Titling with TEAM NW
Level 1
Level 1 is intended to showcase the dog’s ability to find single, basic, accessible hides in a variety of situations. The level is intended to be straight forward, allowing the dog to demonstrate basic capability.
Level 2
In Level 2, the dog is asked to build on the basic fundamentals established in Level 1. Additional challenges are required including working around distractions and problem solving more complicated scenarios. Independence, problem solving, and the ability to work small unproductive areas are required at this level.
Level 3
Level 3 continues to build upon the challenges presented to the dog by requiring the dog to work despite intentional distractions or lack of odor, and be able to solve scenting puzzles incorporating multiple scent cones, larger areas, and deeper hides.
Level 4
Level 4 is designed to provide more challenging search setups for both dog and handler. The setups will test the dog’s odor obedience in the presence of visual distractors, clearing an area after locating a hide, working less accessible odor and working under spatial pressure.
Plus Titles 1-4
The Plus Titles are intended to showcase the dog’s ability to work in a new, novel location. This is a core aspect of the sport of Nosework and is intended to demonstrate the dog’s fluency in understanding the task of searching and ability to focus in new environments.
The Plus title series requires the skills of Levels 1, 2 and 3 to be completed in a novel location not used in a prior video submission and different for each of the Plus levels.
Teams may complete each Plus level in conjunction with the original level or may choose to complete them after successfully finishing all of the NW TEAM Levels 1-3. For example, a team might choose to do NW TEAM1, 2, and 3 followed by NW TEAM1+, 2+, 3+ OR the team might do NW TEAM1 and then NW TEAM1+, NW TEAM2 and then 2+, etc. Once completed, the “NW TEAM+” title may be added after your dog’s name at the appropriate level.
Location planning is important for the Plus levels, as the location may not have been used in any prior video submissions. We suggest thinking about space requirements and considering how planning may assist you. For example, NW TEAM3 — which can be completed in any familiar location, including previously used locations — likely needs a fair amount of space compared to Level 1 or 2. You may use a location for either NW TEAM1+ or 2+ and then use it for NW TEAM3 only IF you submit the 1+ or 2+ video prior to the NW TEAM3 video.
Honors Titles 1-4
The Honors title series requires the skills of the original Levels 1-4 to be completed when the handler is encountering blind hides. Any search location can be used including those used in prior passing video submissions as long as each of the 6 areas within a level are in a different location or different area within the same space.
The Honors track will require a knowledgeable helper to place appropriate hide placements and be proficient in the base rules. The Handler is ultimately responsible to review the search videos and ensure all requirements are met before submitting.
Teams may complete each Honors level in conjunction with the original level or may choose to complete them after successfully finishing Levels 1-4, or Levels 1+-4+.
Teams may opt to go directly to the Honors level instead of the Plus level if they choose. Once completed, the “TEAMh” title may be added after your dog’s name at the appropriate level.