Training Fest West Coast 2023

NACSW® Education Division
K9 Nose Work® Training Fest West 2023

February 11-12, 2023
Merced County Fairgrounds
900 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Merced, CA 95341
209-722-1506
https://www.mercedcountyfair.com/

Cost:
$550 for the weekend – single day registration not available (limited spaces)
$250 for auditing both days; $125 for auditing one day (limited spaces)

CEUs:
CNWI: 14 for both days  (7 for one day auditing)

Steps for registrations:

• Preliminary registration completion (submit form below).
• Due to limited space, working spots will be awarded by random draw from all registrations received by 5:00 PM, PST on December 2, 2022.
• Draw will take place on December 5, 2022 by 8:00PM (the draw will be for working spots. If necessary, a 2^nd draw will be done for auditing spots)
• A wait list will be maintained for both working and auditing.
• Acceptance will be confirmed by email and an invoice will be sent 72 hours after the draw (you’ll have 24 hours to process payment to hold your spot).
• Once payment is received, you’ll receive a questionnaire to collect information about you and your dog.
• Group assignments will be determined on a variety of factors (including but not limited to, title level, years of training, handler experience, etc.).
• The focus of this 2-day training event will be on skill development and competition readiness.

Event Faculty:

• Amy Herot, NACSW K9 Nose Work Co-Founder – Read Bio
• Jill Marie O’Brien, NACSW K9 Nose Work Co-Founder – Read Bio
• Silke Wittig, CNWI, NACSW CO – Read Bio
• Jennie Keifer, CNWI, NACSW CO and Trial Division Staff Member – Read Bio

Group information:

• Groups will consist of eight teams (handler/dog)
• Each day the teams will work in four search areas
• Teams will work in four search areas
• Teams will work with each instructor at least once.
• We will do our utmost to create groups that support the best learning for all participants. (Groups are organized based on survey responses from handlers.)
• Instructors will use their many years working with Nose Work teams to create learning experiences that will be both informative and fun. They will use that experience to adjust exercises as necessary based on real time observations and handler feedback.
• Searches will emphasize interiors and exteriors but may touch on all the elements. (Search areas and elements are subject to change without notice)
• Instructors will discuss strategy and technique for search optimization from entry level to elite level and everything in-between
• Auditors will have flexibility to float from group to group (unless the search area precludes spectators due to space or other concerns)

Information about the location and general event details:

Merced Area Lodging:
https://www.google.com/search?q=hotels+in+merced+ca&rlz=1CAYXED_enUS848&oq=hotels&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l3j69i60l2.5503j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

RV & Camping:
https://properties.camping.com/merced-river-rv-resort/Overview

RV camping also available at the Merced Fairgrounds. Please contact the fairgrounds directly for RV camp information and rates. (DO NOT EMAIL NACSW)

Prerequisites:

• All dogs must be on all three NACSW odors (Birch, Anise and Clove).
• All dogs must be able to be crated inside or outside of their vehicle without disturbing other dogs.
• This is event is not well suited toward human-aggressive or difficult-to-manage dog-aggressive (reactive) dogs.

Recommended Equipment:

• Participants will need to bring a mobile crate to use in certain search areas (car crating may or may not be available for your assigned searches.) Handlers will be responsible for moving their own equipment between search areas if needed.
• Visual barriers
  • crate cover
  • shade clothes
• Food and/or toys
• Six-foot leash (dogs must be on a 6 foot or shorter leash when not actively in a supervised search)
• Other leashes or lines for use during supervised training sessions

All participants should be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may be required with registration payment or upon arrival. NACSW will comply with all state mandated guidelines in place at the time of event.

Masks may be required indoors (as well as may be required outdoors while in groups depending on current community health situation in addition to local and state regulations)

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

Cancellation deadlines are as follows:

Working teams:

• By January 21, 2023 you will receive a refund minus $50.00 processing fee
• By January 31, 2023 50% of the registration will be refunded; minus $50.00 processing fee. (example: $550.00 – 50% = $225.00 – $50.00 = total refund $175.00)
• After January 31st – NO REFUNDS

Auditors:

• By January 31, 2023, full refund minus $50.00 processing fee
• After January 31st – NO REFUNDS

Your registration will only be considered cancelled if you receive a confirmation from NACSW of receipt of your request for cancellation. Registrations are non-transferrable. If the event is cancelled due to civil unrest, health emergencies, acts of war, God, location issues or for reasons beyond the control of the NACSW and/or the K9 Nose Work Education division, fees will be nonrefundable however all efforts will be made to deliver the event at a later date.

If you are asked to leave the event for any reason due to failure to follow instructions related to the safety, well-being, or general enjoyment of other participants, you will not receive a refund.