GANGELHOFF, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CNWI,
NACSW™ Senior Faculty Member, Past NACSW™ Certifying Official through Summit, & NACSW™ Trial Judge
Leah Gangelhoff is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed and a Certified Behavior Consultant-Canine – Knowledge Assessed. She owns & operates Flint Hill K-9 Training, LLC serving the Greater Birmingham, AL area. Leah has owned and operated her own canine training and behavior business since 2002, during which time she has developed hundreds of private comprehensive education courses for dogs and their owners for puppy, obedience, and serious behavior issues of all kinds, specializing in fear and aggression. While living in Los Angeles, Leah trained in narcotics detection with NACSW™ co-founders Ron Gaunt and Amy Herot for many years before the activity and sport of K9 Nose Work® was born.
Leah became involved in K9 Nose Work® in 2010 and is a Senior Faculty Member at the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW™) and a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), both since 2011. She is an NACSW™ Trial Judge since 2011, a past Trial Certifying Official 2011-2023 and past Supervising Certifying Official. She has also developed and presented over 40 workshops and seminars nationally and internationally on a variety of topics in K9 Nose Work®. As a Senior Faculty Member she has collaborated with Founders and Faculty to create and teach Continuing Education courses for Certified Nose Work Instructors and has personally developed and taught Continuing Education webinars for NACSW™ Certified Nose Work Instructors (CNWI) and Certifying Officials (COs).
Leah has had the honor of being invited by Dogs of Course Camp Director, Dana Crevling, and K9 Nose Work® Founders to teach at over 30 K9 Nose Work® Training Camps since 2011. She currently specializes in teaching K9 Nose Work® Private Coaching Groups, Clinics, and Workshops nationally and internationally in the sport of K9 Nose Work® as well as group classes to a small group of students locally. She has over 1000 hours of professional narcotics detection training with a large group of dogs prior to the birth of nose work as a pet dog sport, with mentors Ron Gaunt and Amy Herot and with Rodney Spicer/Gold Coast K-9 from 2004-2006. Leah has personally passed professional detection certifications (both written and search tests) in narcotics detection (POST standards) with Evolution K9 in northern California and with the Oxnard Police Department separately with two different dogs (German Shepherd and Papillon, probably the first and only in narcotics detection).
Leah has trained and trialed her own dogs in K9 Nose Work®, Konner, a German Shepherd, all the way up through the NACSW™ Summit Division for Elite Champion teams. Leah and Konner competed in five Summit Trials and achieved the highest title possible in K9 Nose Work®, a Summit title, placing 2nd Overall with pronounced designations and first and second placements in many Summit trial searches. Leah earned an NW3 Elite with her Belgian shepherd, Zephyr, placing 1st, 1st, and 2nd Overall with Pronounced ribbons at those trials. With her current two dogs, Leah has earned an NW3 Elite, placing 2nd Overall with a Pronounced ribbon and an ELT-2, with her Chihuahua mix shelter dog, Bruno Mars. She and her young cattle dog mix, Butterbean, achieved their NW1 placing 1st Overall with a Pronounced ribbon, 1st Overall at NW2, 1st Overall at NW3 and 1st Overall for their NW3-Elite.
Leah’s passion is helping Nose Work Enthusiasts and their dogs enrich their relationships and their overall Nose Work experience and teamwork!
This one-day workshop will outline how to train for a happy enthusiastic dog that can reliably solve container search problems and a confident handler that can call alert correctly.
Through lecture, video analysis, lively discussion and progressive demonstrations, Leah will provide handlers with insight into how their dogs may perceive containers and why this element can be confusing and fraught with issues. She will then arm handlers with a fuller understanding of the task they are asking of their dogs and exactly how to provide clarity by sharing her process for building an efficient, accurate search with a thorough examination from and driven by the dogs. Leah will also invite participants to shift their perception about false alerts in containers and take a serious look at what handlers may be doing to create and/or perpetuate the unwanted outcome as well as cover practical solutions for eliminating false alerting and other container issues such as container flipping and smashing.
Participants will leave with a new and invigorated outlook on training and running containers. This seminar is for handlers and instructors at all experience levels that want to increase their knowledge and confidence on one of the most challenging elements in Nose Work.
Demo Team Information:
All those not selected must be willing to audit the seminar. Please do not register if you ONLY want a demo spot.
If you would like to be considered for a demo team spot, please register as an Auditor. Then go to your confirmation email and click on the link to the Google form to tell us about your dog.
- Looking for teams that are not confident/reliable in containers.
- There will be 6 demo teams.
- Expect to work about 50% of the search exercises.
- Dogs must be confidently searching, without pairing, on all three NACSW odors: Anise, Birch, Clove.
- Level: Dogs should be preparing for ORT through competing in Summit (or other venue equivalent).
- Demo teams will be selected to showcase a variety of working styles, breeds, and skills in order to provide the best overall education.
- Dogs and handlers will be selected from the applicant pool approximately 3 weeks before the seminar. All applicants will be notified at that time.
- Those selected will be invoiced for the additional demo fee ($100).
- Dogs and handlers should be comfortable working in front of a large group of people in novel situations and having feedback in front of the group.
- Dogs CANNOT be reactive to people or environmentally sensitive. MILDLY dog reactive dogs that are well managed will be considered.
- Dogs need to be quiet in a crate in the building or car if weather permits.
- Crating inside is in a section of the same room, behind a 4′ movable wall along with the other demo dogs, where the searching and lecture is being held.
Before you register, please read the important information below including rules, health, cancellation, and refund policies.
- $140 Early bird rate, one day (register and pay on or before January 16, 2026)
- $170 Regular Registration, one day (register and pay after January 16, 2026)
- $195 Walk In Registration, one day Cash or Check payment only
- $100 Demo team spot for one day if selected
Walk-in Registration will be available Sunday morning if space allows. Please check the website to make sure registration is still open. We will make note if this option is unavailable if we fill.
Currently limited to 70 attendees.
Registration will close March 16, 2026, or when the seminar is full.
Business Group Discounts are available for AUDITORS ONLY. Please read the information on our Business Group Discount Page for more information about who qualifies and how to register. Please contact us via email to make sure there is availability.
Confirmation Info
After registering and sending payment, you will receive a confirmation email from Dogs of Course.
Tips:
- Remember to look in your junk mail folder
- Check all your e-mail accounts for your confirmation
- Dogs of Course will be sending you updated information and reminders before the start of the seminar. Please watch for our email/s.
NACSW for CNWIs
7 CEUs
CCPDT
8 CEUs
KPA-CTP
7 CEUs
If you indicated, on your webinar registration, that you need CEUs for NACSW, CCPDT, or KPA, you do not need to do anything else unless the organization is requiring proof of attendance. If you need proof of attendance for your organization, we will let you know.
- KPA-CTP CEU codes will be sent to you through email, so you can print them and/or save them.
- NACSW™ CEUs are entered online for those that indicate certification when registering. Certificates will not be sent to you. Please check your membership account on the K9 Nose Work® website instructor portal and/or CCPDT member portal three weeks after the workshop.
Shopping:
No store currently planned for this event.
Charity Gift Card Raffle:
No charity raffle planned for this event.
Health policies
Due to ongoing COVID-19, Flu and general health concerns we need to let you know several things:
- Our goal is to provide a safe healthy environment where we can all feel comfortable, and health risks are minimized.
- Please do NOT attend the seminar if you are not feeling well, including having: COVID- 19, a cold or the Flu.
- ALL participants must not have contracted COVID fewer than 7 days prior to the seminar date AND must be symptom free.
- ALL participants must not have been in contact with, living with, or exposed to any person with COVID- 19 for at least 5 days prior to the seminar.
- We encourage all Seminar Attendees to COVID TEST the morning of the seminar to make sure they are negative. This kindness protects our community.
- You may be asked to wear a mask depending on the level of COVID-19 in the area. Best to plan for it. We will be making decisions based on CDC guidelines and current outbreak levels. We will err on the side of caution and let you know if masking will be required in our final email confirmation to you 5 days before the seminar.
- By coming to the event, you agree to, and will cooperate with, the rules or regulations set in place with regards to mask wearing, hand sanitizing, food handling, and other protocols. The host has the right to adjust procedures and protocols.
- You will be required to sign a COVID-19 waiver on-line before coming to the event, indicating that you do not have COVID-19, or if you are recovering from COVID-19 you are symptom-free (other than loss of taste/smell) and were diagnosed with it at least 7 days before the seminar date, and that you have not been in contact with, living with, or exposed to, any person with COVID-19 for at least 5 days
- See Cancellation and Refund section below for COVID specific refund policies.
These policies may change depending on the current COVID information and status. Registered participants will be informed of changes in this policy. Dogs of Course will make a reasonable effort to inform registered attendees of significant changes in this policy but is not responsible for guaranteeing the information is communicated. We will update this page as policies change.
Canine Health policies
Due to the nature of the sport of nose work dogs are placed at higher risk because their noses are touching where other dogs’ noses have been including the saliva left behind. Dogs must be healthy and free of contagious conditions including, but not limited to canine upper respiratory virus, canine flu, kennel cough, and fleas. Dogs that still may be contagious due to illness, or exposed to an illness, may be asked not to attend. Dogs with a contagious illness that may affect the rest of the dog population may be asked to leave without refund. PLEASE READ the Canine Health Specific Refund Information carefully. You will be required to sign a Canine Health waiver on-line before coming to the working session (working teams only).
(Updated 1/20/2026)
Registration Refund Policy for this Seminar
Registration for this event confirms that you have read and agree to these policies.
Non-working Seminar Attendees
Full payment is required to confirm your registration. Registration is complete when both the registration form and your payment are received.
- Within 3 days of registration, full refund minus third party payment processing fees. If you change your mind about attending the event within 3 days of registration, a full refund will be offered (minus third party payment processing fees).
- Between 3 days of initial registration and up to 45 days prior to the start date: Full refund, minus $25.00 administration fee.
- You may sell or give your registration to another person in lieu of a refund. See “Transferring your registration” in the 6th bullet point.
- Between 44 -7 days prior to the start date: 50% refund except for programs less than $50.00. Programs with tuition less than $50.00 will be refunded the full amount minus $25.00 administration fee.
- You may sell or give your registration to another person in lieu of a refund. See “Transferring your registration” in the 6th bullet point.
- Cancellations 6 days or less before the course: No Refunds. (note COVID policy exception below)
- “No-shows” will not receive a refund.
- Transferring your registration to another person. Participant may transfer registration to another person. The participant is responsible for finding a replacement and working out reimbursement arrangements as well as informing the replacement of any and all policies and procedures. The replacement participant will tell us who they are replacing at registration check-in on the day of the seminar. The replacement participant must follow all rules and considerations for the seminar including the COVID policies and other health protocols including signing a waiver etc., either via email attachment or at the registration check-in desk.
- Registration fee is not transferable to another seminar, camp, or virtual event.
- If the seminar does not meet the minimum number of participants required to hold the event and must be cancelled by Dogs of Course, currently registered participants will be refunded the full amount without penalty.
- If the seminar cannot take place or be completed by reason of fire, civil disturbances, an Act of God, public, national or regional emergency, or any other cause beyond the control of the organizers, a portion of the tuition will not be refunded. The amount withheld will depend on when the cancellation takes place and the nonrecoverable expenses the host incurs.
Working Seminar Attendees
- Transfers from working to auditor spots will be reimbursed the difference in tuition based the date of the change per the above refund policies.
- Due to the many facets of coordinating and administering a seminar with dogs participating, as well as the requirements each dog/owner team must meet for working seminar, the registered working participant/dog team cannot transfer her/his registration to another person for working seminars.
Dog Policies
- We ask that only working participants have dogs in the building during the seminar. The strictness of this policy depends on the location of the seminar and space availability.
- Unless otherwise stated, all dogs must be friendly with people and dogs, and quiet in a crate or ex-pen. Noisy or disruptive dogs will be asked to be moved to your vehicle or leave.
- Participants asked to leave the event/property because her/his dog is dangerous, disruptive or un-manageable will not be refunded any part of the tuition.
- Dogs that are currently in estrus may participate but must wear “pants” during all searching and at all times except when toileting.
- The owner has the option to switch to an auditor position and will be reimbursed per the transfer to auditor refund policy listed above.
- Dogs must be on leash and supervised at all times. Owners must pick-up after her/his dog.
Canine Health Cancellation Policy for Working Dogs:
Due to the unpredictable and highly contagious nature of canine upper respiratory virus, canine flu, and kennel cough, in addition to any other type of contagious disease, we are instituting a refund policy to specifically address this health concern in order to protect dogs attending the workshop. The nature of the sport of nose work places a dog at higher risk because their noses are touching where other dogs’ noses have been and as well as the saliva left behind.
3 weeks and 6 days or fewer before the workshop: If your dog was exposed to, or contracted, any of the above viruses between 3 weeks and 6 days before the workshop, please follow the policy below.
If your dog contracts any of the above viruses or any other highly contagious disease within 3 weeks of the start of the workshop. All dogs must be completely symptom free for at least 2 weeks before the workshop. If your dog was exposed to any of the above viruses or any other highly contagious disease between 3 – 2 weeks of the start of the workshop and your dog never shows symptoms nor has been re-exposed to the virus, your dog may attend the workshop. If your dog was directly exposed to any of the above viruses or any other highly contagious disease 2 weeks or less before the start of the workshop, your dog may not attend as it is possible the virus is incubating, and the dog could become sick or be carrying the virus. We will issue a full refund of the additional working dog fee minus $25.00 admin fee. A veterinary note may be required to receive a refund.
COVID, Flu, Illness Cancellation/Refund Policy for this seminar:
Revised 3/24
Please read the attendance requirements and refund policy below, in addition to the regular seminar refund policy.
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- A registrant who gets COVID within 5 days of the start of this seminar and or who is still symptomatic (other than loss of sense of smell/taste) or who have been directly exposed to a person with COVID 5 or less days before the seminar will not be refunded any portion of their seminar fee.
- Registrants who arrive at the event ill or have a temperature will be turned away and asked to leave without refund.
- If the registrant is sick the day of the event, please stay home. It doesn’t matter if you think it may be the flu or a cold or COVID-19. If you are sick, please take care of yourself and others by staying home. We are sorry but we cannot refund you any portion of the seminar fee due to illness. Let us know you are sick and won’t be attending so we won’t worry about you not showing up.
- The above refund dates apply to anyone that cannot attend due to illness.
- You may transfer your registration to another person if you are unable to attend. See requirements above.
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All cancellations must be in writing: Crevling@dogsofcourse.com
A written note back from Dogs of Course, within 5 working days, will confirm your cancellation. Your cancellation is not valid without a confirmation of receipt.
This policy applies to participants/auditors that must withdraw for any reason including but not limited to injury, illness, emergency and personal or work-related reasons. This policy is without exception.
Waiver, Assumption of Risk, and Agreement to Hold Harmless
I understand that attendance and participation in seminars run by Dogs of Course/Dana C. Crevling is not without risk to myself and/or guests who may attend this seminar.
I hereby waive and release Dana. C. Crevling, Dogs of Course, the speaker or organization, the shelter or business the seminar is located at, any animal shelter or rescue group that provided the animal, all owners of any other animals in attendance, and any of the above mentioned employees, owners, and agents from any and all liability of any nature for injury or damage which I or my dog may suffer, including specifically, but not without limitation, any injury or damage resulting from the action of any dog, and I expressly assume the risk of any such damage or injury while attending the seminar, while supervising or interacting with a dog while on the grounds or surrounding area thereto. In consideration of my attendance and participation in the seminar, I waive the right from any and all claims or claims by any member of my family or any other person accompanying me during the seminar as a result of any action by any dog, including my own.
Directions:
MasterPeace Dog Training is conveniently located off I-495, in southeastern Massachusetts.
Carpooling is encouraged! Parking will be tight.
Find your best route to Exit #43 off Rt 495 to Route 140 South.
Follow Rt 140 South for approximately 1 mile.
Turn right onto Fisher Street and go to the end, passing over the railroad tracks. MasterPeace is the last building on the left.
Hotel Information:
CHECK PET POLICIES BEFORE MAKING RESERVATIONS! Make sure you understand ALL the fees and restrictions. Policies and rates may change.
- Best Western Plus Executive Residency Inn, Franklin, MA (508-553-3500). ($25/night per dog)
- Holiday Inn Express, Milford, MA (508-634-1054) ($35/night per dog)
- Hampton Inn, Franklin, MA (508-520-2999) (accepts service dogs only)
- Best Western Plus Executive Residency Inn, Franklin, MA (508-553-3500). ($25/night per dog)
Area Airports:
Providence, RI (TF Green) – about 35 miles away
Worcester, MA (Worcester Regional) – about 40 miles away
Boston, MA (Logan) – about 45 miles away
Food: Lunch will be on your own. There are many places to eat within a 10-minute driving distance.
Lunch break is scheduled for 1 hour.
Beverages and snacks are expected to be available. If the host feels that COVID concerns dictate a need to limit or not offer beverages and snacks, participants will be notified in the final confirmation about 5 days before the seminar. We ask that you wear your mask when not eating or drinking.
What to Bring: Bring a comfortable folding chair that you can move from place to place, something hard to write on, pad of paper, notebook or laptop for taking notes.
Dress appropriately for inside and outside temperatures. The training room is climate controlled, but you should dress in layers to be sure you are comfortable as the heat/AC can vary depending on your seating location.
Bring a mask please. We encourage you wear to one if possible and it may be required if conditions change.
No Video or Audio Taping, please. Per speaker request, exceptions for the demo teams: ONLY one other VIDEO camera (and only at the request of the handler currently running a dog) besides the presenter’s camera may be operating at any given time during the event. Absolutely NO other audio or video-taping is allowed. Videos may only be posted on social media if the sound has been removed (you do not have permission to post a video if the Presenter can be heard speaking). Thank you for your cooperation.
PHOTOS: Everyone is WELCOME to post PHOTOS of themselves, Presenter, their dogs, etc. on social media at any time during or after the seminar. Be sure you have permission of other participants before posting photos that include them or their dogs.
Dog Policies: If you do not have a demo team spot, please leave your dogs at home if possible. If you must bring your dog, please plan on crating in your vehicle.
“Oh my goodness, Leah! I was at your containers seminar in Florida with my two Staffybulls, Honeybee and Monkey. Honey got her ORT today, and she was AMAZING! I’ve been using your techniques for making the odor accessible and rewarding precisely as close to source as possible, and using leash tension to help her check all the boxes. Well, today was the day to test what she’s been learning and I was blown away to see her hit that start line with focus and check every box until she hit the hot one. And she checked the SEAMS! It was beautiful. I’m so proud of her. Thank you!!!! This is the second workshop I’ve attended with you and both have given me great techniques for handling. I’m so grateful!” – ES, 10/12/2025
If you have questions about this seminar, please contact Dana Crevling via email. We will do our best to reply within 2 business days.
Registration is closed. Walk-ins are welcome!