Nov. 10, 2025

Penny Scott-Fox | Lessons from the First Master Nationals

Penny Scott-Fox | Lessons from the First Master Nationals

At AKC Master Nationals, Penny Scott-Fox brought every part of her scent work experience with her.

She talks about the AKC Master Nationals through three lenses: what it was like to compete, how she viewed the hide sets and scoring system as a judge, and what she thinks could be improved for future events from an organizer’s perspective.

Penny also talks about the strategy that kept her from getting caught up in the leaderboard, how she approached the event as a marathon rather than a sprint, and how the new scoring system completely changed her handling plan.

It’s a thoughtful look at the first-ever Master Nationals from someone who’s helped shape the sport since its beginning.