March ORT

This Northwest K9 Sniffers are hosting an ORT on March 2nd at Green River College in Auburn.  We will be offering all three odor tests, but no second dogs. The premium is show below and the ORT will open for entries on Monday, December 2nd.  

If you want to enter, please use the button below to take you to the registration link:

National Association of Canine Scent Work, LLC®

Official NACSW™

ODOR RECOGNITION TESTS

Odors Tested: Birch, Anise, Clove

Date:  Sunday, March 2nd 2025

Test Location:  Green River College 12401 SE 320th St  Auburn  WA

Test Host:  Northwest K9 Sniffers

Test Secretary: Shelly Navarre at nwk9sniffers@gmail.com

Certifying Official:  Christina Bunn

Judge: Teresa Fay

Entry Cost: $35

Number of Entries: 125

 ORT ENTRY INFORMATION 

Opening Date:  Monday, December 2, 2024

Entries Close:  Monday, February 24th 2025 or when entry limits have been met

Second Dog Policy:  No second dogs will be allowed at this test

Entry Method

• All entries will be online through host website: https://nwk9sniffers.org/

• Entries must be made via the Registration link:   https://forms.gle/5XuXUbC1xjDdNDpr6

• Telephone, fax, and mailed entries fees cannot be accepted.

• Handlers are responsible for errors in making out entry forms.

• No entry shall be made, and no entry shall be accepted, which specifies any conditions as to its acceptance.

• Payment by Square (no account needed) at the time of registration

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 2024-2025 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.

Optional 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  February 24th 2025 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.

Notification

Your online ORT registration will be acknowledged via email.  This email will include a Square link to pay your ORT registration fees.

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 36” 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 this event.

CANCELLATION POLICY

The following cancellation policy applies:

  • Cancellations made by Saturday, February 15th, 2025 will be given a refund less a $5 service fee per test.
  • For cancellations between February 16th to February 23rd a 50% refund will be given if we are able to fill your spot(s) from the Wait List. 
  • No refunds will be given for withdrawal from this ORT after Sunday, February 23rd, 2025.

Entry fees shall not be refunded if a dog is absent, disqualified, or excused by the NACSW™ official or judge. All cancellations must be emailed to Shelly Navarre at: nwksniffers@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 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.

All cancellations must be emailed to the Test Host Contact/Secretary Shelly Navarre at:  nwk9sniffers@gmail.com

LOCATION DETAILS

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. 

ADA Site Specific Conditions

All surfaces are paved with little to no elevation changes.  There are no stairs to enter the building.  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. There is a long walk to the building where the ORT will be held.  If you need to park closer for ADA reasons, there is the option to park separately from the main parking area right next to the building.

Optional Parking

Parking lot is paved with lots of space.  There is shade.  Restrooms will be near the parking lot.

RV Parking

There is space for RVs to park in the handlers parking area during the event day. To reserve a space, you will need to contact the Test Host Contact/Secretary after you receive confirmation that you have a space at the event. No overnight RV parking is available.

Optional 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

There will not be specific reactive dog parking at this event but the parking lot is very generously sized so there will be space to park away from other handlers.

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.

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

Alcohol, smoking and E-cigarettes are not allowed on this event site

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. 

 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 Contact/Secretary so plans can be made for the dog.

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.

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 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, Northwest K9 Sniffers, Green River College 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, Northwest K9 Sniffers, Green River College 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. 

Spectators
Only immediate family members/friends of the dog/handler team being tested may spectate that team.

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

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.  Handlers may bring a spectator to video or photograph their searches. Videos may not be made public until completion of the event day.In the unlikely instance where the site does not allow any public video, host will need to change this content 

Emergency Veterinary Hospital

The closest emergency veterinarian(s) to the event location:

BluePearl, 402 Baker Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188    (425) 496-1000

Questions
All Test related questions, contact Shelly Navarre at nwk9sniffers@gmail.com