Here is a link to show you how to print a list of armbands. 

Here is a link that will show you how to print armbands.  Here's a video.

Yes.

Here is a video.

Here is a video.

Here is a video of how Check-in Sheets are printed. Check-in Sheets

TopDogWebDesigns.com 

To assist clubs in determining how much to charge for Scent Work entry fees, we have analyzed Data for 2025 and provided it here.

Number of Records in Review: 879

The lowest amount charged:  $ 20.00

The highest amount charged: $ 55.00

Average fee: 27.16

Break Down of Fees Charged

Would you like more information, have a question, or have a demo of our FCAT product?  MORE INFORMATION

Yes, as long as it is published in your premium.

No

No.

The costs can be split any way you desire.  Some clubs choose to pay a portion.

No.

No, we make money strictly from the entry fees.

No, we make money strictly from the entry fees.

The current cost is $2.95 per entry.  An entry is defined as a class within an element.  Entering Container/Novice A is an entry.  Entering Buried/Advanced is an entry.  

Yes.

Email notifications are sent out within 30 seconds of payment verification.  The video below shows you how our email notifications work. The video uses AKC Scent Work data; however, the process is the same regardless of the trial type.

Yes. We use AcyMailing, an incredible product. We are presently integrating it into all TDWD systems. There is an extra charge for Acymailing, but it is not required or necessary for our system. We are also building several email templates for sending catalogs, results, trial notifications, and announcements.  It is easy to learn, and your club can use it for other things like meeting announcements, etc.

We can purchase it for your club.  We recommend the "Essential" package, which is $6.5E or $7.00 US. https://AcyMailing.com.

Here is a video to show you.

Here is a video.

Here is a video.

Waitlist Entries

How waitlist entries are handled depends on the method of entry: Mail-in entries or Online entries. If your club offers online waitlist entries, TDWD will manage all online waitlist entries for you, including refunds of entry fees. If entries are full and your club offers a waitlist, the "Waitlist" item will be available on the HOME Page. Individuals can use this function to enter any Elements/Classes. 

Features

1. Each entry is automatically assigned a unique ID. IDs are created by adding a "1" to the last ID number assigned. This will automatically make it easy for the Trial Secretary to know which entry is considered first.
2. When the deadline for making "Waitlist" entries is reached OR the maximum number of Waitlist entries is reached, the user will see a message on the screen indicating that the maximum number of Waitlist entries has been reached.
3. The Entrant will pay all entry fees through TDWD and PayPal.
4. When the deadline for Waitlist entries is reached:
   1. All entries not awarded an actual entry will be refunded.
      1. The PayPal notification will include a note indicating, "All Entry Fees Refunded minus the $5.00 processing fee".
   2. All entries not accepted will be deleted from the system.
   3.  All entries which include multiple elements and classes will be addressed.
      1. Refunds will be issued for those Elements and Classes not awarded an actual entry
      2. Classes and entries not awarded an actual entry will be deleted.
      3. The entry will be changed from a "Waitlist" classification to a "Standard" entry.

Mailed in Waitlist Entries

These will need to be entered into the system to track them properly.

No.  TDWD does not allow the use of other online products or systems in conjunction with trials where the club uses TDWD.

Yes, as long as it is published in your premium.

We have automated the process of making changes to entries to entries.

1) The entrant requests a change.

2) An email is automatically sent to the Trial Secretary.

3) The secretary makes the requested change.

4) An email is automatically sent to the exhibitor notifying them the requested change has been completed.

 Here is a video showing how the system handles making changes.

Mail-in entries are sent directly to the trial secretary, who enters them into the system. We have built into the system the ability to track the cash or checks used for payment.  Here is a video on mail-in entries.

Our Entry Count report provides you with the number of online, mail-in, and day-of-event entries. Here is a video about Entry Counts.

Here is a link to our AKC Scent Work DOE Form video.  AKC Scent Work DOE Form

Here is a link to our AKC Scent Form video.  AKC Scent Form

Yes. Maximum entries can be set by Trial, Element, and even Judges.

Here is a video to show you how to export mailing addresses.   Export Mailing Addresses

Yes, you can export mailing addresses.  Here is what they look like.

Here is a video.

We use Microsoft Excel as the format for all exports.

Here is a video to show you how to export a list of email addresses.  Export Email Addresses

Yes.  

Here is a video.

Here is a video.

Yes.  Here is a video.

If the club has contracted with an independent secretarial service, we will send a W-9 to the contract secretary.  TDWD will require a W-9 from the secretary.

If the club contracts with TDWD to use TDWD software for Scent Work, the club will receive a 1099 from TDWD. TDWD will require a W-9 from the Club.

Yes, for as little as $50.00 per month.  Starlink.com

The best way to run trials is through the Internet. However, because the system uses spreadsheets with the AKC rules built in, the spreadsheet can easily be sorted in order of time,qualifying, and faults to set the placements. Then, the club can have blank labels to simply write the information for the ribbon label.

How do I make a moveup during the judging process?  Here is a video.

Here is a video.

Here is a video.

Here is a video to show you how to upload or import spreadsheets after judging. Here is a video.

Yes.  Here is a video.

Yes and here is a video about Judging Instructions.

Here are several suggestions.

1-1/3 inches X 4 inches

Fourteen 14.

Yes. Here is a video.

Yes, as soon as you complete the entry including marking the entry paid and setting the "Transaction ID to "Mailed-in", the confirmation email will be sent.

No.  TDWD does not allow the use of other online products or systems in conjunction with trials where the club uses TDWD.

Here is a video.

Here is a video.

Move Ups

1)The move-up request is created by the entrant.

2) An email is automatically sent to the trial secretary.

3) The trial secretary checks to see if a move-up is available.

4) The trial secretary takes the appropriate action.

5) The entrant is automatically emailed with a notification of the trial secretary's action.

Here is a video of how the system handles Move-ups.

We have automated the process of making changes to entries to entries.

1) The entrant requests a change.

2) An email is automatically sent to the Trial Secretary.

3) The secretary makes the requested change.

4) An email is automatically sent to the exhibitor notifying them the requested change has been completed.

Here is a video showing how the system handles making changes.

No, we do not allow any other payment systems to be used for trials we are managing.

No.  We require all online payments to use our PayPal account.

Yes, you can.  Here is a video.

Yes, we have automated the refund request process. We want you to know that we handle refund requests according to the club's published refund policy.   Entrants can request a refund.  When they do so, they receive an email notifying them that they have received the request.  The trial secretary also immediately gets an email.  You can then review the request and determine if the entrant is entitled to receive a refund and take the appropriate action.

TDWD handles all payment requests made through PayPal. PayPal fees are non-refundable, and a one-time charge of $5.00 is charged to process the refund.

Refunds entered through TDWD's Online Entry system are subject to a processing fee of $5.00 per entry. An entry is defined as an element/class selection.

Refunds are managed based on the type of entry. If the entry is made online and payment is made through TDWD's online entry system, TDWD will handle the refund. If the entry was mailed in, the original payment of fees was made by cash or check to the trial secretary. In this case, TDWD will process the refund and notify the trial secretary to forward payment to the entrant.

We have a custom module for this and here is a video.

Here is a video.

Yes, here is a video.

Yes, here is a video.

Here is a video on how to print Judge's Results.   Judge's Results Report   

Yes.

Here is a video on how to print catalogs. Here is a video.

Here is what a marked catalog looks like.

Here is a sample of an unmarked catalog.

Yes.  The system includes both marked and unmarked catalogs.

Here is what a standard judging times report looks like.  

Yes, here is a video.

Here is a video.

Here is a link to a video that will show you how to request a results review. 

Here is a video.

Most clubs and secretaries will allow an entrant to request results review no later than Tuesday but it can vary from trial to trial.  If there is any doubt, then contact the trial secretary.

You will receive an email when the results are available.

You must have the registration number of your dog and your Armband Number to be able to see your results.

Here is a video that will show you how to see your results.

Here is a video.

Yes, here is a video.

A Review of Top Dog Web Designs: Comprehensive Trial Management Solution by Jinny Jervey

We recently conducted an in-depth and highly informative demo session with Bruce Dill and Darcy Morgan of Top Dog Web Designs, supported by their skilled programmers and dedicated support staff. Bruce provided a detailed overview of their robust system, highlighting its capabilities for both administrators and exhibitors. Below is a streamlined summary of the key features and processes for managing dog trials using Top Dog's platform, emphasizing how it significantly reduces the trial secretary’s workload. Bruce and hid team at Top Dog have really done a masterful job designing, building and implementing the Top Dog Scent Product. Everyone who participated in the demo agreed.  There is nothing like it. 

Pre-Trial Administration (From Entry Opening to Closing)

Top Dog Web Designs simplifies the entry process with a fully integrated online system:

- Online Entries and Waitlist Management: The platform handles all online entries, tracks judging hours, and automatically generates a waitlist once the entry limit is reached. Exhibitors are promptly notified if placed on the waitlist, with full refunds issued to those who do not secure a spot.

- Payment Processing: PayPal is the exclusive payment method, though exhibitors do not need a PayPal account. Entries are only finalized upon receipt of payment. For mail-in entries, checks are sent to the trial secretary, who has admin privileges to input them into the system.

- Premium Submission: Clubs must submit their premium to Top Dog 30 days before the entry opening date for publication. While premium creation software is in development, it is not yet available. The premium includes essential links, such as the trial entry page (https://docg.tdwdogs.com) and access to PawPulse, Top Dog’s equivalent to Agility Gate. These links are also included in exhibitor confirmation emails.

- Trial Secretary Training: Top Dog offers AKC Scent School training for trial secretaries. Only one person receives training, so we recommend that any secondary trial secretaries observe the process to ensure continuity.

Exhibitor Features on the Website

Top Dog’s user-friendly platform empowers exhibitors with a range of self-service tools, making participation in trials straightforward and efficient:

- Online Entry Submission: Exhibitors can easily submit entries through the dedicated portal (https://docg.tdwdogs.com), selecting classes, providing dog details, and completing payments via PayPal without needing an account.

- Entry Confirmation and Updates: Upon successful payment, exhibitors receive confirmation emails with key links and information. They can track their entry status, including waitlist notifications.

- Move-up and Change Requests: Exhibitors can submit requests to move up to higher classes if their dog qualifies post-entry or make changes to their entries directly through the system. Move-ups can also be processed during the judging process to streamline operations, with all necessary entry changes handled automatically by the system.

- PawPulse Access: During the trial, exhibitors can use PawPulse on their phones to view real-time run orders, check their position in line, notify gate stewards of absences or delays, access class results, submit refund requests, and view announcements, all at no cost to the club or exhibitors, unlike other systems that may charge for similar features.

- Immediate Results Access: Exhibitors can view their results immediately after their runs are posted in the system, providing instant feedback on their performance.

- Request Review of Results: The system allows exhibitors to request a review of their results if they believe there is an error, streamlining communication with trial officials.

- Download Judging Program: Exhibitors can download the judging program, which includes schedules, class orders, and judge assignments, directly from the website for easy reference.

- View Run Orders: Run orders are accessible on exhibitors’ phones at no cost, allowing them to prepare for their runs and plan their day effectively.

- Print the Catalog: Exhibitors have the option to download and print the trial catalog, providing a comprehensive record of the event.

- Volunteer Sign-Up: Exhibitors can volunteer to assist with the trial through the website, securing priority run numbers as a benefit for their contribution.

- Refund Requests: Exhibitors can initiate refund requests via their phones for eligible scenarios, such as not advancing from the waitlist or a bitch coming into season, with the system handling processing automatically.

These features provide exhibitors with greater control, transparency, and convenience, enhancing their overall trial experience.

Post-Entry Administration

Once entries close, Top Dog’s system supports efficient trial preparation, alleviating much of the trial secretary’s administrative burden:

- Judging Forms: Top Dog generates judging forms for scoring, which can be printed or used digitally on tablets. The digital option reduces errors through built-in logic that ensures accurate responses, and judges can use their own tablets if preferred.

- Refund Processing: Full refunds are automatically issued for exhibitors who remain on the waitlist or whose bitches come into season. Other withdrawals incur a $5 processing fee, handled seamlessly by the system.

- Entry Counts Report: The platform generates detailed entry statistics reports, including counts of dogs per class, overall entries, and breakdowns by judge, ensuring compliance with AKC requirements without manual effort from the trial secretary.

- Judging Times Report: Top Dog provides a judging times report that totals all times, including setup, breaks, and actual judging, to ensure compliance with AKC requirements. This report calculates the time allocated for each judge based on entry counts, class schedules, setup, and breaks, enabling the trial secretary to easily spot any violations of AKC regulations.

- Moveups: Exhibitors can request move-ups through the system, including during the judging process, which Top Dog processes to advance dogs to higher competition levels if they achieve qualifying titles post-closure but pre-trial. The system manages these updates efficiently, ensuring all necessary entry changes are handled automatically.

- Mail-in Entries: Mail-in entries received via check are handled by the trial secretary and automatically designated by the system, ensuring all entries are validated and included in reports.

- Waitlist Entries: The system automatically manages waitlist progression post-closure, notifying exhibitors of openings due to withdrawals and integrating them into the trial schedule. Refunds for non-advanced waitlisted exhibitors are handled automatically.

Functions Handled by Top Dog (Relieving Trial Secretary)

Top Dog Web Designs, led by Bruce Dill and Darcy Morgan with their skilled programmers and support staff, takes on critical administrative tasks, significantly reducing the trial secretary’s workload and stress:

- Move-ups: Exhibitors submit move-up requests online, including during judging, and Top Dog automates the submission process. The system processes and updates entries to the new class, requiring only minimal oversight from the trial secretary for final approval.

- Change Requests: Exhibitor requests for changes, such as updating dog information or class entries, are submitted online and managed by Top Dog. The system processes these requests, with the trial secretary only needing to verify accuracy, saving significant time.

- Waitlist Processing: Top Dog fully automates waitlist management, including shifting participants into the trial schedule when cancellations occur (e.g., due to illness). Exhibitors are notified automatically, streamlining the process without manual intervention.

- Refunds: The platform handles all refund processing, including instant refund requests for online entries before the trial closes. Full refunds for waitlist non-advances or bitches in season are managed automatically, reducing administrative tasks for the trial secretary.

- Creating Judging Program: Top Dog automatically generates judging programs, including schedules, class orders, and judge assignments, ensuring compliance with AKC rules and eliminating manual scheduling efforts.

- Run Orders: The system automatically creates run orders based on entries. Run orders can be viewed on cell phones with no cost to the club or exhibitors.

Exporting Contact Information

Top Dog’s system provides flexible export options for exhibitor contact details, further simplifying communication tasks:

- Email Addresses: The platform allows for the export of email address lists in formats like CSV, enabling clubs to send bulk communications such as confirmations, updates, or results without manual compilation.

- Mailing Addresses: Mailing addresses can be exported for physical mailings, such as sending marked catalogs, ribbons, or post-trial surveys. Exports are available in standard formats for easy integration with mailing tools, reducing the trial secretary’s workload.

During the Trial

Top Dog provides robust support to ensure smooth operations:

- Real-Time Support: Top Dog offers unparalleled real-time support during trials, with dedicated staff available in-office for technical support, including on weekends—a unique feature not offered by any other system. This comprehensive support, accessible via live chat, email, or phone, ensures immediate resolution of technical or operational issues, minimizing disruptions and eliminating the need for the trial secretary to handle troubleshooting, allowing them to focus on trial oversight.

- Equipment Needs: The trial secretary requires a laptop or tablet and a printer. Gate stewards need a tablet or phone to manage PawPulse.

- PawPulse Functionality: PawPulse streamlines check-in and trial flow. All dogs are automatically marked as “CHKIN,” eliminating manual check-ins. Exhibitors can use PawPulse on their phones to notify gate stewards of absences or delays, view run orders, and access announcements at no cost. Gate stewards mark completed runs as “COMPLT,” keeping exhibitors informed of their place in line. Volunteers are prioritized with reserved low numbers, a feature currently being enhanced.

- Reporting and Ribbon Labels: Top Dog generates reports, such as class results for posting, and supports printing ribbon labels with exhibitor details, dog information, time, and placement—an optional feature to enhance ribbon presentation without extra effort from the trial secretary.

Post-Trial Administration

Top Dog simplifies post-trial reporting and financial reconciliation:

- AKC Fee Report: The system generates a report detailing fees owed to the AKC ($3.50 per entry), which Top Dog prepares for the trial secretary to review.

- Reconciliation Report: A comprehensive report summarizes financials. An example summary is as follows:

  Summary 

  Gross Receipts: $11,525.00 

  Refunds: -$250.00 

  Convenience Fees: -$1,359.95 

  PayPal Fees: -$529.00 

  PayPal Convenience Fees: -$25.48 

  Mail-ins (24 @ $2.95): -$70.80 

  Total Due: $9,289.77 

  The trial secretary only needs to review and sign off on this report, with Top Dog providing specific wording for approval, minimizing post-trial administrative tasks.

Key Financial Notes

- Fees: Top Dog charges a $2.95 convenience fee per entry, including mail-ins. PayPal applies to a $0.459 transaction fee plus its standard per-entry fee.

- Fee Options: Clubs can choose to pass these fees (Top Dog and PayPal) to exhibitors or to the club. If the club chooses to incur the exhibitor fees, they will include all PayPal fees and will be deducted from the final payment remitted to the club.

- Payment Schedule: Top Dog issues checks on the 3rd of each month. Clubs may request a portion of funds prior to standard processing, subject to Top Dog’s review and approval.

Conclusion

Top Dog Web Designs, led by Bruce Dill and Darcy Morgan alongside their expert programmers and dedicated support staff, offers a comprehensive, user-friendly solution for managing dog trials, significantly reducing the trial secretary’s workload by automating critical tasks like move-ups, change requests, waitlist processing, refunds, judging programs, and run orders. With features like PawPulse, unparalleled weekend technical support, easy contact exports, and an extensive suite of exhibitor tools—all accessible at no additional cost for features like run orders and PawPulse—the platform enhances efficiency for clubs, gate stewards, judges, and exhibitors. Having evaluated other systems, Top Dog stands out as uniquely innovative, with no comparable platform offering its level of automation and integration—making it clear why they have secured patent-pending status for their error-proof dog trial management system. By adopting this system, clubs can ensure a professional, seamless trial experience while relieving the trial secretary of substantial administrative stress.

Here is a video.

Here is a video.

We do not recommend the lower-cost labels available on Amazon because they are very hard to peel. 

1-1/3 inches X 4 inches

Fourteen 14.

No.

It's nothing special. You can buy refurbished tablets on Amazon. We recommend buying one with a larger screen and a USB port.

Actually, we handle all the setup for you. Once we're done, you'll be ready to accept entries, print check-in sheets, judges' sheets, and conduct your trial.

It's easy!  Here is a video.

We highly encourage you not to use Google Sheets anywhere in our systems.  We push Excel to the limit as we have built the judging rules directly into the spreadsheets and the programs used to upload spreadsheets into the sysytem.  Google Sheets is not 100% compatible.

We highly encourage you not to use Google Sheets anywhere in our systems.  We push Excel to the limit as we have built the judging rules directly into the spreadsheets and the programs used to upload spreadsheets into the sysytem.  Google Sheets is not 100% compatible.

It's nothing special. You can buy refurbished tablets on Amazon. We recommend buying one with a larger screen and a USB port.

There are several reasons.

1) Accuracy:  We built all the AKC Scent trial rules into the spreadsheet.  ll the judge can do is enter a "0", "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8", "9", and "."

2) Speed:  With our system, there's no need for "DOUBLE" entry. We streamline the process by directly uploading data from the spreadsheet, saving you time and effort.

3) Placements: Placements are automatically set during the "Import" process, eliminating the need to re-enter all the data. 

4) Faster print times: You can print ribbon labels as quickly as five minutes after judging.

Here is a video on how to create spreadsheets.  

Here is a sample of a spreadsheet that has been filled out.

It's nothing special. You can buy refurbished tablets on Amazon. We recommend buying one with a larger screen and a USB port.

Yes.

No.

Here is a video.

Yes.  Here is a video.

Yes. Volunteers or members must be members of the "Discount Group."  When they enter the trial and go to the payment, the "Apply Discount" checkbox will appear.  The discount is a flat amount, not a percentage.

Here is a video.

Yes.  For an explanation of how our waitlist works, look at this video. 

Videos 

Admin Menu

Public Menu

PayPal fees are included in refunds unless there is a PayPal policy prohibiting doing so.

Yes.  It is tracked in the Refund Module.  It also contains the name of the veterinarian who provided the note.

Yes.  If someone earns "Volunteer" points, etc., they are eligible to apply the credits toward a discount for their entry fees.