Description
Environment Driven Learning
An NACSW authorized seminar
with Amy Herot
NACSW™ and K9 Nose Work® Co-Founder
Sunday, March 23, 2025
9:00am – 5:00PM
MasterPeace Dog Training
Franklin, MA
Preregistration is closed. Walk-in registration available.
Current limit is 80 attendees.
- There will be 8 demonstration team spots available
- Demo teams will demonstrate the seminar material for all attendees’ education.
- See tuition section for more information.
- Please read all seminar information on the webpage including policies and related procedures before registering.
- Registration will close on Monday, March 17. Walk-in registrations will be available the day of the event if space permits.
- All participants must agree to the COVID/health policy below.
Amy Herot, NACSW™ and K9 Nose Work® Co-Founder
Amy is a professional K9 trainer and handler and brings over two decades of experience to her work. She has had certified teams in Narcotics and Explosives detection and has logged over 1500 instructional hours in detection dog training.
As co-founder of K9 Nose Work® and the National Association of Canine Scent Work®, LLC (NACSW™), she has sought to bring that experience to companion dogs and handlers through the development of K9 Nose Work® classes and sport events. Amy currently directs the NACSW™ Trial Division.
In the canine sport world Amy has trained dogs for tracking, agility, sheepherding, protection sports and detection. She competed nationally with her Dutch Shepherd, Maya, and took 3rd place in Narcotics Detection at the Gold Coast K9 Work Dog Trials and 1st place, open division, at the Oxnard Police K9 Foundation Inaugural Trial, 2009. Her Belgian Malinois, Seven, was a nationally certified explosives detection dog and took 1st place in the Explosives Building search at the 2009 Ventura County Sheriff’s K9 Trial and holds an APR 1 IPO title.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Science from NYU and was nationally certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) from 2004 to 2019. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Balu Academy for Dog Trainers and was a John Rogerson associate here in the U.S.
Her professional memberships and affiliations include the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), Southern California Schutzhund Club, President (SCSC), California Narcotics Canine Association (CNCA) and International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI). Amy has given much volunteer time and expertise to the betterment of shelter dogs. Some of Amy’s other achievements have been the 2007 President’s Volunteer Service Award, spcaLA’s 2005 Outstanding H.E.A.L. (Helping Enhance Animals Lives) Volunteer and 2006 Volunteer of the Year.
Amy is one of the country’s most experienced K9 Nose Work® instructors and is a co-founder of NACSW™. In addition to teaching many of the top competitive teams, she has also reviewed hundreds of trial videos that have provided important insights into training and handling for success. In addition to being the director of the NACSW Trial Division, Amy is owner of the Los Angeles based All Good Dogs, LLC. www.allgooddogs.biz, which provides training and behavior consulting, scent detection, and K9 Nose Work products.
This seminar aims to help you see environments in a new light and create the best training scenarios to maximize your dog’s confidence and learning.
Amy will walk you through how to:
- Conduct good environmental assessments for your training exercises
- Improve the handler’s situational awareness
- How to think about the odor picture from the dog’s perspective
- How to identify the training goals that work in the environment you’ve got
- How to incorporate fundamentals in your training regimen to engage the dog in the search
- Structure training that works with the environment available to you
By carefully constructing training layers that build expectation, drive and resilience to problem solve, the dog can generalize the concepts and become more successful in new and challenging environments.
This seminar will focus on live exercises to get you thinking creativity and outside the box in your daily training!
Amy is one of the country’s most experienced K9 Nose Work® instructors and has worked with thousands of dog and handler teams, including many of the top competitive teams. As an NACSW Certifying Official and Judge, she has also reviewed hundreds of trials that have provided important insights into training and handling for success.
Before you register, please read the important information under “Rules, Considerations and Refunds” below.
- $150 – early bird rate (register and pay on or before February 3, 2025)
- $170 (register and pay after February 3, 2025)
- $195 Walk In Registration. Cash or Check payment only
- Demo team spot is an additional $140 if selected.
Demo Team Information:
If you would like to be considered for a demo team spot, please register as an Auditor. Then go to your confirmation email and click on the link to the Google form to tell us about your dog.
- Demo teams are limited to 8. Expect to work ½ of the day (50% of the search exercises).
- Demo teams will be selected to showcase a variety of working styles, breeds, and skills in order to provide the best overall education.
- Dog and handler will be selected from the applicant pool approximately 3 weeks before the seminar. All applicants will be notified at that time.
- Those selected will be invoiced for the additional demo fee ($140).
- Dog and handler should be comfortable working in front of a large group of people in novel situations.
- Dogs CANNOT be reactive to other dogs or people or environmentally sensitive.
- Dogs must be actively searching on all three NACSW odors: Anise, Birch, Clove.
- All those not selected must be willing to audit the seminar. Please do not register if you ONLY want a demo spot.
- Dogs need to be quiet in a crate in the building or car if weather permits.
- Crating inside is in a section of the same room, behind a 4′ movable wall along with the other demo dogs, where the searching and lecture is being held.
Walk-in Registration will be available Sunday morning if space allows. Please check the website to make sure registration is still open. We will make note if this option is unavailable if we fill. There will be an additional $25 walk-in convenience fee for walk-ins. Cash or check ONLY.
Currently limited to 80 attendees.
Registration will close March 17, 2025, or when the seminar is full.
Business Group Discounts are available for AUDITORS ONLY. Please read the information on our Business Group Discount Page for more information about who qualifies and how to register. Please contact us via email to make sure there is availability.
Confirmation Info
After registering and sending payment, you will receive a confirmation email from Dogs of Course.
Tips:
- Remember to look in your junk mail folder
- Check all your e-mail accounts for your confirmation
- Dogs of Course will be sending you updated information and reminders before the start of the seminar. Please watch for our email/s.
NACSW for CNWIs
9 CEUs
CCPDT
N/A for this seminar
KPA-CTP
8 CEUs
If you indicated, on your webinar registration, that you need CEUs for NACSW, CCPDT, or KPA, you do not need to do anything else unless the organization is requiring proof of attendance. If you need proof of attendance for your organization, we will let you know.
- KPA-CTP CEU codes will be sent to you through email, so you can print them and/or save them.
- NACSW™ CEUs are entered online for those that indicate certification when registering. Certificates will not be sent to you. Please check your membership account on the K9 Nose Work® website instructor portal and/or CCPDT member portal three weeks after the workshop.
Shopping:
No store currently planned for this event.
Charity Gift Card Raffle:
Our charity raffle will benefit Vested Interest K9s. Raffle tickets purchases will be in the form of cash or a check to the charity.
We need gift cards for our raffle. Limited new items will also be accepted. If you have a new item you would like to donate please contact Dana to discuss.
Health policies
Due to ongoing COVID-19, Flu and general health concerns we need to let you know several things:
- Our goal is to provide a safe healthy environment where we can all feel comfortable, and health risks are minimized.
- Please do NOT attend the seminar if you are not feeling well, including having: COVID- 19, a cold or the Flu.
- ALL participants must not have contracted COVID fewer than 7 days prior to the seminar date AND must be symptom free.
- ALL participants must not have been in contact with, living with, or exposed to any person with COVID- 19 for at least 5 days prior to the seminar.
- We encourage all Seminar Attendees to COVID TEST the morning of the seminar to make sure they are negative. This kindness protects our community.
- You may be asked to wear a mask depending on the level of COVID-19 in the area. Best to plan for it. We will be making decisions based on CDC guidelines and current outbreak levels. We will err on the side of caution and let you know if masking will be required in our final email confirmation to you 5 days before the seminar.
- By coming to the event, you agree to, and will cooperate with, the rules or regulations set in place with regards to mask wearing, hand sanitizing, food handling, and other protocols. The host has the right to adjust procedures and protocols.
- You will be required to sign a COVID-19 waiver on-line before coming to the event, indicating that you do not have COVID-19, or if you are recovering from COVID-19 you are symptom-free (other than loss of taste/smell) and were diagnosed with it at least 7 days before the seminar date, and that you have not been in contact with, living with, or exposed to, any person with COVID-19 for at least 5 days
- See Cancellation and Refund section below for COVID specific refund policies.
These policies may change depending on the current COVID information and status. Registered participants will be informed of changes in this policy. Dogs of Course will make a reasonable effort to inform registered attendees of significant changes in this policy but is not responsible for guaranteeing the information is communicated. We will update this page as policies change.
Canine Health policies
Due to the nature of the sport of nose work dogs are placed at higher risk because their noses are touching where other dogs’ noses have been including the saliva left behind. Dogs must be healthy and free of contagious conditions including, but not limited to canine upper respiratory virus, canine flu, kennel cough, and fleas. Dogs that still may be contagious due to illness, or exposed to an illness, may be asked not to attend. Dogs with a contagious illness that may affect the rest of the dog population may be asked to leave without refund. PLEASE READ the Canine Health Specific Refund Information carefully. You will be required to sign a Canine Health waiver on-line before coming to the working session (working teams only).
Registration Refund Policy for this Seminar
Registration for this event confirms that you have read and agree to these policies.
Non-working Seminar Attendees
Full payment is required to confirm your registration. Registration is complete when both the registration form and your payment are received.
- Within 3 days of registration, full refund. If you change your mind about attending the event within 3 days of registration, a full refund will be offered.
- Between 3 days of initial registration and up to 45 days prior to the start date: Full refund, minus $25.00 administration fee.
- You may sell or give your registration to another person in lieu of a refund. See “Transferring your registration” in the 6th bullet point.
- Between 44 -7 days prior to the start date: 50% refund except for programs less than $50.00. Programs with tuition less than $50.00 will be refunded the full amount minus $25.00 administration fee.
- You may sell or give your registration to another person in lieu of a refund. See “Transferring your registration” in the 6th bullet point.
- Cancellations 6 days or less before the course: No Refunds. (note COVID policy exception below)
- “No-shows” will not receive a refund.
- Transferring your registration to another person. Participant may transfer registration to another person. The participant is responsible for finding a replacement and working out reimbursement arrangements as well as informing the replacement of any and all policies and procedures. The replacement participant will tell us who they are replacing at registration check-in on the day of the seminar. The replacement participant must follow all rules and considerations for the seminar including the COVID policies and other health protocols including signing a waiver etc., either via email attachment or at the registration check-in desk.
- Registration fee is not transferable to another seminar, camp, or virtual event.
- If the seminar does not meet the minimum number of participants required to hold the event and must be cancelled by Dogs of Course, currently registered participants will be refunded the full amount without penalty.
- If the seminar cannot take place or be completed by reason of fire, civil disturbances, an Act of God, public, national or regional emergency, or any other cause beyond the control of the organizers, a portion of the tuition will not be refunded. The amount withheld will depend on when the cancellation takes place and the nonrecoverable expenses the host incurs.
Working Seminar Attendees
- Transfers from working to auditor spots will be reimbursed the difference in tuition based the date of the change per the above refund policies.
- Due to the many facets of coordinating and administering a seminar with dogs participating, as well as the requirements each dog/owner team must meet for working seminar, the registered working participant/dog team cannot transfer her/his registration to another person for working seminars.
Dog Policies
- We ask that only working participants have dogs in the building during the seminar. The strictness of this policy depends on the location of the seminar and space availability.
- Unless otherwise stated, all dogs must be friendly with people and dogs, and quiet in a crate or ex-pen. Noisy or disruptive dogs will be asked to be moved to your vehicle or leave.
- Participants asked to leave the event/property because her/his dog is dangerous, disruptive or un-manageable will not be refunded any part of the tuition.
- Dogs that are currently in estrus may participate but must wear “pants” during all searching and at all times except when toileting.
- The owner has the option to switch to an auditor position and will be reimbursed per the transfer to auditor refund policy listed above.
- Dogs must be on leash and supervised at all times. Owners must pick-up after her/his dog.
Canine Health Cancellation Policy for Working Dogs:
Due to the unpredictable and highly contagious nature of canine upper respiratory virus, canine flu, and kennel cough, in addition to any other type of contagious disease, we are instituting a refund policy to specifically address this health concern in order to protect dogs attending the workshop. The nature of the sport of nose work places a dog at higher risk because their noses are touching where other dogs’ noses have been and as well as the saliva left behind.
3 weeks and 6 days or fewer before the workshop: If your dog was exposed to, or contracted, any of the above viruses between 3 weeks and 6 days before the workshop, please follow the policy below.
If your dog contracts any of the above viruses or any other highly contagious disease within 3 weeks of the start of the workshop. All dogs must be completely symptom free for at least 2 weeks before the workshop. If your dog was exposed to any of the above viruses or any other highly contagious disease between 3 – 2 weeks of the start of the workshop and your dog never shows symptoms nor has been re-exposed to the virus, your dog may attend the workshop. If your dog was directly exposed to any of the above viruses or any other highly contagious disease 2 weeks or less before the start of the workshop, your dog may not attend as it is possible the virus is incubating, and the dog could become sick or be carrying the virus. We will issue a full refund of the additional working dog fee minus $25.00 admin fee. A veterinary note may be required to receive a refund.
COVID, Flu, Illness Cancellation/Refund Policy for this seminar:
Revised 3/24
Please read the attendance requirements and refund policy below, in addition to the regular seminar refund policy.
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- A registrant who gets COVID within 5 days of the start of this seminar and or who is still symptomatic (other than loss of sense of smell/taste) or who have been directly exposed to a person with COVID 5 or less days before the seminar will not be refunded any portion of their seminar fee.
- Registrants who arrive at the event ill or have a temperature will be turned away and asked to leave without refund.
- If the registrant is sick the day of the event, please stay home. It doesn’t matter if you think it may be the flu or a cold or COVID-19. If you are sick, please take care of yourself and others by staying home. We are sorry but we cannot refund you any portion of the seminar fee due to illness. Let us know you are sick and won’t be attending so we won’t worry about you not showing up.
- The above refund dates apply to anyone that cannot attend due to illness.
- You may transfer your registration to another person if you are unable to attend. See requirements above.
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All cancellations must be in writing: Crevling@dogsofcourse.com
A written note back from Dogs of Course, within 5 working days, will confirm your cancellation. Your cancellation is not valid without a confirmation of receipt.
This policy applies to participants/auditors that must withdraw for any reason including but not limited to injury, illness, emergency and personal or work-related reasons. This policy is without exception.
Waiver, Assumption of Risk, and Agreement to Hold Harmless
I understand that attendance and participation in seminars run by Dogs of Course/Dana C. Crevling is not without risk to myself and/or guests who may attend this seminar.
I hereby waive and release Dana. C. Crevling, Dogs of Course, the speaker or organization, the shelter or business the seminar is located at, any animal shelter or rescue group that provided the animal, all owners of any other animals in attendance, and any of the above mentioned employees, owners, and agents from any and all liability of any nature for injury or damage which I or my dog may suffer, including specifically, but not without limitation, any injury or damage resulting from the action of any dog, and I expressly assume the risk of any such damage or injury while attending the seminar, while supervising or interacting with a dog while on the grounds or surrounding area thereto. In consideration of my attendance and participation in the seminar, I waive the right from any and all claims or claims by any member of my family or any other person accompanying me during the seminar as a result of any action by any dog, including my own.
Directions:
MasterPeace Dog Training is conveniently located off I-495, in southeastern Massachusetts.
Carpooling is encouraged! Parking will be tight.
Find your best route to Exit #43 off Rt 495 to Route 140 South.
Follow Rt 140 South for approximately 1 mile.
Turn right onto Fisher Street and go to the end, passing over the railroad tracks. MasterPeace is the last building on the left.
Hotel Information:
CHECK PET POLICIES BEFORE MAKING RESERVATIONS! Make sure you understand ALL the fees and restrictions. Policies and rates may change.
- Best Western Plus Executive Residency Inn, Franklin, MA (508-553-3500). ($25/night per dog)
- Holiday Inn Express, Milford, MA (508-634-1054) ($35/night per dog)
- Hampton Inn, Franklin, MA (508-520-2999) (accepts service dogs only)
- Best Western Plus Executive Residency Inn, Franklin, MA (508-553-3500). ($25/night per dog)
- Holiday Inn Express, Milford, MA (508-634-1054) ($35/night per dog)
- Hampton Inn, Franklin, MA (508-520-2999) (accepts service dogs only)
Area Airports:
Providence, RI (TF Green) – about 35 miles away
Worcester, MA (Worcester Regional) – about 40 miles away
Boston, MA (Logan) – about 45 miles away
Food: Lunch will be on your own. There are many places to eat within a 10-minute driving distance.
Lunch break is scheduled for 1 hour.
Beverages and snacks are expected to be available. If the host feels that COVID concerns dictate a need to limit or not offer beverages and snacks, participants will be notified in the final confirmation about 5 days before the seminar. We ask that you wear your mask when not eating or drinking.
What to Bring: Bring a comfortable folding chair that you can move from place to place and a towel to place under the chair to protect the matting, something hard to write on, pad of paper, notebook or laptop for taking notes.
Dress appropriately for inside and outside temperatures. The training room is climate controlled, but you should dress in layers to be sure you are comfortable as the heat/AC can vary depending on your seating location.
Bring a mask please. We encourage you wear to one if possible and it may be required if conditions change.
No Video or Audio Taping, please. Exceptions may be made for the demo teams that want video of themselves for personal use only.
Dog Policies: If you do not have a demo team spot, please leave your dogs at home if possible. If you must bring your dog, please plan on crating in your vehicle.
If you have questions about this seminar, please contact Dana Crevling via email. We will do our best to reply within 2 business days.
Registration is closed
Currently attendance is limited to 80 participants.
Tuition:
- $150 – early bird rate (register and pay on or before January 23, 2025)
- $170 (register and pay after January 23, 2025)
- $195 Walk In Registration. Cash or Check payment only
To register: Click the box to select the item and click Add Selection to Cart. Then go to the top of the screen to click the button to go to your cart. Then click Checkout.