It’s not uncommon for someone to post to “Friends of AKC Scent Work” or “AKC Scent Work Trial Chairs and Secretaries” groups to ask about software options available for trial entry, trial management or run order/queue management. That, along with the current challenges facing the US Post Office, inspired me to try to pull together a list. The people who put on trials are volunteers; Scent Work trials are not their full-time job and they shouldn’t have to do the research “from scratch” every time. My hope is that this will provide a basis from which clubs, trial chairs and secretaries can explore alternatives.
I have made every effort to accurately report what I learned from the software developers and their websites. I desperately want the information here to be useful, so I hope you’ll get in touch promptly if you feel anything is incorrect or incomplete — or needs to be updated.
That being said, PLEASE use this information to BEGIN your evaluation… I have not independently verified all the reported details of the software operation and we should assume that it is changing with fair regularity, anyway.
There are a number of small, entrepreneurial companies that have sprouted to provide services for canine show events; none specialize solely in AKC Scent Work trials. This post is about the commercial software designed specifically to support some facet of AKC Scent Work trials. For our purposes, I’m going to divide the software functionality into three different areas:
- Trial entry — accepting and validating trial entries, calculating and charging entry fees, and managing entry limits and waitlists.
- Trial management — building the trial, including the classes and other parameters from the premium, admitting exhibitors, entering scores and calculating and publishing results, providing AKC-required documentation, communicating with exhibitors
- Queue Management — pushing the run order out to exhibitors, providing real-time information about trial progress.
Almost all of the queue management apps also support device-based timing and electronic scoring. We should note that many trial administrators and judges have been cautious about using phone- or tablet-based timing as the timer must look away from the search to tap the screen as opposed to using a stopwatch with tactile buttons. They have also been concerned about making results available for general viewing while a class is still in progress as the times, in particular, may provide helpful information to later competitors. The AKC has not officially provided any “best practices” regarding these things, however.
Some vendors do it all; some focus on one area; most have a unique approach to whatever it is that they do. We’ll try to “round them all up” here for your convenience.
There are also several of flavors of “home grown” solutions that are useful to consider. The first are the applications that have been written by show secretaries for their own use, but that they do not sell for use by others. More common are the cobbling together of commercially-available “general use” applications like WordPress, JotForm, Google Forms, Google Docs, Remind, Adobe, and email along with electronic payment options such as PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo. I’ll try to round these up in a later post.
Although I’m sure trial organizers are concerned with how exhibitors feel about interacting with the software, they also believe that Scent Work handlers will generally be able to deal with whatever is thrown at us (I mean, we do kinda rock!). In talking with trial organizers, the primary criteria for selecting software to use are
- Cost. At the end of the day, the volunteer-run Clubs can only host events if they have the money to do so — to pay judges and trial secretaries for their time and travel; to buy ribbons and trial supplies; to rent trial space; and to cover Club ‘overhead’ expenses such as insurance and taxes. Trial organizers are almost always competitors, as well, and fully understand the need to keep trial entry costs under control.
- Ease of use (especially for the trial secretary). In some cases, the secretary brings their chosen software to the table when they are hired as secretary. In others, the function of secretary is fulfilled by the same company providing the software. But in the majority of cases, Clubs are adopting software based on cost and on evaluation of the system by the trial secretary and trial chair.
- Features supported.
Here, with “oldest” first, are the commercial software packages available to use for AKC Scent Work trials:
☒ Online Entry ☑ Trial Management ☑ Queue Management
This O.G. of AKC Scent Work trial management apps has been used in hundreds of trials. The cost structure is simple and the software is tried and true.
Website: https://myk9t.com/
Principal: Richard Beezley, Broken Arrow, OK. Also known as RyKris.
History: Beezley began producing dog-related software products under the banner of RyKris Software in 2014. He developed trial management software for UKC Nosework in early 2015 and adapted that for AKC Scent Work for its inception in September of 2017. He expanded his trial management offerings to include many other AKC, UKC and ASCA sports, all under the umbrella name “MyK9T.”
Online Entry: Richard has said he “is working on a complete web-based app but it won’t be available anytime soon.” In the meantime, there is no integrated online entry. He does provide a customizable Google form you can use to collect entry information (no payment) and then a utility to upload a file of entries to the MySWT software.
Trial Management: MySWT Scent Work Trial Software is licensed on a yearly basis per club – a secretary supporting multiple clubs must use a different license for each club. The software is installed on a Windows-based computer that must have Microsoft Access database (free) installed. A license is $150 per year or $300 for three years. A 30-day demo of the software may be downloaded at no charge.
Queue management: is available through the add-on module, the MyK9Q phone app, which works on Android smart phones or by using a web browser (preferably Chrome) on iPhones. The cost is $50 per show. Exhibitors are able to use the app to check in, note conflicts, scratch, and monitor trial progress. Gate Stewards can use the app to change run order, and display which team is currently running and which have finished their runs. Judges or scribes can (optionally) use the app to time and enter scores. Internet access is required to use MyK9Q at a trial and it can only be used in conjunction with MySWT.
Software support includes searchable knowledgebase articles and crowdsourced support forums on the website and a web-based ‘trouble ticket’ management system to notify the developer of any issues.
☑ Online Entry ☑ Trial Management ☒ Queue Management
Showentries calls their hosted online entry form “the easiest and most convenient way to enter, and by far the lowest cost to the club and exhibitors.” They also offer full show secretary services as well as a hybrid version, “Trial in a Box,” where they handle all entries and paperwork preparation to hand off to an on-site secretary.
Website: https://showentries.info/
Principal: Christopher Brooks, Frederick, MD and Greer, SC
History: showentries began offering services in 2007 and added support for AKC Scent Work to their lineup in March, 2019. They have managed more than 1300 events and handled over 80,000 entries in AKC Obedience and Rally Obedience, Scent Work, Herding, Field Trials and FastCAT.
Online Entry: One product offering is a hosted online entry system in which showentries collects data and electronic payments on behalf of the trial secretary. The one-time setup fee is $175 and then an annual maintenance fee of $100 per year. Payment is through Stripe and the Club is responsible for paying the Stripe processing fees of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Entry information is then provided to the show secretary for entry into whatever trial management system they choose to use. For an additional charge, showentries will load a file of the Club’s past exhibitors for use in pre-filling the entry form.
Trial Management: showentries also offers “Trial in a Box,” where in addition to collecting entry information and electronic payments, showentries provides the paperwork and software for your trial secretary to complete the on-site work. Trial-in-a-box requires a Windows-based computer with Microsoft Access database (free) installed. Again, there is a $175 setup fee and a $100 annual maintenance fee for the online entry system. There is also a base charge that starts at $500 per event, and a charge of up to $3.00 per class (which may be passed on to the exhibitor). Posting, printing and Stripe processing fees are additional.
Queue Management: not offered.
Software Support: Responsive phone and email support, comprehensive manual for the on-site scoring and report software
☑ Online Entry ☑ Trial Management ☒ Queue Management
TopDogWebDesigns provides electronic entry and payment integrated with trial management with the simplest fee structure of any company providing online entry.
Website: https://topdogwebdesigns.com/index.php/en/
Principal: Bruce Dill, Tulsa, OK
History: TopDogWebDesigns originated as a web page designer with a focus on the needs of dog sports. They handle reservation systems for health clinics, grooming and RV spaces and seminars. They provide online entry and trial management for Barn Hunt, AKC FastCAT, UKC Nosework and AKC Conformation (as DogShowManagement). They began supporting AKC Scent Work in May, 2023.
Online Entry: is integrated into the product. Exhibitors are responsible for entering all the information required by the AKC Scent Work entry form. Waitlists and class/entry limits and judge work time is all handled automatically and exhibitors get instant feedback on their entry status.
Trial Management: The trial secretary prints all necessary paperwork, then enters scoresheet results into spreadsheets that are uploaded. Microsoft Excel is required for spreadsheet manipulation. Electronic time and score entry on connected tablets is also supported. After the trial is over, the software creates all necessary reports. Pricing is very straightforward: a $2.95 charge per entry (an entry is a single class).
Queue Management: not available.
Software Support: phone and email support, extensive online FAQ/Knowledge Base, large collection of online “how to” videos, the ScentMaster Academy training program for AKC Scent Work trial secretaries.
☒ Online Entry ☑ Trial Management ☒ Queue Management
Secretaries that prefer a Mac over a PC, or to be platform independent should definitely consider Paw Tap.
Website: https://pawtap.net/
Principal: Cynthia Heyman, Salt Lake City, UT
History: Paw Tap was developed by an experienced trial secretary for her own use because she wanted an application that was operating system independent and that did not rely on external software. Paw Tap supports Barn Hunt and began supporting AKC Scent Work trials in January, 2024.
Online Entry: Entry Paws has been developed but is not available for purchase at this time.
Trial Management: Paw Tap is software that is licensed for installation on your computer, Mac or PC. The cost is $320 for the software with a $75 per year ‘subscription’ for updates. There is a purchase discount if both Barn Hunt and AKC Scent Work modules are purchased. Trial Management functions have some limitations especially with regard to emailing exhibitors although a shared document on Google Drive is offered as a workaround.
Queue Management: Not available.
Software Support: Crowdsourced through a Google Group that is moderated by the developer; extensive online documentation and help features throughout the application.
☑ Online Entry ☑ Trial Management ☑ Queue Management
DogShow.com is a late entrant to this list simply because I didn’t know they existed! They support 11 different organizations (AAC, AKC, BHA, CARO, CCTA, CKC, ISWS, RATS CANADA, SDDA, NASDA, UKC) most with multiple different dog sports. Their pricing is simple, 7% of the entry, charged to the exhibitor.
Website: https://DogShow.com
History: DogShow.com is provided by MDEX Solutions Inc. with offices in Milton, Delaware, and Calgary, Canada. They have been managing dog shows and trials since 2005 and added support for AKC Scent Work in August, 2024. They recently managed a 5-day conformation cluster in Florida and indicated they handle the majority of shows, trials and Barn Hunts in Canada.
Online Entry: Online entry with electronic payment is integrated with the software, but it is not required and there is no charge for entries created by the secretary; wait-listed entries are not asked for payment until they make it into a class. Exhibitors using electronic entry create accounts so that their entry information does not have to be re-typed every time (by the exhibitor or the secretary) and receive immediate entry confirmation for entries accepted based on premium-stated run limits as well as judging workload limits as defined by your club. The system automatically manages and sends out updated confirmations. Discounted and compensated entries are allowed as pre-approved by the club, as are withdrawals and refunds per your policies. The cost of the software is recouped through a software fee of 7% for online transactions, with no separate card processing fee. Credit or debit card is required for online entry. Trial entry fees are forwarded electronically to the linked Club bank account immediately upon receipt.
Trial Management: DogShow.com personnel set up the trial online using the premium list, usually the same business day. Secretaries then approve entries, generate the schedule and run order. They offer free promotional opportunities for club events on public calendars and weekly newsletters and generate financial reports for the club in addition to those required by the AKC.
Queue Management: DogShow.com offers real-time run order management and live results accessible via a web page, so no app downloads or codes are. Entrants simply log into their account to view live results and their position in the run order. Secretaries can send out email updates anytime before or during the trial. The Ringside app offers offline support for running order and results data entry and is available on PC, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Software Support: The company has five full-time employees. A representative is assigned to each show secretary to ensure communication consistency, offering electronic and phone support.
☑ Online Entry ☑ Trial Management ☑ Queue Management
Just as the name implies, Secreterrier is “young, scrappy and hungry.” The developer says the company is dedicated to transforming online dog entry into a ‘pawsitive’ experience for everyone, and that the software is constantly evolving in order to provide the best features and customer support.
Website: https://secreterrier.com/home
Principal: Chase Fashing, Springfield, MO
History: College student Chase Fashing saw the secretary for Barn Hunt Nationals, who happened to be his mother, struggling with trial management software and said “there has to be a better way,” and, thus, Secreterrier was born in November of 2023. Secreterrier added support for AKC Scent Work in September of 2024 and has been used for more than 50 trials so far. Secreterrier also supports AKC Obedience and Rally Obedience, Agility, Fetch, Farm Dog, Fast CAT, CAT, and Lure Coursing; UKC Nose Work and Shed Dog; Barn Hunt, NASDA, and non-affiliated Specialty Events (Happy Ratters and Rodeo Dog). The plan is to support all AKC and UKC event types in the future.
Online Entry: Online entry with electronic payment is integrated with the software, but it is not required and there is no charge for entries created by the secretary. Exhibitors using electronic entry create accounts so that their entry information does not have to be re-typed every time (by the exhibitor or the secretary) and receive immediate entry confirmation for entries accepted based on premium-stated run limits as well as judging workload limits as defined by your club. The system automatically manages and sends out updated confirmations. Discounted and compensated entries are allowed as pre-approved by the club, as are withdrawals and refunds per your policies. The cost of the software is recouped through a software fee of $1.00 per class with a cap of $10 for online transactions per checkout. Credit or debit card is required for online entry. Card processing fees are charged at 2.9% + $0.30 per payment transaction which can be passed on to the competitor or absorbed by the club. Trial entry fees are forwarded electronically to the linked Club bank account immediately upon receipt.
Trial Management: “Secreterrier Off-leash” provides trial management capability when your site does not have internet, and requires a Windows-based computer. Otherwise, the trial secretary interacts with the web-based software to print trial paperwork and process move-ups. Timers have the option of timing and entering scores on any internet-connected device at the search area, or the trial secretary will enter results and upload them if the internet is available or store in Secreterrier Off-leash if not.
Queue Management: Clubs can drag and drop runs to manage the run order before an event. As long as they have internet access, gate stewards can mark off runs during the event and Clubs can send out custom texts to competitors during the trial and exhibitors can receive texts 2 and 5 dogs before their run. The ability to view real-time trial progress for exhibitors will be offered in the future.
Software Support: phone and email support; US-based customer support staff; “Help desk” documentation and knowledge base is always in the bottom left corner of the site; Clubs are encouraged to schedule video conferences to discuss any confusion.
☑ Online Entry ☑ Trial Management ☑ Queue Management
EagerDog isn’t the first entrepreneurial software venture for this development team and it shows. Their stated goal is to prioritize convenience, accuracy, and innovation to set a new standard for organizing and participating in dog-related events, and they walk the talk by sponsoring trial awards and giving back to the dog sports community. Clubs and secretaries that offer multi-sport event clusters should definitely take a close look at EagerDog.
Website: https://about.eagerdog.com/
Principal: Chris McIntosh, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
History: EagerDog was born out of Chris McIntosh’s frustration with being unable to figure out what was going on in the judging ring without walking from the family’s giant breed grooming setup that was invariably off in the dog show hinterlands. Beginning with UKC Conformation, EagerDog added AKC Scent Work support in December of 2024 and now also supports UKC Obedience & Rally Obedience, Nosework, Shed Dog, Weight Pull, Precision Coursing, Agility, and Dock Jumping; AKC Conformation, Obedience & Rally Obedience, Fetch, FastCAT, CAT, and Lure Coursing; ABI Conformation, Country and Urban Rat Race; and Non-affiliated special events.
Online Entry: Online entry with electronic payment is integrated with the software, but it is not required and there is no charge for entries created by the secretary. Exhibitors using electronic entry create accounts so that their entry information does not have to be re-typed every time (by the exhibitor or the secretary) and receive immediate entry confirmation for entries accepted based on premium-stated run limits as well as judging workload limits as defined by your club. The system automatically manages and sends out updated confirmations. Discounted and compensated entries are allowed as pre-approved by the club, as are withdrawals and refunds per your policies. The cost is calculated per online entry. The vendor fee is 1% of the first $100 of class entry fees, which includes card processing fees on those entries. Card processing fees are then added at a rate of $0.30 plus 2.9% of the class entry fees beyond the first $100.
Trial Management: Internet access is required for the trial secretary to access the web-based software to print trial paperwork and process move-ups. EagerDog does offer to supply cellular hotspots. Judges or scribes have the option of timing and entering scores on any internet-connected device at the search area, or the trial secretary will enter results and upload them. Once results are entered into the system, trial secretaries can print ribbon labels and results. Additionally, there are multiple tools for secretaries to communicate results, including bulk emails after the event, results export for club websites, and the ability for competitors to see their own results in their accounts.
Queue Management: If exhibitors have access to the internet, they can see class run orders and can view trial progress as gate stewards mark off dogs as they run.
Software Support: EagerDog provides an online ‘trouble ticket’ system, online help, and, of course, phone and email support. The developer indicates they respond to all support requests within 24-48 hours, but are also available for day of event support. Instructional videos are available for Creating a Kennel Club account, Creating your first event, and Adding paper entries with more to come. Website documentation includes sample text to include in premiums. Web-based training is offered as often as clubs and/or secretaries need it, with an online scheduling system. There is an EagerDog Facebook community page to provide updates and collect feedback from users.
☒ Online Entry ☒ Trial Management ☑ Queue Management
Website: https://agilitygate.com/
Principal: Roger Ly, San Jose, CA
History: AgilityGate is a phone-based app that was developed in 2015 to support queue management at Agility trials and “borrowed” to use in AKC Scent Work sometime after 2017.
Online Entry: N/A
Trial Management: N/A
Queue Management: This software is for queue management only and requires that exhibitors and gate stewards have internet access. Trial administrators and Gate Stewards download and use the “orange” app, Steward Gate, from the Apple Store to set run order and cross exhibitors off the list as they run. Steward Gate is only available for iPhones. Exhibitors use the “purple” app, Agility Gate, which is downloaded from either the Apple Store or Google Play and use it to check themselves in, mark conflicts and view trial progress. The cost is $35 per day to have your trial added as an option from the Agility Gate menu and your class run orders loaded.
Software Support: Most communication is handled through email.
Cost Comparison Spreadsheet
This Excel File gives a very basic comparison between the three vendors whose charges are based on per-class entries. It works when I import it into Google Sheets if you don’t have Excel. It is my best effort to utilize the pricing info provided by the vendors. If they indicate I have gotten it wrong, or if anyone finds any errors, I will update the sheet and the version, but you should use at your own risk. The intention is for you to be able to modify the class fees and then look at a mix of entrants to see how the charge for on-line entry would look. Keep in mind that Secreterrier and EagerDog both have provisions for the club to absorb all or part of the entry fees and that isn’t reflected in this sheet although it could easily be modified to handle that.
>> WSB-AKC-SW-Per-Class-Entry-Fee-Comparison-2.1 <<
* originally posted March 20, 2025. Updated April 19, 2025, to include DogShow.com. Updated May 29, 2025 to add formatting and fix a typo.
And again, if you know of any providers I have missed, or feel the information here is incorrect or incomplete, be sure to let me know!
I am surprised you did not include secreterrier in your evaluation. My club is using it and we adore it.
Hi, Kathie! Secreterrier is definitely included in the list; it is right after Paw Tap and right before EagerDog. I couldn’t decide how to order the companies and so listed them from oldest to newest, except for Agility Gate, which is really the oldest but not as much in competition with the others as it is an add-on.
[…] For what it’s worth, I described the fee structures of each of the online vendors in my “Round Up of Software Options for AKC Scent Work Trials” post. Part of that post is a customizable comparison spreadsheet — WSB AKC SW Per-Class Entry Fee […]