AKC Scent Work Review
By Laura Harris, AKC Scent Trial Secretary
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five Stars
Why hire a paid secretary? TopDogWebDesigns does it all for you anyway!
We looked at other systems and there is no comparison. TDWD created their system so as soon as the entries are taken all you have to do is have someone who can enter a time on a spreadsheet, then save the spreadsheet and print your ribbons. I'm serious! They do everything else. They have support staff on weekends. I recently had the pleasure of using Top Dog Software while serving as the Trial Secretary for our Maine Trial, and I wanted to share my positive experience. As a new Trial Secretary, I explored several software options before deciding that Top Dog was the best fit for our needs. I read on Facebook about issues with support and problems with "Access" systems, etc. We had not one issues from the time we opened entries to sending the reports to AKC. They are AWSOME! Once you use it you will never go back.
One of the standout features was the ability to offer both secure online and mail-in entry options, which greatly streamlined the registration process and allowed us to cater to all participants. The software also provided essential tools, like spreadsheets for tracking run times and faults which made managing the trial much more efficient.
Top Dog simplified the refund process for online entries as well. Competitors could request an instant refund before the trial closed, and the software handled all online entries and refunds effortlessly. Managing the waitlist was just as easy-participants could be shifted into the schedule seamlessly when someone canceled due to illness or last-minute BIS pups. Move-ups were equally simple; competitors could request a move-up through the online system, and I could easily adjust their entry to the requested class.
I was particularly impressed with how Top Dog adhered to AKC rules regarding entry limits and helped me calculate judges' hours. The judging calculator was invaluable for keeping everything on track and ensuring compliance. I love the online clock feature, which stops at the predetermined entry limit, allowing me to set limits for multiple judges—whether by entry count or hours worked.
Additionally, the ability to print ribbon labels and results sheets quickly saved me a lot of time. Sending out unmarked catalogs and run order sheets to exhibitors a few days before the trial was a fun touch, allowing them to double-check their information and see who else would be attending. Top Dog is currently enhancing the ‘run order’ feature. After the trial, the marked catalogs printed with the judge’s signature were perfect. I sent out marked catalogs to all competitors after the Trial and they appreciated being able to read through all the results at their leisure. All the necessary data was easily accessible, making it a breeze to manually or electronically submit paperwork to AKC. Judges were also able to swiftly initial and sign their forms, which were ready to go right after the trial.
Another aspect I appreciated was how Top Dog worked with us on fees, allowing the host club to cover part of the cost, ultimately lowering fees for competitors. In the future, I would suggest clubs build this into their pricing structure or have competitors cover the fees, as I truly believe people value the ease of online entries and the immediate confirmation of their spot in the trial. It was also fun to watch the Top Dog emails roll in, with entries filled out and paid for!
Overall, Top Dog made our trial a success! I actually had fun being a trial secretary.
Thank you to Top Dog for developing such a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for trial management. The support at Top Dog was outstanding. I would confidently recommend Top Dog to any Scent Work Club or Secretary looking for an efficient, reliable software option.
Best regards,
Laura Harris
Trial Secretary – Maine Trial Sept 2024