National Association of Canine Scent Work, LLC®

 

Official NACSW™ 

 

ODOR RECOGNITION TESTS

 

Odors Tested: Birch, Anise Clove

 

Date: Saturday May 2, 2026

 

Test Location:  Magic City Acceptance Center 3130 3rd Avenue S, Birmingham AL 35233

 

Test Host: Laurie Malone, Sprout and Penny Canine Foundation

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Certifying Official: Corrine Dreyfus

 

Judge: Cindy Roberts

 

Entry Fee: $40 per dog per odor

 

Number of Entries: 100

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 ORT ENTRY INFORMATION 

 

Opening Date: Friday March 20 at 10:00 am Central

Entries Close: Friday April 24 at 5:00 pm Central or When entry limits have been met.

 

Entry Method:

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

• Declined Credit/Debit Cards do not constitute a valid entry fee.

• ENTRIES will be accepted online only at https://www.spk9.org/events

• 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:

1. Complete entry during the specified entry time frame.

2. The Handler is a NACSW member for the 2025-2026 membership year (8/1/25-7/31/26).

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 April 25th, 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

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Trial Eligibility and ORTs

An ORT must be taken and passed 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.
 

Basic Description of the Test

TTo successfully pass an ORT a dog must identify the location of the target odor, and the handler must correctly call an “alert” within a two minute 30 second (2:30) 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

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No dog will be given more than one space in the same odor test at a single event.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

 

Refunds will be given for cancellation of entries, minus a $5 processing fee per entry, if notified by email at lamalone88@yahoo.com by April 17 at 5:00 pm CT.

 

No refunds will be given after April 24 at 5:00 pm CT.

 

Entry Fees shall not be refunded in the event that a dog is absent, disqualified, or excused by the NACSW™ official or judge.

 

All cancellations must be emailed to Laurie Malone at lamalone88@yahoo.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.

 

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

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Test Site Hours

8:00am - 4:00pm 

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

 

Site Specific Conditions

The ORT Location is in a one floor building with an accessible ramp from the parking lot to the entry. The ORT test will take place in a large meeting room with polished concrete flooring. The parking lot is adjacent to the building and is paved. The parking lot is paved with no shade available and there will not be much extra space between vehicles.
 

Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, the expected test area, parking, and/or pathways may be modified at the last minute.

 

Reactive Dog Parking

There will not be designated reactive dog parking at this test.  If made aware of dog or handler needs, we will do our best to accommodate.

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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 limited space on the street for RVs to park 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 ORT. Email lamalone88@yahoo.com to reserve RV space. No overnight RV parking is available.
 

Running Vehicles or Generators in the parking lot

The parking is tight at this location and running generators in the parking lot is not allowed

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Hotels

Hotels in the Hoover and Homewood areas are within easy driving distance to the ORT site.

 

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 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.

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DOG INFORMATION

 

Dog Policies

• All dogs must always be on a 6’ leash 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 search.

• 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 are allowed to participate in ORTs.  If there is a bitch in season participating in the ORT, she must wear panties and will run at the end of each odor. 

 

Handlers with females in season should park and toilet their dogs away from the other dogs if the location logistics permit. Handlers must email Laurie Malone at lamalone88@yahoo.com so plans can be made for the dog.

 

OTHER INFORMATION 

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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.

 

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, Laurie Malone, Sprout and Penny Canine Foundation 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, Laurie Malone, Sprout and Penny Canine Foundation 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
Space permitting, spectating will be allowed per ORT guidelines as outlined in the rule book.  The ORT Certifying Official has the right to limit spectators at their discretion. Everyone at the trial site must sign the waiver provided by the host and comply with all event requirements. 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. For minors an adult must be present during the searches. 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.

 

At the host's discretion, a photographer and/or video service may be present during the event to offer photos and/or videos for sale to the handlers. Details will be available at check in.

 

Emergency Veterinary Hospital

The closest emergency veterinarian to the event location:

Steel City Emergency Vet

1900 Hoover Ct, Hoover, AL 35226

 

Questions
All Test related questions, contact Laurie Malone, lamalone88@yahoo.com

 

 

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

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