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National Association of Canine Scent Work LLC, Official NACSW Odor Recognition Tests (ORT)

  • Carlsborg, WA 98324 United States (map)

THE ORT IS FULL. We have started a waitlist. If you would like to be on the wait list Do Not send a check with registration. We will contact waitlist teams if a space becomes available.

Odors tested: Birch Anise Clove

Date: Saturday November 4, 2023

Test site Hours: Approximately 10 am - 4 pm

Test Location : 151 Ruth’s Place , unit 2, Carlsborg, WA 98324

Test Host: Sarah Becker, Sea Change Canine llc

Test Host Contact : Sarah Becker seachangecanine@gmail.com

Certifying Official: Rachelle Bailey Austin

Judge: Kathy Weaver

Entry Cost $30 per odor

Number of Entries 90

Opening Date: Friday Sept 22, 2023 at 9 am Entries close Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 6pm or when entry limits have been met.

Second Dog Policy: Two dogs per Handler for each odor tested

Entry Method: First received by USPS, mail overnight delveries 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. A $40 charge for each returned check.

  • 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 host 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 2023-2024 membership year (8/1/23- 7/31/24).

  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 Oct 21,2023,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.

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:Cancellations made by Saturday, Oct 21, 2023 6 PM,PST will be given a refund less a $5 service fee per test. For cancellation of entries after 6 PM Saturday October 21,2023, a full refund will be issued only if a note is provided from a doctor or veterinarian. Otherwise no refund will be issued.

All cancellations must be emailed to the  Sarah Becker  seachangecanine@gmail.com  Put “ORT Cancellation” in the subject line. 

Entry fees shall not be refunded if a dog or handler is absent, disqualified, or excused by the NACSW official or judg

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.

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.

This event location is a private business park. The parking lot is gravel. There is an elevation change/slope that goes from parking lot to the potty area. There will be a long walk around the building from the test site exit back to the parking area. The ORT test site is indoors with rubber flooring.  

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.

Optional Parking

The parking lot is gravel with no shade available.

The parking lot is small with no extra space between vehicles. 

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 very limited space for RVs to park near  the handlers parking area during the event day. To reserve a space, you will need to contact the Test Host  seachangecanine@gmail.com after you receive confirmation that you have a space in the event. No overnight RV parking is available.

Motorhomes can’t be accommodated. Please contact the Test Host seachangecanine@gmail.com  if you are unsure about parking.

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.

Optional Running Vehicles or Generators in the parking lot

 The parking is tight at this location and running your vehicles or generators in the parking lot is not allowed at this event.

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 specific reactive dog parking at this event. 

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 handler’s vehicle during the event day. There will be ample potty areas, but unentered dogs should not be allowed to “play”, exercise, or train on the event grounds.

  (This option may affect your volunteer turnout since some will be traveling with dogs or may be competing in another event for the weekend)

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 event site, including the use of e-cigarettes

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

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. 

 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 seachangecanine@gmail.com  Put “ ORT Bitch in Season” in the subject line, at least two days before the test so plans can be made for the dog.

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.
Handlers are asked to bring their own hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.

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 handler 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 handler expressly agree that the NACSW, Sarah Becker, Sea Change Canine 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 handler 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 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:

There are NO emergency Veterinary services on the peninsula. You MUST call first before arriving at any emergency facility.  

Animal Emergency & Specialty Center

360-697-7771

980 NW Reliance St. Poulsbo,WA 98370.  Open 24 hours

VCA Animal Hospitals

360-692-6162

2238 NW Bucklin Hill RD,Suite 100. Silverdale ,WA 98383   7am-7pm

Puget Sound Veterinary Specialty & Emergency

253-400-5052

6565 Kimball Dr, Gig Harbor,WA 98335 Open 24 hrs


Questions
All Test related questions, contact Sarah Becker
seachangecanine@gmail.com

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

*We have started a waitlist for the ORT. Do not send a check to register. If a space becomes available we will contact the next team on the list .