What is NAsda?

About North American Sport Dog Association (NASDA)

The North American Sport Dog Association (NASDA) is a dog sport organization dedicated to promoting natural canine abilities through practical, instinct-based working events. NASDA focuses on developing a dog’s ability to use scent, problem-solve, and work independently while maintaining strong handler communication and teamwork.

Unlike many traditional dog sports, NASDA events are rooted in real-world working skills, making them a strong fit for both competitive teams and pet owners looking to deepen their dog’s confidence and sense of purpose.

A Club First, Always

We are not a governing body or registry — we’re simply a local NASDA training club made up of handlers who love working dogs, scent work, and learning together.

Our role is to:

  • Provide a safe, supportive place to train

  • Help teams prepare for NASDA events

  • Host practice days, fun runs, and learning opportunities

  • Encourage growth at every level, from first-time teams to experienced competitors

We follow the rules and standards set by the North American Sport Dog Association, but our focus is on education, sportsmanship, and community rather than pressure or perfection.

Whether you’re aiming for titles or just want to give your dog a job they love, our club exists to make NASDA approachable, fun, and accessible for everyone.

NASDA Events & Disciplines

NASDA offers several event types that challenge dogs mentally and physically while allowing them to work at their own pace:

Trailing & Locating (TL)
Dogs follow human scent trails and locate a specific person at the end. This discipline builds scent discrimination, endurance, and confidence.

Urban Locating
Dogs search outdoor or semi-urban environments to locate hidden people. This tests adaptability, environmental confidence, and problem-solving skills.

Shed Dog
Dogs use scent to locate naturally shed antlers in designated search areas. This event taps into hunting instincts and encourages methodical searching.

Lost Item Recovery (LIR)
Dogs track human scent to locate dropped or hidden items, blending trailing skills with precise scent work.

Each discipline offers multiple levels, allowing teams to progress at their own pace while earning titles along the way.

Why We Love NASDA

At its core, NASDA celebrates what dogs do best: use their noses, think independently, and work with purpose. Training for NASDA helps build confident dogs who can navigate unfamiliar environments, make decisions, and trust their handlers—skills that translate well beyond competition.

Whether your goal is titling, enrichment, or simply having fun with your dog, NASDA offers a rewarding way to train, learn, and grow together.