Meet Your 2026 CPE CSS Judges

More details coming soon!​

​

Judging Schedule

• Friday - L3 Exteriors

• Saturday - L5 Containers

• Sunday - LC Interiors R1

Sandra discovered nose work in 2014 after her dog, Foster, showed a natural passion for it, leading her to self-train and eventually teach classes. She became a Certified Nose Work Instructor in 2018, opened Pawsitive Training Zone, and helped grow a strong nose work community in Central Illinois. Now retired from a 33-year career with the Illinois State Police, she trains, competes, and judges across multiple dog sports.

Click to learn more about Sandra.

 

Judging Schedule

• Friday - LC Vehicles

• Saturday - L3 Exteriors

• Sunday - L5 Containers R1 & R2

My name is Kim Dykstra, and I am excited to be one of your judges for CPE CSS Nationals. I am owned by 5 dogs—2 terriers, 2 chihuahuas, and a Miniature American Shepherd. My dogs compete in many different dog sports and venues; including all three CPE sports. I have been doing nosework for about 10 years. My eleven month old puppy, Graham, is my sixth nosework dog. I look forward to watching your dogs search in September.

​​​​

Judging Schedule

• Friday - L3 Containers

• Saturday - L5 Vehicles

• Sunday - LC Interiors R2

Melanie began competing in dog sports in 2004 with her Vizslas and has since participated in a wide range of venues, with a strong passion for nose work which started to develop in 2010. She became a scent work judge in 2017 and continues to compete, teach, and judge while valuing the partnership with her dogs above all else. Currently, she competes with her two Vizslas and enjoys helping dogs build confidence through nose work instructing.

Click to learn more about Melanie.​​

​

Judging Schedule

• Friday - LC Containers

• Saturday - L3 Vehicles

• Sunday - L5 Interiors R2

Since 2009, Lori has competed across a wide range of dog sports, began her scent work journey in 2010 with her French Bulldog Oscar, and became an NACSW Certified Nose Work Instructor in 2011, coaching teams to the highest levels of competition. She has been judging scent work for multiple venues since 2017.

​

Click here to learn more about Lori.

​

Judging Schedule

• Friday - LC Exteriors

• Saturday - L3 Containers

• Sunday - L5 Interiors R1

Lisa discovered scent work 15 years ago while helping her rescued puppy mill cairn terrier, Haley, build confidence, and quickly developed a deep passion for the sport. Since then, she has become a dedicated instructor and judge for both CPE and AKC, training multiple Miniature Schnauzers to high levels while inspiring teams through her love of watching dogs solve scent puzzles.

​

Click here to learn more about Lisa.

​

Judging Schedule

• Friday - L3 Vehicles

• Saturday - L5 Exteriors

• Sunday - LC Containers R1 & R2

Jeremy McLaughlin is a seasoned professional in the field of canine handling, boasting over 24 years of experience with the Department of Corrections. He is also the proud owner of Resolute Detection Services. Jeremy supervises civilian detection trails aimed at generating funds for agency needs. He holds various roles including drug beat evaluator, and serves as a judge for several organizations including NACSW, AKC Scentwork, and CPE CSS.

​

Click to learn more about Jeremy.

​

Judging Schedule

• Friday - L5 Vehicles

• Saturday - LC Exteriors

• Sunday - L3 Containers R1 & R2

Liz is an experienced dog sports enthusiast and judge, she has been active in obedience, rally, and conformation before discovering her passion for scent work in 2017, which she now pursues with her Pointers, Roger and Rhonda. She serves as a scent work judge for CPE, AKC, UKC, and C-WAGS, and is honored to participate in the CPE Canine Scent Sport Nationals, having also judged its inaugural event. 

​​

Click to learn more about Liz.

​

Judging Schedule

• Friday - L5 Containers

• Saturday - LC Vehicles

• Sunday - L3 Interiors R2 

Nancy Reyes is a professional dog trainer with over 30 years of experience and the owner of For Your K9 Inc., where she teaches a wide variety of dog sports and companion training classes. Nancy is an accomplished competitor, instructor, seminar presenter, NACSW Certifying Official, and certified Mental Management Instructor who is passionate about helping teams succeed in nose work and other canine sports.

​

Click to learn more about Nancy.

​

Judging Schedule

• Friday - L5 Exteriors

• Saturday - LC Containers

• Sunday - L3 Interiors R1