National Association of Canine Scent Work, LLC®
Official NACSW™
ODOR RECOGNITION TESTS
Odors Tested: Birch, Anise, Clove
Date: Sunday, April, 21, 2024
Test Location: Telling Tails Training Center, 2928 E Conway Rd,
Center Conway, NH 03813
Test Host: Virginia Howe
Test Host Contact Info: k9@virginiahowe.com
Certifying Official: Pamela Belcher
Judge: Christina Blair
Entry Cost: $35 per odor tested
Number of Entries: 50
Please plan ahead to carry-in carry-out all trash and dog waste.
ORT ENTRY INFORMATION
Opening Date: Wednesday, February, 14, 2024 at 12 pm ET
Entries Close: Wednesday, April, 10, 2024 at 12 PM ET or when entry limits have been met
Second Dog Policy: We are not offering second dogs at this ORT.
Entry Method
First received By USPS, mail overnight deliveries must have the signature waived box checked.
- TELEPHONE, FAX, UNSIGNED ENTRIES, AND ENTRIES RECEIVED WITHOUT FEES cannot be accepted.
- RETURNED CHECKS do not constitute a valid entry fee. $50 fee for returned checks.
- ENTRIES MUST BE MADE ON THE ATTACHED ENTRY FORM.
- NO ENTRY SHALL BE MADE AND NO ENTRY SHALL BE ACCEPTED, WHICH SPECIFIES ANY CONDITIONS AS TO ITS ACCEPTANCE.
- OWNERS are responsible for errors in making out entry forms.
- EXPRESS MAIL entries must include signature permitting them to be left at the secretary’s address without the recipient’s
Entry Requirements
A Qualified Entry is one that meets all the following criteria:
- Complete entry during the specified entry time frame.
- The handler is a NACSW member for the 2023-2024 membership year (8/1/23- 7/31/24).
- The Dog is registered with the NACSW.
- Dogs participating in an Odor Recognition Test (ORT) must be at least six months of age.
For information on how to register or become a member go to www.NACSW.net
Trial Eligibility and ORTs
The ORT Title must be earned at least 14 days before a trial opening date to be eligible for the first draw period.
All odors must be passed in order to earn the ORT title. It is not required that they all be passed at the same test.
Notification
Acknowledgement of entry acceptance/confirmation, will be made by email when entries are processed for those handlers that provide an email address. If you require a confirmation via USPS, you must provide a self-addressed stamped envelope with your entry. Your payment receipt and notification is confirmation of your completed entry
Basic Description of the Test
To successfully pass an ORT a dog must identify the location of the target odor and the handler must correctly call an “alert” within a three-minute time period. The Odor Recognition Test consists of a drill type exercise which requires 12 closed boxes typically set up in a pattern of two rows, spaced a minimum of 48” apart. The ORT is conducted on leash. Complete information can be obtained on the NACSW website. Handlers may test on all 3 odors at the same event.
All exhibitors should obtain and review a copy of the NACSW K9 NOSE WORK® RULE BOOK. You may get it from their website: www.NACSW.net
No dog will be given more than one space in the same odor test at a single event.
CANCELLATION POLICY
The following cancellation policy applies:
For cancellation of entries on or before 5 p.m. Eastern time April 10, 2024 – Full refund minus $5 processing fee. For cancellation of entries after 5 p.m. April 10, 2024: 50% refund will be issued if host can fill your space. No refund will be issued after this date if host can’t fill your space. No refunds will be issued for cancellations during the last 72 hours before the event or no-shows. Please note: Due time constraints, host may opt to not fill cancelled spaces and no refund will be issued.
All cancelations must be emailed to k9@virginiahowe.com
Entry fees shall not be refunded if a dog or handler is absent, disqualified, or excused by the NACSW official or judge.
This cancellation and refund policy applies to handlers that must withdraw for any reason including but not limited to injury, illness, emergency, and personal or work-related reasons.
If the event cannot take place or be completed by reason of fire, civil disturbances, an Act of God, public emergency, or any other cause beyond the control of the event organizers, then the event host will make their best effort to provide partial refunds after recouping their expenses
LOCATION DETAILS
Details regarding check in time and briefing will be sent approximately 1 week before the ORT.
Please plan ahead to carry-in carry-out all trash and dog waste.
ADA Site Specific Conditions
This ORT test is at a dog training center. The parking lot is gravel, sand, and grass and the pathway to and from the parking lot to the test area will not require you to navigate uneven terrain, and will include sand, gravel, and concrete walkways. The flooring in the test area is concrete and partially covered with black mats. Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, the expected test area, parking, and/or pathways may be modified at the last minute.
Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, these conditions may be modified at the last minute.
Modeled after real-life detection work, NACSW events are held in many different locations, with a variety of terrain, under varying weather conditions. Dogs and handlers need to be able to safely negotiate a variety of surfaces, including, but not limited to, tile, linoleum, carpeting, gravel, asphalt, uneven surfaces, and slippery footing. Handlers should be prepared to deal with a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain and snow. Events frequently require covering extensive distances to get to and from the parking area to each of the search areas and generally require that this be done across natural, uneven surfaces. Handlers should be prepared for the physical demands and must be able to navigate the terrain with their dog accordingly. Handlers should expect to spend most of the day outside or in their vehicles as there are rarely indoor crating options at events. Please be prepared for you and your canine partner to deal with all of these varying environmental challenges. Handlers should familiarize themselves with potential regional risks and health concerns that may affect themselves or their dogs. Handlers agree that they are entering this event at their own risk.
Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, the details below may need to be modified at the last minute.
Parking
The parking lot will be grass and sand with partial shade depending on time of day.
Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, this policy may be modified at the last minute.
RV Parking
There is space for RVs to park in the competitor parking area during the test day. No overnight RV parking is available. Please email k9@virginiahowe.com for more information on parking RVs or trainers
Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, this policy may be modified at the last minute.
Reactive Dog Parking
There will not be reactive dog parking at this test. The parking area is large and you will be able to park away from other dogs if you wish. There will not be separate potty areas or warm up boxes.
Unentered Dogs
Unentered dogs must remain in the competitor’s vehicle during the test day. There will be ample potty areas, but unentered dogs should not be allowed to “play”, exercise, or train on the test grounds.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed on this test site, including the use of e-cigarettes
Hotels
Check Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce site: https://www.visitmwv.com/lodging
DOG INFORMATION
Dog Policies
- All dogs must be on a 6’ leash at all times when not searching. NO flexi-leashes while not participating in a search.
- Reactive and/or spatially challenged dogs should wear a red bandana (to be provided by the dog’s handler) to help signal others that the dog needs extra space from other dogs.
- Dogs will be toileted in designated areas and handlers must pick-up and carry out waste.
- Dogs and handlers must stay in designated areas to avoid contaminating search space, interrupting a search, or from viewing any part of the searching.
- Handlers should expect to keep their dogs confined in a crate or vehicle when not searching. The logistics of an event typically do not allow for dogs to hang out on leash in between searches. Handlers should plan to provide their own shade using canopies or shade cloths.
- Refer to location details (above) for information on unentered dogs.
Females in Season
Will be allowed to run wearing “pants” at the very end of the day after all other dogs have tested. Females in season will be parked and pottied in areas separate from the other dogs while at the test if the location logistics permit. Handlers must contact k9@virginiahowe.com so plans can be made for the dog.
OTHER INFORMATION
Event attendees are required to adhere to the NACSW COVID-19 Event Guidelines and Rules
In addition to those guidelines the following changes and guidelines are in effect for this ORT due to COVID-19.
Any travel and quarantine recommendations, restrictions and requirements for the ORT location and local jurisdiction. Competitors are asked to remain in their vehicles as much as possible. Running of vehicles is permitted. Competitors are asked to bring their own hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
If there are any changes or updates that information will be included in your “final details” information that will be emailed 1-2 weeks before the ORT weekend. Participants are responsible for staying up to date on any jurisdictional requirements for their home location as well as the test location including any travel guidance.
ADA Requests
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request accommodation(s), please email ADA@nacsw.net. Please include your name, ORT date, ORT host name, and your requested accommodation(s).
Rules
Complete rules are available at www.NACSW.net. It is the responsibility of each handler to read and understand the current NACSW™ Rule book prior to participating in a NACSW event.
Liability
By registering for the ORT Test, the competitor hereby assumes all risks of, and responsibility for, accidents and/or damage to her/himself or to her/his property or to others, resulting from the actions of her/his dog. The competitor expressly agree that the NACSW, Virginia Howe, Bare Bones Nosework, LLC and its assignees or any other person, or persons, of said groups, shall not be held liable personally, or collectively, under any circumstances, for injury, and/or damage to her/himself, for loss or injury to property, whether due to uncontrolled dogs or negligence of any member of said groups, or any other cause, or causes. The competitor also agrees to assume all financial liability that may be incurred by the NACSW due to the actions of themselves or their dogs regardless of the cause.
Sportsmanship
All handlers and spectators are expected to follow the rules of the NACSW and demonstrate good sportsmanship. This includes making sure the hide placements are unknown to the handler prior to searching and kept secret from other handlers. Please do not discuss hide placement or any details of a dog’s performance that may provide information or clues to other handlers or may be overheard.
Results
During the odor re-sets, the official results sheet will be brought out to the parking area for handlers to photo or review. We recommend you verify your results on the official results sheet and let your host or judge know if you have any questions regarding your results.
Spectators
Additional guests of handlers are welcome, however spectating opportunities may be limited.
Please verify attendance policies with the Test Host Contact/Secretary before bringing or inviting anyone not volunteering, handling, or officiating.
Spectators are reminded that the hide placements must not be discussed nor should they speak with any handlers about what they saw until after the event is complete.
No dogs will be allowed in the spectator area. No unentered dogs with spectators are allowed at the event.
An adult accompanying a minor must be present during the searches.
Everyone at the site must sign the waiver provided by the host on the entry form and comply with all event requirements.
Handlers are not allowed to watch the searches at any time.
Videotaping and Photography
If the site allows public video to be taken, handlers may wear visible head or chest cameras to record their searches. You will not be allowed extra time at the start line to get your camera functioning. Please be sure it is ready to go prior to arriving at the search area. At ORTs, handlers may bring a spectator to video or photograph their searches. Videos may not be made public until completion of the event day.
Emergency Veterinary Hospital
The closest emergency veterinarian(s) to the event location:
Animal Emergency Clinic of Mid-Maine, 37 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, Maine 04240 207-777-1110
Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care, 739 Warren Ave., Portland, Maine 04102, 207-878-3121
Questions
All Test related questions, contact Virginia Howe at k9@virginiahowe.com
Details regarding check in time and briefing will be emailed approximately 1 week before the ORT.