Dog Scent Rules
Why Dog Scent Work?
• Scent work can build confidence for your dog while doing one of the most natural things they do.... SNIFF all while build a bond of trust between your team.
• Canine scent work is a dog sport that gives dogs every opportunity to use their amazing noses to detect different scents & odors then alerting to their handler an odor or scent has been found.
• Scent work teaches dogs to detect various odors (in the form of essential oils) and then indicate to you that they have detected a smell or odor. Scent work helps fulfill your dog's need for sniffing and can improve the relationship and teamwork between you and your dog.
Requirements of Dogs:
• Dogs must be 6 months of age or older to take part in any scent trial.
• Dogs must appear to be healthy on the event day and should be current on all vaccinations required by law. Any questions about medical or health conditions should be cleared up by your veterinarian to take part.
• Bitches in season are eligible to compete in trials. They will run at the end of the run order and will have to wear some form of diaper or panties. Participants should contact the event host at least 72 hours (about 3 days) prior to the event if they predict that their dog may be in season at the event.
• Disabled dogs are allowed and encouraged to compete if they do not show signs of pain or discomfort. • Dogs with stitches or open wounds, whether covered or otherwise, are ineligible to compete. Dogs that are lame or in pain or discomfort are ineligible to compete.
Dogs must be registered with NGCSA. Each dog will receive a member number to be entered on each entry form
Only dogs entered in a trial are allowed on trial grounds.
⦁Reactive dogs must wear a red bandana and be kept in your vehicle until your run. They must always be kept under control. Failure to do so will result in dismissal of trial without refund. They should only be out of the vehicle for potty breaks, or it is their turn to run.
⦁Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations including rabies vaccine. Dog Information:
⦁Dog's name
⦁Dog's age
⦁Dog's birthdate as close as known
⦁Dog's breed (In the event the dog is of mixed breed, then the dog will be listed as prominent breed/mix or just mix should be entered)
Requirements of Handlers:
• Handlers must be current members of NGCSA to take part in a trial event. All dogs must be registered under the handler's membership with NGCSA.
• All members must adhere to the rules and regulations.
• Membership may be suspended or terminated for violation of any rules set forth by NGCSA. (Without refund of any purchased made through NGCSA)
• All members must sign a liability waiver for each event they are attending prior to running in any trial. Failure to do so results in a non-qualifying (NQ) score and grounds for dismissal without refund.
• All Handlers must be 18 years of age.
• Every team must enter and exit the same regardless of physical status. No alternative routes should be made.
• Each member must be current on the year membership to attend any trial
• Each member must be in good physical and mental health.
• A maximum of two (2) member names may be listed for one (1) membership, however a charge of $20 will be necessary to add names to a current membership.
• Member’s name will be listed as the handler on any trial entry forms.
• Membership fees are due per calendar year and should always be kept up to date prior to any run/trial. • In the event membership dues are late or past due, members are prohibited from entering any trial.
Member's Information:
• Name
• Address
• Birthdate
• Phone Number
Requirements of Spectators:
• Spectators are encouraged but may be excluded per judge's discretion depending on size of the search area or distraction to the run area.
• Spectators must follow all the rules while on the grounds of an event the same as each eligible member attending.
• All Spectators must have a signed liability waiver per day per event.
• All cell phones should be set to silent in the search area
Requirements of Volunteers:
• All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age on the day of work.
• All volunteers must be in good physical and mental health.
• All volunteers must sign a liability waiver, if under the legal age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign for them prior to entry of premises.
• All volunteers should be compensated with complimentary brunch/lunch.
• All volunteers should be labeled in the case of a patron needs assistance. (tag or equivalent)
Essential oils & Preparation:
• Essential oils for trialing are placed on paper cotton swabs (plastic Q-tips are not allowed), cut in half and scented with one of the three (3) essential oils: Birch, Anise, and Clove.
• Birch (Betula Lenta) is used in level 1 through level 5
• Anise (Pimpinella Anisum) is used in level 2 through level 5
• Clove (Eugenia Caryophylatta) is used in level 3 through level 5
• Hides should be prepared prior to the trial and kept in a glass jar.
• Only one (1) odor should be in each jar, mixing odors is prohibited.
• In case of contamination, the area should be cleaned appropriately with vinegar and water solution.
• Each swab should be prepared with one (1) drop of oil.
• One (1) swabs of the same oil should be placed in a scent vessel which allows the odor to escape. (ex. metal tins, straws, etc.)
Search Area Requirements:
• All Handlers must be up to date with their membership.
• Only one (1) handler per dog per event level
• Time starts when dogs paw crosses the start line.
• Dogs should be rewarded after each correct alert.
• A 30 second warning is not required, but the judge or timekeeper will make every effort to give a warning.
• Handlers may communicate with their dog throughout the search.
Qualifying Faults:
• Dropping food or toy in search area
• Recalling a hide already found
• Crushing or stepping on containers
Non-Qualifying Faults:
• Eliminating in a search area
• Aggressive behavior from dog or competitor
• Not finding all the hides in a search area
• Touching any item in the search area
• Entering search area or “peeking” prior to competitors turn (cheating)
Guidelines per trial:
All teams are required to start at level one (1) or equivalent.
Level one requires an ALERT call to indicate the hide has been found, the clock will stop once a correct alert has been called.
Level two (2) and above should indicate an ALERT call for each hide found followed by a FINISHED call to stop time. In the event that time runs out, the competitor should leave the search area. It is up to the judge to show where a missed hide is to the competitor to validate the dog a successful run.
• members must check in upon arrival
• Ribbons should be passed out upon completion of each level
• Dogs must walk to potty area on a 6’leash or less.
• Only one dog is permitted to run per level/tier. You can run another dog in a different level.
• Drugs and Alcohol are not permitted on trial site. If found in violation, it is grounds for immediate dismissal and a non-qualifying score. No refund will be issued.
EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF NEXT GENERATION DOG SPORTS ASSOCIATION