About Face K-9 Academy

Offers 6-week K9 Nose Work® group classes at three levels: Introduction to K9 Nose Work® (for dogs 5+ months), Introduction to Odor (for dogs who completed the intro course), and Continuing Odor (for advanced teams). Classes are held one dog at a time in a facility setting. Open enrollment available for Continuing Odor with up to 8 weeks to complete. Trial events are hosted for NACSW-certified competitors in Levels 2 and 3 and NW2.

Pricing Summary

Group K9 Nose Work® classes cost $200 for a 6-week course; Continuing Odor classes cost $180. Trial entry fees are $110 for Level 3, $95 for Level 2, and $150 for NW2. Payment is required only after being selected in the random draw for trials.

Policies

For trials, entries are selected via random draw during a 48-hour window; payment is due within 48 hours of being offered a spot. No pre-event visits to trial locations are permitted. No refund or cancellation policy is stated for classes.

About Face K-9 Academy is a dog training business founded in 1994 and led by Rachelle Bailey Austin, a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) with over 20 years of experience. The academy specializes in positive, reward-based training methods that focus on what the dog is doing right, avoiding forceful or outdated techniques. They offer K9 Nose Work® classes at their facility in Lacey, WA, including Introduction to K9 Nose Work®, Introduction to Odor, and Continuing Odor courses, all designed to build a dog’s natural hunting instincts and strengthen the handler-dog bond. Classes are small, with dogs working one at a time, making them ideal for dogs uncomfortable around others. Instructors include Rachelle Bailey Austin, Dorothy Turley (CNWI), and Mary Oberson (KPA CTP). The business also hosts official NACSW™ K9 Nose Work trials at Centralia Middle School, serving competitors in Levels 2 and 3 and NW2. They emphasize science-backed, up-to-date training and regularly attend continuing education seminars.

Their training philosophy centers on building a strong, joyful relationship between dog and owner through encouragement and rewards. They serve clients in the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Chehalis, and Centralia areas of Washington.

While they do not offer boarding, grooming, or walking services, they provide structured group classes and private lesson opportunities. Their focus is exclusively on training, with no mention of dog sales, daycare, or pet supplies.

Accomplishments

Rachelle Bailey Austin is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) with over 20 years of experience. Instructors include Dorothy Turley (CNWI) and Mary Oberson (KPA CTP). The business hosts official NACSW™ trials and is recognized as a training provider for competitive nose work.

How to Get Started!

Interested clients must fill out a sign-up form to be notified of upcoming K9 Nose Work® classes. For trial participation, entries must be submitted online via the NACSW portal during the designated draw period.