Dogs with a knack for sniffing out items are gathered in Alabama this weekend for an unusual event.
Dog handlers and their animals will be in Birmingham on Saturday and Sunday for the first K9 Nose Work trials held in the Southeast.
Such events were started by the National Association of Canine Scent Work as a way to highlight dogs' detection abilities.
Dozens of teams will participate in a competition where the animals find certain odors hidden in cars, containers and outdoor spaces.
The trial will be held at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Training Center in Fultondale. Organizers say spectators are welcome, but they can't bring dogs.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.