NACSW is the only official sanctioning and organizing body for the sport of K9 Nose Work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out more about NACSW membership and/or NACSW dog registration & score books?
Please visit: http://www.nacsw.net/nacswmembership.html for more detailed information. This page also includes links to the membership registration page and the dog registration page
I'm interested in hosting a workshop.
Please Contact Us for details on hosting workshops.
How do I find out about workshops in my area?
There is a listing of currently scheduled workshops available at: Workshop Schedule. Please check back regularly as we frequently update the schedule.
Is there a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) in my area? How do I find group classes in my area?
There is a listing of all our CNWI available at: http://nacsw.net/certifiedinstructors.html. Please contact the instructors directly for information on current classes. If there is not an instructor in your area, please check the workshop schedule listed above. Otherwise, please use the "Contact Us" page to submit a request to see if we are aware of anyone with classes in your area.
I'm interested in hosting a NACSW trial.
The NACSW will select a number of locations regionally per year for trials. The NACSW will review the requests and select the locations that can best accommodate regional demand. To submit a request to host a trial, please visit: How to Host a Trial
I'm interested in hosting a NACW Odor Recognition Test (ORT).
To learn more about hosting an ORT and to submit a request to host an ORT, please visit: Hosting an ORT
How do I get more information about a specific trial or ORT?
You need to contact the trial or ORT host directly. This information is usually listed on the ORT and trial calendar - click on the link for the event you are interested in and more details are listed. If the event is more than 3 months in the future, the contact information may not be available yet. If the event is hosted by the NACSW, you may email trialEntry@nacsw.net.
What is required to enter an ORT (Odor Recognition Test)?
The ORT tests if a dog/handler team can identify which box has the target odor during a 3 minute time period. To enter an ORT, the dog must be registered with the NACSW and the handler must be a current NACSW member.
What is required to enter a trial?
The dog must have passed the ORT for the target odor(s) required for the level the dog is entering. The dog must be registered with the NACSW and the handler must be a current NACSW member. Additional information is available at: Trial Eligibility and in our rule book at: Rule Book.
Note: An ORT is not indicative of a team's trial readiness. Prior to entering a trial, most handlers and dogs have learned all of the elements of competition and have practiced those elements in many and varied locations, under time pressure and with the guidance of an instructor versed in those lements. The NACSW offers this guideline to help prospective competitors set realistic goals for themselves and their dogs. On average, most teams train for at least one year prior to entering their first NACSW sanctioned trial. This will allow for obth dog and handler to have a more enjoyable and successful experience at trial.
How do I enter a trial or ORT?
You need to contact the trial or ORT host directly. This information is usually listed on the ORT and trial calendar - click on the link for the event you are interested in and more details are listed. If the event is more than 3 months in the future, the contact information may not be available yet. If the event is hosted by the NACSW, you may email trialEntry@nacsw.net.
May someone else handle my dog in an ORT or trial?
Any current NACSW member may handle any NACSW registered dog.
What information do I need to have on hand for a trial entry?
Your NACSW member id number, your NACSW K9 registration number, your contact phone number, your search cue, your alert behavior(s), and your email address.
How do I learn more about training my dog in K9 Nose Work?
Attend a K9 Nose Work workshop or take group classes with a CNWI. We are working to expand both options across the nation.
I'm interested in learning more about the Certified Nose Work Instructor Program?
To become a CNWI, you must attend workshops and/or classes with the founders including Intro to Nose Work and Intro to Odor, and instructor training. You must also complete several other requirements including the following: accrue teaching hours applying the concepts of K9 Nose Work, pass an ORT and written exam, and submit video of class instruction. Additional requirements apply depending on experience and background. For more details about the program, please submit the form on our "Contact Us" page.