NACSW is the only official sanctioning and organizing body for the sport of K9 Nose Work.
Title Parameters: NW1
NW1
Each title is based on a perfect score of 100 points and no more than 3 faults.The maximum time for each element, as determined by the specific competition, must not be exceeded.Times for each NW1 element generally do not exceed 5 minutes.
NW1 (Nose Work 1):Requires one qualifying trial of 100 points score with no more than 3 faults.All hides must be located.
NW1 Requirements & Parameters:
Proficient in one odor: (Birch); must have ORT on file with NACSW™.Only odor #1, Birch, will be included for this title.
One hide per element at this level.Only birch may be used in each element.
Element Specifications:
Container Search:
Always on leash
No intentional distractors
Container search will be boxes set in any pattern.
Please see “Trial Elements” in the trial rule book for more detail
Interior Building Search:
May be on or off leash as designated by the certifying official
No blank areas. (Search areas without odor that must be searched and deemed clear.)
Please see “Trial Elements” in the trial rule book for more detail
Exterior Area Search:
On leash; may be off leash option but only if area is secure
Please see “Trial Elements” in the trial rule book for more detail
Vehicle Search:
On leash
Up to three vehicles
Please see “Trial Elements” in the trial rule book for more detail
Alerts:Handler must call the alert, but a formal, final trained response by the dog is not required. It is valid if the handler calls alert even if the dog is not exhibiting one of the specific alert behaviors stated on the score sheet before the start of the first element.
Height and accessibility of hides: Should be no more than approximately four (4) feet high.The source will be accessible to the dog (but may require the handler’s help to get close to the hide in some cases).
A note about height:The height parameter is a general guideline provided for training purposes. No trial location will ever be the same.If a kitchen counter were 3 inches taller than the specified guideline, it would still be used for a hide location as long as the dog would be able to gain access to it with the handler’s help.