Sniffing Dog Sports Official Rule Book Version 6 April, 2017

Transcription

1 Sniffing Dog Sports Official Rule Book Version 6 April, 2017 Our motto: We are serious about sniffing but we are not serious. To contact Sniffing Dog Sports: Sniffingdogsports@gmail.com Copyright 2015 Sniffing Dog Sports

2 Table of Contents 1.0 Competition Overview Trial Rules Dogs in Competition Handlers in Competition The Novice, Advanced, Excellent Level Programs Titling Professional Alert Award Irondog Level Program Judges and Trial Supervisors Definitions

3 Sniffing Dog Sport s Mission (Human Perspective) Sniffing Dog Sports is an organization dedicated to meeting the growing demand for sanctioned Nose Work trials. Sniffing Dog Sports (SDS) was developed with two clear goals in mind: To offer both traditional searches and innovative games To create a friendly and inclusive organization with a reputation for being approachable and having a sense of humor. In order to accomplish, we will live our motto: We are serious about sniffing but we are not serious. We will regularly click and treat participants who model this attitude. Sniffing Dog Sport s Mission (Canine Perspective) People love to go home with ribbons. Your dog just wants to play with you. First and foremost, Nosework is about building your relationship with your dog and having fun. We believe your dog should always come first regardless of the outcome of competing. The dogs here at Sniffing Dog have written their own mission: Gonna play the game. Get to use my nose. Want a cookie! 3

4 1.0 Competition Overview 1.1 Sniffing Dog Sport s Sanctioned Trials Sniffing Dog Sport s sanctioned trials are based on a scoring system that evaluates a team s ability to: Find specific odors Search efficiently as a team. No ORT is required prior to entering a trial. The SDS titling program provides a means of marking your progress through the increasingly complex set of skills associated with detection work. In SDS Sanctioned Trials: There are four skill levels: Novice, Advanced, Excellent, Irondog. Novice, Advanced and Excellent trials follow a similar pattern. Irondog is a unique event and Irondog details will be addressed separately in section 8.0 Each Novice, Advanced, and Excellent trial includes an area search or searches, container search, and a detection game. The area search mirrors professional work. Teams clear an area rather than focusing on a specific search element. For example, a search area might include an exterior area with containers and vehicles. Or, a search area might include an interior area and containers. Area searches will increase in size and complexity as the skill level increases. Container searches provide a variety of challenges. Handlers may encounter unusual containers and/or placement of containers in unusual locations. Yes, those stuffed toys in that grass field are your containers. Container searches increase in number of containers and complexity as the skill level increases. Nosework games highlight specific detection skills. For example, teams might participate in a game that requires handlers to work his/her dog from a distance. Games increase in complexity as the skill level increases. Trial Judges will select the game to be offered at the trial. The game selected will be included in the Trial Premium. Qualifying scores earned may be banked toward a title. A trial chair may assign priority registration to run a dog in one trial to a maximum four key workers over the course of an event/weekend. These workers are the Trial Chair, Secretary, Score Room Lead, and Volunteer Coordinator. Handlers may bring one spectator to observe searches. In smaller areas, the spectator might be asked to remain outside. No videotaping though. 4

5 1.2 The Odors Birch, Anise, and Clove are the SDS target odors for all titling events. Novice teams will search for birch only. Advanced teams will search for birch and/or anise. Excellent and Irondog teams will search for birch, anise, and/or clove. Scented swabs may be in a scent container or may be uncontained if not accessible by the dog. The judge must place the hide a minimum of 15 minutes before the first dog enters the search area. 1.3 Earning Titles at Novice, Advanced and Excellent Levels A title is achieved once a dog has successfully met the search criteria for a given level in each of the three classes: area search, container search and games. Criteria consist of accurately identifying the hide(s) without accruing more than the predetermined number of deductions. Qualifying scores do not need to be completed on the same day. Each Q may be banked toward a title. Once a dog has passed a class at one level, he/she may move onto the same class at the next level (e.g. Passing a Novice Container search is a pre-requisite to entering an Advanced Container search). Teams may compete at different level trials in different classes. For example, a team might compete at the Advanced level in Area Search but at the Excellent level in Containers and Games. A dog may only enter a class at one level in trials that are offered on subsequent days, even if the trial facility changes. Teams may also choose to compete at the same level until a title is completed. For example, if a team has qualified in Area Search at the Novice level but has not qualified in Containers or Games, that team may repeat all searches at the Novice level. The classes that are repeated are for practice only. If an NP were to be earned in a class 5

6 previously passed, the passing score remains. If a team were to earn a higher score, the first score remains. Novice, Advanced, and Excellent teams that pass all three classes at one trial will receive triple Q pins. Titles may only be achieved at SDS-sanctioned events, which must be judged by SDScertified judges. The Trial Supervisor will inspect the layout of each search area before starting the trial to ensure that they are appropriate for the level(s) being offered. Each team will be evaluated on accurately and efficiently identifying the hide(s). The criterion to be used is as follows: If a Teams may accrue a limited number of deductions (3 in each class) and still qualify. The elapsed time for each search will be the third factor. Placement and ranking of teams at the Novice, Advanced, and Excellent Levels will be determined in the following order: 1. Teams that found all the hides 2. Teams with the fewest to the most deductions 3. Team time (fastest to slowest) The time starts as the dog s nose passes across the threshold. In searches with one hide and where that number is known, the time will end when the handler calls Alert. In searches with more than one hide (even if the number is known), the time will end when the handler calls, Finish. Once called, the handler may not restart a search. If an area search includes multiple rooms or multiple search areas, time will start and stop in each location where a transition is necessary. If the time is stopped for a transition, times for each room or search area will be combined for a total time. 1.4 Two Groups for Competition In Novice, Advanced, and Excellent trials, handlers will be organized into two groups: Professional (P) and Amateur (A). Handlers or dogs working or previously employed in a professional capacity in detection must enter the Professional group and will be judged separately from Amateurs. The search areas and challenges are identical in both groups. 6

7 Handlers who have participated in scent work beyond sport detection (e.g. Search and Rescue or Environmental detection) but have not been paid are encouraged to enter the Professional level. Dogs that have achieved a title (passed all 3 classes at any level) must also enter the Professional group if they continue to compete at that level. Once they move onto the next level, they may again trial as Amateurs. Anyone certified as a judge in a Nosework sanctioning organization must compete at the professional level Scoring at Novice, Advanced, and Excellent Levels At Novice, Advanced, and Excellent levels, earning a qualifying score will be based on three components: 1. Successfully finding all hides 2. Deductions 3. Time A qualifying score is earned when the handler correctly indicates the location of the hide(s) in each search within the allotted time and without exceeding the maximum number of deductions or committing a disqualifying deduction. 1.6 Successfully Finding Hides Finding the hides is a pass/no pass system. If a team fails to correctly identify the location of any hide, the team will earn an NP in that class. In determining the success of finding a hide, the judge will consider the following: If the team were professionals in search of contraband, would the handler be able to locate the contraband based on the dog s change of behavior. If the judge is unsure where the dog has indicated the hide, the judge may ask the handler to indicate the area. The handler may not recue the dog to search and must correctly indicate the location of the hide. 1.7 Deductions Deductions are given for four infractions. They are: Disturbing a search area Minor contamination of the search area 7

8 Safety issues such as letting a dog off leash during an on-leash search or allowing a dog to travel under a vehicle Starting a search without handler or dog passing within the designated threshold A handler/dog team may receive up to 3 deductions and still earn their title. Deductions will affect placements in the trial. A handler may earn multiple deductions for the same infraction if the infraction is repeated. For example, if there are two sets of containers and the handler contaminates the area at both locations, two deductions will be scored. 1.8 Time Trial Supervisors will establish the time for each search that is equal to or less than the maximum search times defined in these rules for each level. In order to earn a qualifying score teams must complete their searches within the time set by the Trial Supervisor. 1.9 Team Placements Placements will be determined as follows: Teams that find all the hides. Teams that find all the hides with fewer deductions. Lastly, teams that find all the hides will be ranked by time. All hides found 0 deductions Fastest to slowest elapsed time All hides found 1 deduction Fastest to slowest elapsed time All hides found 2 deductions Fastest to slowest elapsed time All hides found 3 deductions Fastest to slowest time 8

9 1.10 Disqualifying Deductions The following deductions will result in a team receiving an NQ score for an individual class. Exceeds allowable deductions Timed out False Alert Hide(s) is not found Moving an object in search area without permission of Judge Rough handling (physical or verbal) Elimination in search area Damaged or uncovered hide Damage to search area Contamination of a search area Dog is determined to be in pain or under stress 2.0 Trial Rules 2.1 Pre-trial Handlers must check in with the trial secretary/registration desk during the official check in period and review the running order before the handler s briefing. The running order will remain posted in the staging area(s). There will be a handler s briefing before each trial. Judges will review general rules and guidelines as well as hide numbers where applicable. The Trial Supervisor will determine whether there will be a walk-through of the search areas or not. If the Trial Supervisor opts to have a walk-through, it may include all search areas prior to any searches or the Trial Supervisor may choose to have a walkthrough before each search component. 9

10 If a Trial Supervisor opts for no walk though, lines and boundaries of the search area will be clearly marked. Competitors will be briefed by the judge about whether the search is on or off leash and any other pertinent details. Trial hosts and Trial Supervisor will make every effort to make sure that search areas are safe. However the search area may not be pristine. A 50% refund will be offered if a handler chooses to withdraw from a trial for safety reasons. Practice boxes will be provided. Other than the practice boxes provided, no training or non-official use of odor is allowed on trial grounds. 2.2 During the Search(es) The judge, trial supervisor, steward, timer, non-competing officials and official trial photo/videographers may be present during any search. A handler who requires an assistant due to a disability should have that noted on their score sheet. No photography or videotaping of any aspect of an SDS trial is permitted. This includes pre-trial briefing, walk throughs, search areas, searches, or de-briefing. A host may contract for a videographer or photographer to record searches. In this case, photos or videos may be available for purchase. The parent of a minor (under 16) will be required to accompany the handler in to the search area but may not influence the search. Handlers may wear and check a timing device during searches but the official time may not be contested. Hides will be unknown to the handler and not easily visible. Clickers may be used during competition. Handlers have 10 seconds to cross the threshold into the search area. The time will start once the dog s nose passes through the starting mark. Dog and handler must pass between the marker cones. Failure to do so will be scored as a fault. Handlers may carry and use rewards such as toys and food. However, the handler will be penalized if the judge determines that the handler has contaminated the search area with food or toy. Toys may not be thrown on the ground. Handlers may talk to their dogs during any search as long as it is not harsh. 10

11 Handlers and dogs will be penalized for disturbing the search area. Handlers may not touch a search object, pick up, or move objects in the search area without permission from the judge. Most searches will be conducted on leash. For searches conducted off leash, dogs must be under good verbal control. Handlers may always keep their dogs on leash if they prefer. In searches with one hide and where that number is known, the time will end when the handler calls Alert. In searches with more than one hide (even if the number is known), the time will end when the handler calls, Finish. A handler may only call Alert at a location where the dog is currently indicating a hide. If there are multiple search areas, time will stop during the transition between areas. At the Novice, Advanced, and Excellent levels of competition, a false alert will result in an NQ for that class. However, in most cases, the team will be allowed to find a hide in order to end successfully. Volunteers/ host officials will run their dogs at the start of any class and before starting their duties with the agreement of the trial supervisor. Dogs may enter any component For Exhibition Only (FEO) as long as there is available space after all regular entries have been accepted. Trial organizers have the option of limiting FEO entries 2.3 Post Trial All handlers will receive a copy of their score sheet after all runs are completed. Handlers must be present to receive their sheets. All teams must complete each class before scores sheets are presented. Certificates will be awarded by SDS for titles achieved. Ribbons or other awards will be presented as follows: Qualifying ribbons for each class passed Individual placements in individual classes (Area Search, Container Search, and Game) places 1-4 Placement awards for the top four teams based on combined scores for all searches at one level. 11

12 If a team is competing at two levels, the team will be eligible for qualifying ribbons and individual placements in individual classes only. If a team is repeating classes because they have not earned a qualifying score in one or more classes, they are eligible for all awards. Any questions or concerns about a trial should be sent to SDS. 3.0 Dogs in Competition 3.1 General Rules Dogs must be at least six months of age to compete in a trial. They may be purebred or mixed. All dogs must appear to be healthy on the event day and should be current on all vaccinations required by law. However, a dog with a deformity that does not put the dog at risk of pain or further injury is welcome to participate. To participate in an SDS event, dogs must be registered with SDS. Registration lasts for the dog s life. (Handler registration will be addressed in section 4.0) Handlers are encouraged to enter fun matches and solicit input from teachers prior to competing. Dogs in season may participate if they wear protective clothing if it is feasible to run them last, and if no other searches will take place in the same location. If these criteria are met, it is a host club s decision, and their decision is final. A judge or trial supervisor may disallow a dog from participation based on concern for the dog s health or stress level, and that decision is final. Dogs of all sizes compete in the same searches. Handlers may pick their dogs up at any time. A handler may also ask the judge for permission to place the dog on an object to allow them to access the hide. The judge may or may not grant permission. At a given trial, a dog may participate with only one handler. The trial host may disallow non-competing dogs on the trial grounds. No entry fee will be refunded in the case that a dog is disqualified or excused for any reason. Handlers may only enter a dog in a class for which they are eligible for competition based on these rules and regulations. 12

13 3.2 Equipment Dogs may not wear any devices that produce an odor. For example, the DAP collar must be removed before competing. Apparel that contributes to the comfort of a dog may be allowed. For example, boots or sweaters may be allowed. Any accouterments that the Judge or Trial Supervisor determine will interfere with the search must be removed before the search commences. If there is a question, your trial host at least a week prior to the trial date. Muzzles are not allowed on trial grounds. Management equipment such as a prong collar or head halter may be used in parking area. However, they may not remain on the dog during the search. During a search, dogs may work on a harness, flat collar or martingale collar only. No tags should be attached. No video equipment may be placed on the dog. Leashes of any length may be used. Flexi-leashes may not be used on trial grounds or during searches. If bitches in heat are allowed, they must wear protective pants. 3.3 Management of Dogs Our primary goad is always to keep dogs safe and comfortable. SDS will provide an environment that is as safe as possible for the participants at all events. However, trials are real life settings, and we cannot promise that there will be no surprises. It will be the responsibility of handlers to determine if the activity and complexity of a trial setting is something their dog can enjoy. Dogs that enjoy Nosework classes may find the trial setting to be uncomfortable. Many dogs with reactivity issues have successfully competed in this sport because competitors do their best to follow careful guidelines limiting dog interaction. As a result, dogs with manageable reactivity issues should not be banned from participation, but ultimately the responsibility for management lies with each dog s handler. In order to maintain a safe environment for dogs who are concerned about other dogs: All dogs must be leashed at a trial at all times except during a search that allows off-leash work. All dogs must enter and leave a search area on leash. Search areas will be clear of other dogs 13

14 All dogs will pass as far apart as far apart as the facility allows Dogs may wear a bright bandana to highlight that more space may be needed. The pottying area(s) for dogs will be clearly communicated. Handlers must use this area exclusively. If a mistake occurs, a handler must notify a volunteer or host. Handlers must clean up after their dogs. 3.4 Care of Dogs Dogs must be secure and comfortable between searches. If space at the trial allows, non-reactive dogs may be kept outside of vehicles but only if secured in a crate or covered exercise pen. Dogs may be kenneled in cars if temperatures allow. Windows must be high enough that a loose dog cannot jump out. Based on the trial site, there may not be an opportunity to walk around between search elements other than potty breaks at designated areas. Handlers are responsible for providing shade with canopies or shade cloth adequate to keep dogs cool. Conversely, dogs must be kept comfortable in cold weather. If you chose to run your car for heat or air conditioning, please note that you may create a dangerous situation for dogs and people in near-by cars. Dogs may be dismissed for making noise that would offend others in the trial vicinity. 3.5 Aggression Dog must be comfortable working close to a variety of people. Dogs will encounter people in every aspect of the trial from hallways, to parking lots to search areas. Trial organizers will not clear areas or ask people to move as an accommodation No aggression toward people such as growling or lunging will be allowed. A Judge, Trial Supervisor, or Trial Committee must dismiss from a trial and trial site any dog that bites or attempts to bite a person (including the handler) or another dog on the trial grounds. The Judge s or Trial Committee s decision is final. No refund will be given. An incident report must be filed by the Judge or Trial Committee with SDS. A decision will be made by SDS whether to issue a warning or to ban the dog from all future competitions. A dog that has been issued a warning will be banned from all future competitions if there is a second incident. 14

15 4.0 Handlers in Competition 4.1 Annual Membership An annual membership fee is required to participate in SDS trials. Handlers must be in good standing with SDS. 4.2 Responsibilities Handlers are responsible for reading and understanding the rules laid out in this official document. Any questions may be directed to SDS. Handlers are responsible for keeping their dog(s) under control at all times. 4.3 Competitors Guidelines All handlers and officials are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner as benefitting participants in sports. This means: Know and follow the rules Help new competitors Be nice to your fellow competitors Be really nice to judges. They are making their best judgment on that day. Be really really nice to trial organizers Show grace if things do not go as planned Be flexible and of good humor Be tidy Never discuss anything about searches until the trial is over Know and follow the rules (we said this twice on purpose) Smoking may be restricted or prohibited on trial grounds No alcohol ever Remember that Nosework is a sport in which there are many variables that can change and that most of the variables are not under anyone s control. It is up to the handler to understand that these rules are guidelines only. 15

16 Remember that this is a game. You still get to go home with your dog. Sniffing Dog Sports rules are in effect from arrival at the trial site until departure at the end of the trial. No fees will be refunded if a dog is disqualified or dismissed from the trial. No entry fees will be refunded if a trial cannot be held or finished by reason of riots, civil disturbance, fire, act of God, public emergency, act of a public enemy, strike or any other cause beyond the control of the organizing body. 4.4 Trial Sites Handlers may not visit a trial site prior to the trial. During a trial walk through, no one may take photos or video of the facility. 4.5 Handling One handler may run only one dog per trial. 4.6 Junior Handlers Handlers must be at least 12 years of age and must be able to control the dog. An adult who is not a participant is required to stay with junior handlers (under 16) at all times. The adult may be asked into the search area or required to wait outside based on the logistics of the area. A judge may excuse a dog at any time if he/she believes the handler is unable to control the dog and the judge s decision is final. The adult may not become the handler during a search. The adult must handle the dog at the all times except when the dog is engaged in a search. Handler aged must have a release form signed by an adult. Juniors and adults will compete for the same awards. 4.7 Physical Demands SDS events may be held at a variety of public and/or private locations. Participants must be able to safely negotiate a wide variety of terrain and potentially lengthy distances from the parking location to the search areas. Participants must be able to cover the search area independently, but may use personal devices to assist with mobility (i.e. cane, crutches, wheelchair). Both the general terrain and search areas may have a variety of surfaces and may be uneven or steep. Search areas cannot be described to potential participants prior to the trial nor can search areas be adjusted as this changes the competition in a fundamental way. 16

17 Trials are often times full-day events, so participants should plan to spend the day outside or in their vehicles. In addition to bringing shade cloths and tents for your dogs, please be prepared to bring items necessary to keep yourselves comfortable such as shade, water, a chair, warm articles of clothing in cold climates, etc. 4.8 Disciplinary Action Judges, Trial Supervisor, and trial officials may dismiss any handler from a trial who: Engages in harsh punishment or corrective training of a dog Engages in abusive behavior toward a judge, event official, or competitor Reveals location of a hide. By entering an SDS event, the competitor is inviting the opinion of the judge and must accept the judge s decision as final. Competitors are to accept the decision of judges gracefully. Any complaints about a judge must be presented in writing to SDS and address specific rule(s). Handlers who display a lack of sportsmanship may be subject to disciplinary action, which may range from dismissal from a specific trial or banning from future events depending upon the severity of the action. Anyone dismissed will not receive a refund. Parties may appeal permanent bans but SDS is likely to support clubs/individuals in their decisions. 5.0 The Novice, Advanced, and Excellent Level Programs 5.1 Increasing Complexity SDS offers four skill levels. The complexity of searches will be increased as teams progress through the levels by increasing the size of the search area, the number of rooms, types of containers, and number or types of vehicles. Each new level will call on new skills such as elevation, converging odors, corners, clear rooms, ability to ignore distractor odors or threshold hides. 5.2 Selecting a Level Handlers may enter SDS trials at Novice, Advanced, or Excellent Levels regardless of titles earned in other organizations. An Excellent Level title must be earned before a team enters the Irondog Level. The following chart is a guideline only. Skill Level SDS comparable level 17

18 Dogs who have never competed and/or those who have competed but have not previously earned a Nosework title Dogs who have earned a novice level title Dogs who have earned either an intermediate or advanced title* Novice Advanced Excellent Handler must choose one level to get started. Once a team has earned a passing score at any level, the team may not move to a lower level. For example, if a team competes at the Advanced level and earns one Q in Games, that team may not compete at the Novice level. However, if the team competes at a given level but does not earn a Q in any class, that team may enter the next trial at the less challenging level. For example, a team enters a trial at the Excellent level but does not earn a qualifying score in any class, that team may enter the next trial at the Advanced level. If a dog is entered at the incorrect skill level, the handler will be notified. The team must return to the correct level at the next trial and will lose any qualifying scores that may have been earned at the incorrect level. 5.3 Area Searches Area Searches change the game and the challenges. They will be based search areas rather than individual search elements. This type of search has often been reserved for the most advanced dogs. In SDS trials, all dogs will have this opportunity. Area searches allow an element of creativity. A search area may combine one to four of the search elements (interior, exterior vehicles, and containers). The facility logistics will determine the configuration of each class and trial. Trials might be held at locations such as an old barn, a vacant house, a warehouse, or a soccer field. Searches will mimic the real world in that they will be messy and real. Handlers at all levels may encounter clear areas in the Area Search. If vehicles are included in an Area Search, there will be enough space to allow handlers and dogs to move between them. Vehicles may be placed in any configuration on asphalt or dirt. A wide variety of vehicles may be used such as horse trailers, jet skis, motorcycle, or trucks. Hides may only be on the exterior of a vehicle. Handlers will never need to place their dog in a vehicle. At the judge s discretion, there may be deductions if a dog paws, jumps on, or damages the vehicle. In addition, dogs are never allowed to crawl under the car due to safety concerns. The handler will never need to open a vehicle door for their dog to locate the hide. 18

19 Area Searches will be defined by size. The following are approximate dimensions of area searches. The rules for this class will have considerable flexibility. Level Novice Advanced Excellent Area Searches Up to 900 square feet (the size of a typical classroom) Up to 1200 square feet Up to 2000 square feet The number of hides in an area search is as follows: Level Number of hides Status Novice 1-2 Known number Advanced 1-3 Known Excellent 0-4 Unknown Here are a few examples of Area Searches. Novice Level 700 square feet This search might include three stalls, a tack room, a small office with several boxes and two trucks. It is your job to clear the area. 2 hides. Advanced Level 1200 square feet The search might include two rows of cars in a used car lot. 3 hides. Excellent Level 2,000 square feet The Area Search is clear. No hides. 19

20 At the Excellent Level, the Judge will inform the handler if they found all of the hides in the area search after the handler calls Finish. 5.4 Container Searches While there may be containers within Area Searches, teams will also participate in container searches as a separate titling class. Container searches will be based on searching all containers within a search area rather than a specific number of containers. Containers will be set in clusters to form visible groupings. Each grouping may contain a minimum of 6 containers and a maximum of 12 containers. The facility logistics will determine the configuration of each container search. Container searches may be inside or outside. There should be a minimum of 5 feet between clusters and more if the space allows. Once a cluster of containers has been searched, the team may not return to that group of containers. Containers may be placed at any distance apart as determined by the Trial Supervisor. The Trial Supervisor may determine the order that the clusters are searched or may allow competitors to determine the order. The time will run continuously between container groupings. Novice container searches allow boxes or other hard-sided containers such as paint cans. Beyond the Novice level, teams may encounter a wide variety of containers such as baskets, suitcases, shoes, paint cans or even stuffed toys. The odor container will be loaded with a single Q-tip that is not visible. The hide(s) will remain in the same location for all teams. Handlers may not touch containers. The following provides a summary of the container searches: Novice 1 group 1 hide Boxes or other hard-sized containers such as paint cans No intentional distractors Advanced 2 groupings 1-2 hides per grouping Any type of container that will collect odor such as paint cans, baskets, Intentional distractors 20

21 Excellent 3 groupings 1-3 hides per grouping (Unknown by handler) shoes, to-go food containers Any type of container that will collect odor such as paint cans, baskets, shoes, to-go food containers Intentional distractors At the Excellent Level, the Judge will inform the handler if they found all of the hides in the container search after the handler calls Finish. 5.5 Games The Games component will offer a new type of challenge. Games will be based on specific search skills. The Trial Supervisor, with input from the host, will select the game for each trial. The specific game will be published in the trial premium. Skills to be tested include: The ability to work the dog at a distance Willingness to push through a crowded area to get to source The ability to search quickly The ability to ignore distractors The ability to work elevation The complexity of games will increase at each skill level. Game rules are available on Specific games may be added or removed from the available options without prior notice. The game for a specific trial will be included in the premium. 5.6 Hide Placement It is important to note, that considerable thought will be given to hide placement at each trial in order to try and match different skill levels. However, heat, air movement and other variable may have unexpected results. The challenges of one search may be different for a team that completes it in the morning than for a team that completes a search later in the day. 21

22 Hides will not be placed in items such as cones used to indicate a search boundary. 5.7 Distractors SDS tests for all levels may be held in areas such as livestock barns with many natural distractors. Dogs should be prepared to work in this kind of area before entering a trial. Odor obedience is a must. Intentional distractors are those that are purposefully introduced into a search. No intentional distractors will be used at the Novice Level. Intentional distractors will be used at Advanced and Excellent levels. Allowable distractors include human food, dog food, dog toys, dog chews, dog treats. Intentional distractors may be used in Area Searches, Container Searches, and Games. 5.8 Elevation Teams may encounter elevation as follows: Novice up to 2 feet Advanced up to 3 feet Excellent up to 4 feet All heights are approximate. The layout of a facility may cause some variation. 5.9 Search Times There is a maximum search time allotted to each search at each level. Novice Advanced Excellent 5 minutes 6minutes 10 minutes The Judge will determine actual search times after the boundaries and hides are set. Times will be communicated to handlers during the briefing. If needed, a 30-second warning will be given to the handler. In searches that involve multiple rooms or multiple searches, a team s time will be recorded for each room or search. The accumulated times for each room or area will be totaled. Transition time will not be counted toward search time. 22

23 5.10 Search Areas Search areas will be clearly marked using cones and/or tape. There is no penalty for a dog leaving the search area. A starting mark will be clearly indicated for each search area. Handler and dog must pass over the threshold. A handler or dog that skirts the threshold will receive a deduction Accessible and Inaccessible Hides At the Novice level, the source of odor will not be visible, but it will be accessible to the dog. There may be a combination of accessible and inaccessible hides at the Advanced level. Inaccessible hides should be just behind a barrier such as a cabinet door or in a shallow drawer that is left cracked. Hides in suitcases should be in outside pockets. At the Excellent level, emphasis will be placed on inaccessible hides that may be more difficult Alerts When a handler determines that the dog had located a hide, the handler must call Alert. The time for the team will stop unless there are multiple hides. After he/she has called an alert, a handler may not cue the dog to search again until the Judge has confirmed the call. After the Judge has confirmed a correct call, the handler may reward his/her dog and continue the search if there are multiple hides. In searches with one hide and where that number is known, the time will end when the handler calls Alert. In searches with more than one hide (even if the number is known), the time will end when the handler calls, Finish. 23

24 6.0 Titling 6.1 Standard Titling Novice and Advanced SDS titles for Novice, Advanced, and Excellent titles will be based on successful searches of all three individual classes. Each class must be passed at least once to achieve a title. Classes may be passed on different days. Standard Titles Available SDS Novice SDS Advanced SDS-Excellent Abbreviation SDS-N SDS-A SDS-E If a handler enters an incorrect level by mistake, the handler will need to enter the lower level at the next trial to finish the requirement. Qualifications at the higher level will not count. 7.0 The Professional Alert Award (PA) Sniffing Dog offers a special award at each trial at every level. The Professional Alert award (PA) has been created to encourage handlers to train a professional-quality, final indication/alert that does not disturb or damage the search area. This is known as a passive alert. An unlimited number of dogs may earn the PA award at any trial. The criteria for this award are: A qualifying score in all three classes (the PA might be marked for any class in which a team qualifies which calls for applause but three Qs are required to earn the PA.) The dog must go to source first. (Just performing a professional alert in the vicinity of odor is not adequate.) The dog must then demonstrate one of three specific behaviors -- a sit, down, or focused stare. In addition the dog must not indicate any active alert behaviors such: Displacing objects to a degree that odor is spread around the search area Pawing or digging Biting at the hide Licking the hide Paws on a vehicle Damaging objects so that they need to be replaced. 24

25 Judges will indicate on each score sheet if a dog demonstrates a PA. A team that receives 3 PA scores at a trial will receive the special PA award. The PA does not impact a dog s ability to title or the Judge s decision to mark deductions for dog that disturbs or damages the search area. An article (The Passive vs. Active Alert) which explains the origin of this award is available at The Irondog Program 8.1 An Overview At the Irondog level, the game becomes unpredictable. It will mirror real-life detection. Any and all search elements may be included in a single search. Intentional distractors may be present. There may be up to five searches. A maximum time for each search will be determined and communicated. Each hide found is worth ten points. Teams accumulate points by finding hides. There is no penalty for hides not found. A false alert will result in a ten point deduction from total points. Up to two false alerts per search are allowed. The size of search areas may be small or extensive. There is no size limit. Hides in a given search will range from 0-8. A maximum time will be set for each search. There is no limit on elevation. A team may earn up to three deductions with no penalty. A fourth deduction will result in a No Pass and no points for that search 8.2 Irondog Titles Teams must qualify in three trials in order to earn the Irondog title. In order to qualify, a team must earn at least: 25

26 70% of the possible points at one trial 80% of the possible points at one trial 90% of the possible points at one trial. These scores may be achieved in any order. For example, if a Irondog trial has 20 hides over all searches, a team that earns 160 points by finding 16 of the 20 hides has met the 80% criterion. A team that earns 180 points will have met the 90% criterion. A team that earns 140 points will have met the 70% criterion. A team might earn higher percentages but 70%, 80%, and 90% are a minimum. For example, a team might earn an Irondog tttle with scores that title 90%, 80% and 80%. Scores may not be carried over to future Irondog titles. For example, a team that finds 70% of the hides in two trials, may only use one of the trials toward a title. Scores will be rounded up as necessary. For example, if there were 15 hides, 90% of 150 would be A team that received 130 points will earn a qualifying score. The SDS-Irondog title will be abbreviated at SDS-ID. 8.3 Additional Irondog Titles The Irondog title is similar to the MaCH in agility. A team may continue to title after earning an Irondog title (ID). Additional titles will be designated as ID2, ID3, ID4 etc. 8.4 Irondog Awards Teams will earn 70%, 80%, and 90% awards when achieving these successes. When all of these criteria or better have been achieved, teams will receive an Irondog title award. There are no placements based on time in Irondog. 9.0 Judges and Trial Supervisors An SDS-approved Judge will demine if each team has correctly identified the location of hides in each class. The Judge will assign faults based on SDS scoring. 26

27 A Trial Supervisor assigned by SDS will oversee each trial. This individual will make sure that the trial is run according to SDS rules/policies. A Judge that has also been approved as a Trial Supervisor may fulfill both positions at the same trial Definitions Terms that are related are clustered rather than appearing in alphabetical order. Nosework Trial A trial consists of a set of searches at one skill level. SDS Nosework Trial An all-breed event hosted by SDS at which the Judge evaluates the ability of teams of handlers and dogs to perform a series of searches in accordance with these rules. SDS Class The term used to describe an Area Search, Container Search, or Game. Search Element The term used to describe an interior search component, exterior component, container component or vehicle component. An Areas Search and some games may include any of the search elements. Search Area. A clearly defined area used as part of a sport detection trial. All hides must be in the search area. However, the dog and handler may move outside the search area if it is useful to locate a hide. Accessible Hide: A hide that the dog can either touch or get very close to touching. Inaccessible Hide. A hide that is located so that the dog is capable of finding the odor but he is not able to touch the source. For example, a hide might be placed in a deep drawer. Known Hide. A hide which is made with the handler s knowledge of its location. Many hides in training are known hides. Blind Hide. A hide which is made without the handler s knowledge of its location. All hides in competition are blind. Intentional Distractor. An item placed within a search area with the specific intent of making the search more challenging. Clear Area. A search area with no source of odor. In SDS trials, clear areas may be a part of Area Searches at all levels. 27

28 Alert. This is a term that handlers use to indicate to the judge that a decision has been made about the location of the hide. It is used at all levels of competition. The judge confirms if this call is correct. Finish. This is the term that handlers use to indicate that they have concluded their search. It is used at the Novice, Advanced, Excellent and Irondog Levels where there are multiple hides handlers either know or do not know the number of hides. At all levels, the handler calls Alert for each individual hide and then Finish when he/she believes that all hides in the search area have been found. When in doubt, say Finish. Clear. An area with no source of odor. Converging Odor. An area in which odor from two or more different hides overlap making a search more difficult. Contaminating the Search Area A fault assessed by the Judge when a team alters a search area. For example, it might occur by dropping food or a toy. Directed Search. A type of searching in which the handler indicates where he/she wants the dog to search. Deduction. A specific mistake made by a team during a search such as contaminating the search area with food. Disturbing Search Area A fault assessed by the Judge when a dog changes the configuration of a search. The most common example is shoving containers with force. False Alert. This term refers to a situation in which the dog communicates that they have found a hide and the handler calls Alert but there is no hide at that location. Fringing. Fringing is a behavior when a dog is close to an accessible hide but not directly at the source. A fringing call is made by the Judge once the handler has called Alert. Final Response/Indication. An identifiable behavior that a dog demonstrates to communicate to the handler that he has found a hide. Odor Obedience. A trained behavior in which a dog choses to search for a specific odor even when other attractive odors are present. Practice Boxes. A set of boxes available at a test site to warm-up a dog prior to competition or to help a dog recover if he has had an unsuccessful search. Threshold. The official start line at the beginning of a search. Threshold hides. Hides that are placed near the threshold. 28

29 Walk Through. Prior to a test, all competitors as a group may be shown each of the search areas. The boundaries of the search will be clearly defined. Excused. A search is terminated by the judge for reasons delineated in these rules. Dismissal. The handler must leave the trial based on a decision by the Trial Committee for reasons delineated in these rules. 29

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