National Association of Canine Scent Work, LLC®
Official NACSW™
ODOR RECOGNITION TESTS

Odors Tested: Birch, Anise, Clove

Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025

Test Location:  Dog Training, 5000 NW 34th Blvd Gainesville, FL 32605

Test Host: Eager Pup, LLC

Test Host Contact Info:  Melanie Phillpot, Eager.Pup@hotmail.com

Certifying Official: Marnie White

Judge: Esau Bright

Entry Cost:
1 Odor = $40     2 Odors = $80     3 Odors = $120


Number of Entries: 100

ORT ENTRY INFORMATION

Opening Date: Monday, December 30, 2024 at Noon EST
Entries Close: Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Noon EST, or When entry limits have been met
Second Dog Policy: No second dogs for the same handler, same odor.  Only one dog per handler, per odor.

Entry Method:  Electronic entry at EagerPup.com, and payment via PayPal.  You do not need to have a PayPal account to use the payment link that will be sent within 1 week after your entry form is received.
  • Telephone, Fax, USPS, and Unsigned Entries cannot be accepted.
  • Entries Must Be Made On the entry form below the Premium at EagerPup.com.
  • 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.

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 2024-2025 membership year (8/1/24- 7/31/25).
  • The Dog is registered with the NACSW.
  • 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 February 18, 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
Acknowledgment of entry acceptance/confirmation, will be made by e-mail when entries are processed for those handlers that provide an e-mail address.  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 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/handler 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 Noon, February 15, 2025 – Full refund. 
  • For cancellation of entries after Noon, February 15, 2025 – no refunds will be issued unless the space can be filled, in which case a refund will be issued minus a $5 processing fee.  
  • If cancellation is received after Noon, February 15, 2025, and you provide a note from your veterinarian or physician, you will receive a full refund minus a $5 processing fee.


All cancellations must be e-mailed to the ORT host.  Melanie Phillpot, Eager.Pup@hotmail.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
This event is held at a small strip mall, at the host's dog training studio.  The parking lot is level asphalt, and nearby, there is a concrete walkway to the front entrance of the test room that has 1 step up.  Alternately, there is a short ramp near the entrance to the test room.  The exit from the test room is 2 low steps down from concrete to asphalt.  The walk to the entrance is short.  There may be a longer, level walk from the exit to the parking lot.  The test room floor is painted cement. 

Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or changes 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 is level asphalt with high shade.  There are a few sunny spots.

RV Parking
There is space for RVs to park in/near the handlers' parking area during the event day.  To reserve a space, you will need to contact the Test Host, Melanie Phillpot, at Eager.Pup@hotmail.com after you receive confirmation that you have a space in the event.  No overnight RV parking is available.

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.

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)
Smoking, firearms, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed on this event site.

Hotels
A list of area hotels is available here:
 Be sure to confirm that they still take pets.

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 e-mail the Test Host, Melanie Phillpot, at Eager.Pup@hotmail.com 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.

If there are any significant changes or updates after the draw period, handlers will be notified via e-mail.  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 e-mail 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 agrees that the NACSW, Melanie Phillpot, Eager Pup, LLC, Melody Cevelin, Melody's Memories,  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, Melanie Phillpot, Eager Pup, LLC, Melody Cevelin, Melody's Memories, 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
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.  Contact the host at: Melanie Phillpot, Eager.Pup@hotmail.com if you REQUIRE someone to attend with you for assistance.

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.  At ORTs, handlers may bring a spectator to video or photograph their searches.  Videos may not be made public until the completion of the event day.


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

UF Small Animal Hospital
2089 SW 16th Ave,
Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 392-2235  Call Ahead
Emergency Hours 24/7

BluePearl Pet Hospital
7314 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32607
352-672-6718  Call Ahead
Open 24 hours

Questions
All Test related questions, contact Melanie Phillpot, Eager.Pup@hotmail.com.

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


Revised 08/05//2024