National Association of Canine Scent Work, LLC®

Official NACSW™

ODOR RECOGNITION TESTS

 

Odors Tested: Birch, Anise, Clove

 

Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024

 

Test Site Hours: 8:30 am until completion of tests

 

Test Location: Columbia Canine Sports Center, 4506 Interstate 70 Drive SE, Columbia MO 65201

 

Test Host: Columbia Canine Sports Center, LLC

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Test Host Contact Info: Kathy Echols, krechols@aol.com or columbiak9info@gmail.com

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Day of Show Host: Virginia Huxley

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Certifying Official: Kathy Echols

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Judge: Kevin West

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Entry Cost: $30 per odor tested

 

Number of Entries: 100

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ORT ENTRY INFORMATION

 

Opening Date: Monday, October 1, 2024 at 9:00 am CDT

Entries Close: When entry limits have been met

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Second Dog Policy: Two dogs per handler for each odor tested.

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Entry Method:

Online via the link below in Premium or by mail filling the entry form in the Premium. Payments via Paypal or check.

• Telephone, fax, unsigned entries, and entries received without fees cannot be accepted.

• Returned checks do not constitute a valid entry fee.

• 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 signature.

 

Entry Requirements

 

A Qualified Entry is one that meets all the following criteria:

1. Complete entry during the specified entry time frame.

2. The Handler is a NACSW member for the 2024-2026 membership year (8/1/24- 7/31/25).

3. The Dog is registered with the NACSW.

4. Dogs participating in an Odor Recognition Test (ORT) must be at least six months of age.

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For Exhibit Only Dogs (FEO): Dogs running FEO are not eligible to receive titles. FEO results will not be included in the posted ORT results. If space remains after all qualified entries are accommodated on December 12, 2024, then we will offer spaces for those who wish to run a dog (FEO). Dogs may only run FEO in odors that they are not already registered for.

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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 are 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.

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No dog will be given more than one space in the same odor test at a single event.

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CANCELLATION POLICY

 

The following cancellation policy applies:

 

For cancellation of entries on or before 5 PM CST December 8, 2024 – Full refund minus $5 processing fee. For cancellation of entries after 5 PM CST December 8, 2024 – a refund will only be issued if a note is provided from a doctor or veterinarian.

 

All cancellations must be emailed to Kathy Echols, krechols@aol.com, or columbiak9info@gmail.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

 

ADA Site Specific Conditions

 

The test location is a dog training facility. There is a paved parking lot, with both stairs and a sloped driveway. The training building does have a rolled rubber floor. There are several handicap parking spaces on the west side of the building. If you need a handicap space, please contact Elizabeth Dinkins at info@columbiak9sportscenter.com to reserve one.

 

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 ORT location has its own parking lot with plenty of spots.

 

RV Parking

Depending on the entry we may have some space for limited RVs. Please contact the Test Host Contact/Secretary if you are unsure about parking.

 

Running Vehicles or Generators in the parking lot

Running your vehicles or generators in the parking lot is allowed at this event as long as you have permission from your neighbors or are willing to park away from others.

 

Reactive Dog Parking

Contact the host about reactive dog parking. We should have some space available.

 

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.

 

Crating Options

Participants should be prepared to crate out of their car.

 

Facility/Site Prohibitive Restrictions (e.g., smoking, firearms, alcohol, drugs, video)

No alcohol, smoking or firearms are allowed on this event site for the ORT.

 

Hotels
A list of local hotels can be found here… https://www.columbiak9sportscenter.com/localhotels

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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 dispose of 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.

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Females in Season

Females in season will be allowed to run wearing “pants” at the very end of the day after all other dogs have tested. Handlers with females in season should park and toilet their dogs away from the other dogs if the location logistics permit. Handlers must email the Test Host, krechols@aol.com so plans can be made for the dog.

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OTHER INFORMATION

 

COVID-19 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 test due to COVID-19.

 

There are currently no travel or mask restrictions for this area. However, use common sense if you are sick. If there are any significant changes or updates after the draw period, handlers will be notified via email. Handlers are responsible for staying up to date on any jurisdictional requirements for their home location as well as the event 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.

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Liability

By registering for the event, the handler hereby assumes all risks of, and responsibility for, accidents and/or damage to her/himself or to her/his property or to others or the property of others, resulting from the actions of her/his dog. The handler expressly agree that the NACSW, Columbia Canine Sports Center 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, injury, or damage to property, whether due to uncontrolled dogs or negligence of any member of said groups, or any other cause, or causes. The handler also agrees to assume all financial liability that may be incurred by the NACSW, Columbia Canine Sports Center and its assignees or any other person, or persons, of said groups 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.

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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 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\

 

Volunteering

Anyone who is not testing is welcome to volunteer. If you know of someone who would like to volunteer, please have them contact Kathy Echols at krechols@aol.com with questions.

 

Your time and effort are GREATLY appreciated!

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Emergency Veterinary Hospital

University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center

900 E. Campus Drive

Columbia MO 65201

573-882-7821

 

Horton Animal Hospital-Discovery

3609 Endeavor Ave

Columbia, MO 65201

(573) 777-3609

 

Questions
All Test related questions, contact Kathy Echols, krechols@aol.com.

 

Details regarding check in time and briefing will be sent approximately 1 week before the ORT.