Level II: The dog demonstrates the ability to scent discriminate. The dog must demonstrate the ability to locate and indicate three articles. Someone will place three articles in the area scented by a person other than the dogs handler. There will also be one incorrect article, which will be scented by a different person. The dog will be given a start article scented by the correct subject and must locate and indicate the three correct articles but not the incorrect one. The dog may work on leash or off, the handler may not cue the dog in any way. The indication must be a specific behavior that the handler can articulate to the evaluator and can be readily observed by the evaluator. The size of the area must be a minimum of 25 feet by 25 feet and not larger than 75 feet by 75 feet depending on the terrain and ground cover, based on the evaluator’s discretion. The articles may be anything that the evaluator chooses they may be scented by the subject rubbing them between their hands and blowing on them.

Level III The dog demonstrates the ability to search an area independently taking directional commands from the handler. The dog must locate and indicate three articles. Someone will place three articles in the area scented by a person other than the dog’s handler. There will also be a minimum of one incorrect article, which will be scented by a different person. The dog will be given a start article scented by the correct subject and must locate and indicate the three correct articles but not the incorrect one(s). The dog must work off leash, the handler may not cue the dog to indicate but may direct the direction and locations the dog searches from outside the designated area. The indication must be a specific behavior that the handler can articulate to the evaluator and can be readily observed by the evaluator. The size of the area must be a minimum of 25 feet by 25 feet and not larger than 75 feet by 75 feet depending on the terrain and ground cover. The handler will be able to see the entire sector from a location outside the search area. The articles may be anything that the evaluator chooses they may be scented by the subject rubbing them between their hands and blowing on them.

Dogs of any age and breed may compete toward snifferdog certificates. The goal is to provide a fun sport for dogs and their people that will allow them to work as a team complementing each other’s skills. The goal is to find the prizes the dogs may be rewarded for finding the articles. This is for those dogs that prefer healing with their nose to the ground. It offers adolescent dogs the incentive to focus and concentrate. It gives “busy” dogs a job they can do. Try it, it’s great fun for most dogs.

To set up a snifferdog instinct test as a fundraiser at your event, or to inquire about snifferdog training seminars and instinct test or to schedule a snifferdog event call (410) 236-2788 or email vtotis@carr.org The Events catagory also has scheduled seminars and evlautions.