Exercise 1-4: Container Search
Dog demonstrates it can find and indicate target odor in a simple container search using non-typical trial containers. Handler must show the hide to the camera after rewarding dog.
Purpose: Demonstrates dog can select hide on a simple container setup with like/same containers that will not invoke antics and yield successful behavior.
Age of Hide: Recommend 10 minutes minimum
Number of Hides: 1
Search Area: Exterior. Location must be a unique area that is not used in another Level 1 search submission.
Hide Placement: Hide location is handler’s choice in one of the container types described per exercise setup. The hide in this case may be visible but should not be obvious to the dog.
On/Off Leash: Either on or off
Required Calls: Handler must say “Alert” or raise hand when their dog has communicated they have found target odor. The Alert call must come before rewarding your dog and should be the handler’s first confirmation of their dog finding the hide.”
Exercise set-up: Hide location is handler’s choice in one of the containers, per hide placement guidelines. Use a minimum of 6 non-typical trial containers such as metal switch boxes, socks, shoes, open pails, colanders, mugs, cinder blocks, etc. All containers must be the same type but do not need to be identical. Typical trial containers are cardboard and plastic and can not be used. Stuffed animals or toys can also not be used as containers. Select a container type that will not cause your dog to step on, squish, move around or retreive. Search begins when the handler cues the dog to search. Dog and/or handler must cross the start line. Search ends when the handler signals an “Alert” call. The handler must show the hide to the camera before turning the camera off per one of the options outlined in the overview.
Scoring: Pass/Not yet
Non-qualifiers: Odor paired with food; handler points to hide; dog does not show change in behavior at source; dog exhibits an unproductive indication, scent aids fall out from hide placement, dog retrieves hide, exposed scent aids (not in vessel) placed in search area; dog eliminates during search; search parameters not met;
incorrectly placed hide; incorrect call; dog is rewarded before handler makes an alert call.
Tips:
Video example:
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Additional Samples Level 1 Exercise 4
Sample Videos: