National Association of Canine Scent Work, LLC®

 

Official NACSW™

 

ODOR RECOGNITION TESTS

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Odors Tested: BIRCH, ANISE, CLOVE

 

Date: Sunday July 9, 2023

 

Hours:  8 AM to completion

 

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

 

Test Host: Kathy Echols

 

Test Secretary: Elizabeth Dinkins, elizabeth@neverclever.com

 

Certifying Official: Erin Seely

 

Judge: Beth McDonald

 

Entry Cost: $30

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Number of Entries: 100

 

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ORT ENTRY INFORMATION

 

Opening Date: May 25, 2023 at 11 AM

Entries Close: When entry limits have been met

 

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

 

Entry Method

Entries will be online (see below). Payment by PayPal.

• TELEPHONE, FAX, UNSIGNED ENTRIES, AND ENTRIES RECEIVED WITHOUT FEES cannot be accepted.

• RETURNED CHECKS do not constitute a valid entry fee.  <host policy 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 signature.

 

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.

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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 2022-2023 membership year (8/1/22- 7/31/23).

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.

 

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 July 3, 2023, 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.

 

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.

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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 test.

 

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.

 

Results

During the odor re-sets, the official results sheet will be brought out to the parking area for testers 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. 

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

 

The following cancellation policy applies: For cancellation of entries on or before 5pm CDT July 3, 2023 – Full refund minus $5 processing fee. For cancellation of entries after 5pm CDT July 3, 2023 – a refund will only be issued if a note is provided from a doctor or veterinarian.

 

All cancellations must be emailed to krechols@aol.com or Elizabeth Dinkins, elizabeth@neverclever.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 competitors that must withdraw for any reason including but not limited to injury, illness, emergency, and personal or work-related reasons.

 

If the ORT 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 test organizers, then the ORT host will make their best effort to provide partial refunds after recouping their expenses.

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LOCATION DETAILS

 

Modeled after real-life detection work, NACSW trials 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. Trials 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. Participants should expect to spend most of the day outside or in their vehicles as there are rarely indoor crating options at trials. 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 trial at their own risk. 

 

ADA Site Specific Conditions

This test location is a dog training facility and has handicapped parking and can accommodate either dogs or people with disabilities. Please let the host know beforehand if you need such accommodation.

 

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.

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Reactive Dog Parking

 

There will not be reactive dog parking at this test.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

RV Parking

There is space for RVs to park in the competitor parking area during the test day. To reserve a space, you will need to contact the host after you receive a confirmation that you have received a space in the test. Email krechols@aol.com to reserve RV space. No overnight RV parking is available.

 

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.

 

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed on this test site, including the use of e-cigarettes

 

Hotels

A list of area hotels and directions will be provided with entry confirmations.

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DOG INFORMATION

 

Dog Policies

• All dogs must be on a 6’ leash at all times when not being tested. NO flexi-leashes while not participating in a test.

• 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 testing space, interrupting a test, or from viewing any part of the testing.

• Competitors should expect to keep their dogs confined in a crate or vehicle when not testing and 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 krechols@aol.com or elizabeth@neverclever.com so plans can be made for the dog.

 

All attendees are required to adhere to the NACSW COVID-19 l Guidelines and Rules

In addition to those guidelines the following changes and guidelines are in effect for this ORT due to COVID-19.

 

There are no specific COVID-19 rules for this ORT. However, please be considerate of others that are wearing masks or requesting distance due to health issues.

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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).

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Spectators

Additional guests are welcome, however spectating opportunities may be limited.

Please verify attendance policies with the host before bringing or inviting anyone not volunteering, testing, or officiating.

 

An adult accompanying a minor must be present during the searches.
Everyone at the test site must sign the waiver provided by the host and comply with all event requirements.

Participants are not allowed to watch the testing at any time.

 

Veterinarians

Horton Animal Hospital – Discovery

3609 Endeavor Ave, Columbia, MO 65201

tel: 573-777-3609

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Rules

Complete rules are available at www.NACSW.net. It is the responsibility of each competitor 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, 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 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 competitors/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 testing and kept secret from other competitors. 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.

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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.