National Association of Canine Scent Work, LLC®
Official NACSW™ Odor Recognition Tests
~ The listed start & end times are estimated. The ACTUAL start time will be emailed to the participants closer to the ORT date. Check-in will be at 3:15pm.
ODORS Tested: Birch, Anise, Clove
TEST LOCATION:
Fusion Pet Retreat
14901 Minnetonka Industrial Road, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Test Host & Secretary: Yas Bakshian | shopk9nose@gmail.com
There are no Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) requirements in Minnetonka, MN.
Certifying Official: Jenifer Watters
Judge: Sue Kliewer
ENTRY COST:
$35 per dog per odor
Number of Entries: 30-100 tests
ORT ENTRY INFORMATION
Opening Date: Monday, January 6, 2025 at 9:00am Central Time
Entries Close: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6:00pm Central Time or When entry limits have been met
~ A wait list will be maintained if necessary. Overnight mail entries must have the signature request waived. ~
Second Dog Policy: Maximum ONE dog per handler for each odor tested
ENTRY METHOD – First Received | Registration will be ONLINE - a link will appear HERE once registration is open
Please email the test secretary if you would prefer a paper entry which you would then fill out and mail back with a check. Please note online registration is preferred.
Owners are responsible for errors in filling out entry forms, so PLEASE fill out your form CAREFULLY!
Telephone, fax, unsigned entries, and entries received without fees cannot
be accepted.
Returned checks do not constitute a valid entry fee. $25 fee for returned checks
Entries must be made on the official entry form.
No entry shall be made and no entry shall be accepted, which specifies
any conditions as to its acceptance.
Express mail entries must include signature permitting them to be left at the secretary’s address without recipient’s signature.
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 September 9, 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.
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 AUTOMATED email when entry payments are processed through the website: www.thek9nose.com. Please make sure you provided an accurate email when filling out the form. If you require a confirmation via USPS, you must provide a self-addressed stamped envelope with your entry. Your AUTOMATED PAYMENT EMAIL notification and receipt is CONFIRMATION of your completed ORT 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: REFUNDS will be given, minus a processing fee of $10 per test, if the trial secretary is notified by Monday, February 17, 2025 at 6:00pm Central Time. FROM Monday, February 17, 2024 at 6:01pm to Thursday, February 20, 2024 at 6pm (CT), REFUNDS will be given, minus a processing fee of $15 per test, IF the host can fill your space. No refund will be issued if the host can’t fill your space. No refunds will be issued for cancellations during the last 72 hours before the event or no-shows. Due to time constraints, host may opt to not fill cancelled spaces and no refund will be issued.
All cancelations must be emailed to ORT host via email at shopk9nose@gmail.com
Refunds will be addressed within 30 days of the cancellation.
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: Fusion Pet Retreat is a stand alone building with multiple entries into the building. This location has dogs boarding in the front half of the building and offers dog training classes in the back half. The ORT will take place INSIDE in the main agility ring, which is in the back half of the building. The inside flooring for the test area is agility mat flooring along with linoleum surrounding the ring and linoleum in the hallways leading into the ring. Dogs will be crated in your car. To enter or exit the ORT, you will need to walk around the building through the parking lots surrounding the business and through uneven lawn & curbs (possibly snow & ice) and 10 stairs to navigate a small berm. Human Restrooms are accessed through the dog boarding lobby area in the front of 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.
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 is paved but may be uneven - and slippery if there is snow & ice.
RV Parking: The parking lot is small and can’t handle vehicles that take up more than one standard parking space. Large RVs can’t be accommodated. Please contact the Test Host Contact/Secretary if you are unsure about parking.
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.
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): Alcohol & Smoking is not allowed on this event site. Firearms are prohibited on the property.
Hotels: Competitors are encouraged to research additional hotel accommodations using the website http://www.bringfido.com or a comparable website. Some motels may require dog deposits. Please check on dog policies as policies do change. Please clean up after your dog -- do not leave dogs unattended in motel rooms. We are guests in their space and need to make certain that dogs are always welcome at their facilities.
La Quinta Inn & Suites ……………………………………... (952) 541-1094
10420 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305
La Quinta Inn & Suites ……………………………………... (952) 830-1300
5151 American Blvd W, Bloomington, MN 55437
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham …………………………….………………. (952) 854-6600
801 E 78th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
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. 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.
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, Yas Bakshian, The K9 Nose 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: There is no general spectating at an ORT. Handlers in an ORT may not be spectators for other Handlers regardless of relationship (with the exception of a minor testing after the accompanying adult tests). Only immediate family members/friends of the dog/handler team being tested may spectate that team. 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.
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 completion of the event day.
Video Service: There will be a video service present during the event to offer videos for sale to the handlers. The K9 Nose will be filming the searches. Purchase options will be available in the final details email.
Volunteering: Anyone who is not testing is welcome to volunteer. If you know of someone who would like to volunteer, please have them go to https://www.thek9nose.com/volunteer-ort to sign up. Your time and effort are GREATLY appreciated!
Emergency Veterinary Hospital
The closest emergency veterinarian(s) to the event location:
BluePearl Pet Hospital
760 Boone Ave N Golden Valley, MN 55427
952.942.8272
Questions
All Test related questions, contact Yas Bakshian, shopk9nose@gmail.com
Details regarding check in time and briefing will be sent approximately 1 week before the ORT