Kong Rules

Teams have three runs (not back to back)  Two successful runs are required for a pass  (3rd run maybe dropped if the first 2 are successful).

At any point during any of the assessments the handler can switch to ‘training mode’ this will mean the assessment attempt will be classed as a fail, but it will allow the teams to be coached to ensure solid learnings. 

Handler can be on either inside or outside, handler must not step over the equipment.

Dog can be tasked back after the alert to the find if the handler wishes to 'mark' on source.

Kong searches must be completed on lead. The handler can not step over the equipment, and must keep moving forward, even as the dog indicates the handler should not stop moving until assessor says “correct”.  

Handlers can spin on the spot to re-task the dog (happy circle) back by a maximum of 3 containers. 

The dog is allowed to go back but only to the length of the lead and the handler must keep moving forwards. If the lead becomes tight and the handler needs to stop it will be classed as a fail. Maximum lead length is 2 meters.

NOVICE

Kong - 2CM BY 2CM (7g to 8g)  - 24 containers - 20 to 24 cm apart. 

Cues to search – 2 Only (verbal and physical)  Time 02:00mins

Horseshoe open towards the start line -  Start line 2 metres away.

INTERMIEDATE

Kong - 2CM BY 2CM (7g to 8g) -  32 containers - 20 to 24 cm apart

Cues to search – 2 Only (verbal and physical)  Time 02:00mins

Two horizontal lines

ADVANCED

Kong – 1.5CM BY 1.5CM (5g to 6g) -  40 containers - 20 to 24 cm apart

Cues to search – 1 Only (verbal and physical) Time 02:00mins

Square or Rectangle

EXPERT

Kong – 1.5CM BY 1.5CM (5g to 6g) -  30 containers - 20 to 24 cm apart

Cues to search – 1 Only (verbal and physical) Time 02:00mins

Line against a wall

MASTER

Kong – 1.5CM BY 1.5CM (5g to 6g) -  30 containers - 20 to 24 cm apart

Cues to search – 1 Only (verbal and physical) Time 02:00mins

Line against a wall 50 /50 into a corner

ASSESSMENT FAILS

False call.

Recuing – more than allowed for that level (verbal and physically)

Urination or Defecating in the area.

Dropping rewards in search area.

Handler stopping or moving backwards. 

Handler stepping over equipment.

Dog trashing the equipment.

If the dog gets to the last container without indicating on the source.

Switching to ‘training mode’.

Teams have three runs (not back to back)  Two successful runs are required for a pass  (3rd run maybe dropped if the first 2 are successful).

At any point during any of the assessments the handler can switch to ‘training mode’ this will mean the assessment attempt will be classed as a fail, but it will allow the teams to be coached to ensure solid learnings.

Match searches must be completed off lead.

Handler to remain behind the start line, dog to search independently and indicate on the correct container. 

First container should be 2 meters away from start line.

Time starts when the dog crosses the line. 02:00 mins

Scent Articles from a person will be in a bag to be opened at start line and presented to the dog, and the second in one of the containers, the dog needs to match the scent given to the scent in the container 

NOVICE

6 containers - Linear search vertical to start line - SA 20cm x 20cm in a sealed bag for the handler.

Containers 1 meter apart from each other - First container 2 meters from the start line - 2 cues allowed to search

INTERMEDIAT

12 containers - Linear search vertical to the start line - SA 20cm x 20cm one in a sealed bag one in the container.

Containers 0.5 meter apart from each other - First container 2 meters from the start line - Only 2 task cues allowed

ADVANCED

12 containers - 2 lines of 6  vertical to the start line - SA 10cm x 10cm one in a sealed bag one in the container - containers 0.5 meter apart from each other - Only 1 task cues allowed (verbal and physical)

EXPERT

16 containers -  In a horseshoe open end towards the start line - SA 10cm x 10cm one in a sealed bag one in the container

Containers 0.5 meter apart from each other - First containers should be 2 meters from the start line

MASTER

16 containers - In a open box (square horseshoe) end towards the start line - SA 10cm x 10cm one in a sealed bag, one in the container

Containers 0.5 meter apart from each other - First containers should be 2 meters from the start line - Only 1 task cue allowed

ASSESSMENT FAILS

Dog returning past the start line without Indicating

False indication

Recuing re-tasking more than allowed on that level

Dropping rewards past the start line

Handler crossing the line. 

Urination or defecating in the area.

Switching to ‘training mode’

Running out of time

Dog trashing the equipment

Catnip Retrieve Rules

Catnip search and retrieve must be completed off lead and the handler is to remain behind the start line.

First Gizit should be 4 meters away from start line.

Time starts when the dog crosses the line.

Handler to remain behind the start line, dog to search independently and retrieve the correct gizit over the start line

Gizits must be 10cm to 20 cm long  and  2cm to 4cm wide, blanks and lives must be made of the same material.

Search area 8m by 10m approx. Preferably inside.

Gizits must be produced by the assessor, and placed out before the team enters.

Objects for hiding Gizits behind, can be boxes, cases, bags or chairs.

NOVICE

2 Gizits. 1 live 1 blank both open in view -  Either gizit must be a minimum of 2m-3m meters from the start line - The gizits must be 2m –3m meters apart from each othe

Cues to search – 2 Only (verbal and physical) - 1 false retrieve allowed.

Time 02:00 mins - Time starts when the dog passes the start line

INTERMIEDIATE

4 Gizits. 1 live 3 blank-  All open in view -  All gizits must be a minimum of 2m-3m meters from the start line - The gizits must be 2m –3m meters apart from each other

Cues to search – 2 Only (verbal and physical) - 1 false retrieve allowed.

Time 02:00 mins

ADVANCED

4 Gizits. 1 live 3 blanks -  2 Objects to hide gizits behind (cones, cases, chairs, boxes etc) - I live and i blank must be hidden, other blanks can be in view - All gizits must be a minimum of 2m-3m meters from the start line - The gizits must be 1m –2m meters apart from each other

Cues to search – 1 Only (verbal and physical) - No false retrieve allowed.

Time 02:00 mins

EXPERT

6 Gizits. 1 live 5 blanks -  3 Objects to hide gizits behind (cones, cases, chairs, boxes etc) -  1 live and 2 blank must be hidden, other blanks can be in view -  All gizits must be a minimum of 2m-3m meters from the start line -  The gizits must be 1m –2m meters apart from each other

Cues to search – 1 Only (verbal and physical) - No false retrieve allowed.

Time 02:00 mins

MASTER

6 Gizits. 1 live 5 blanks -  5 Objects to hide gizits behind (cones, cases, chairs, boxes etc) - All gizits must be hidden - All gizits must be a minimum of 2m-3m meters from the start line - The gizits must be 1m –2m meters apart from each other

Cues to search – 1 Only (verbal and physical) -  No false retrieve allowed.

Time 02:00 mins

ASSESSMENT FAILS

Dog returning past the start line without a gizit

Dog returning with a blank  (Allowed at some levels)

Recuing re-tasking more than allowed at the level

Dropping rewards past the start line

Handler crossing the line. 

Urination or defecating in the area.

Switching to ‘training mode’

Running out of time

Dog trashing the equipment

Teams only have ONE run,  warm up runs are allowed, but not with the same trail layer or decoy used for the assessment

At any point during any of the assessments the handler can switch to ‘training mode’ this will mean the assessment attempt will be classed as a fail.

Single blind trail

Scent articles should be sealed in a bag and left with the Assessor. They can be handed to the handler to present to the dog, or the Assessor may do so but only after the scent inventory / starting ritual.

Trails should be over grassland or parks 

Trail layer and decoy not to be in sight at the start of the trail.

The TL and the decoy will follow the same path to its end, then separate and position themselves 3 meters apart from each other. 

Decoy must walk after the trail layer only by a couple of metres

Dogs rewards must stay with handler.

Trail layer and decoy must remain neutral and not to look or engage with the dog until instructed to do so

Indication must be discussed before the start. 

Handler to alert on correct TL (within 20 seconds of the dog indicating)

Time starts when the dog takes scent.

NOVICE

Soft article in a sealed bag -  2 People. 1 Decoy and 1 Trail Layer, out of view from the start - Start is over the trail - 50 metres - 1 junction about half way - Trail layer to walk the trail first, decoy to follow a couple of metres behind -  Split is at the end of the trail and the trail layer and decoy should stand about 3 metres apart from each other - Handler must raise their hand or speak to confirm the dog has identified the trail layer

Time 05:00 mins - Time starts when the dog takes scent

INTERMEIDATE

Soft article in a sealed bag -  2 People. 1 Decoy and 1 Trail Layer, out of view from the start -  Start is 1 metre off the trail - 50 metres - 1 junction about half way - Trail layer to walk the trail first, decoy to follow a couple of metres behind - Split is at the end of the trail and the trail layer and decoy should stand about 3 metres apart from each other - Handler must raise their hand or speak to confirm the dog has identified the trail layer 

Time 05:00 mins - Time starts when the dog takes scent

ADVANCED

Soft article in a sealed bag placed at nose height and the dog is to be tasked to take scent from that point -  2 People. 1 Decoy and 1 Trail Layer, out of view from the start - Start is 2 metres off the trail (displaced) - 50 metres - 1 junction about half way - Trail layer to walk the trail first, decoy to follow a couple of metres behind - Split is at the end of the trail and the trail layer and decoy should stand about 3 metres apart from each other - Handler must raise their hand or speak to confirm the dog has identified the trail layer

Time 05:00 mins - Time starts when the dog takes scent

EXPERT

Hard article in a sealed bag and presented to the dog - 2 People. 1 Decoy and 1 Trail Layer, out of view from the start -  Start is 2 metres off the trail - 50 metres - 2 junctions along the trail anywhere - Trail layer to walk the trail first, decoy to follow a couple of metres behind - Split is at the end of the trail and the trail layer and decoy should stand about 3 metres apart from each other - Handler must raise their hand or speak to confirm the dog has identified the trail layer

Time 05:00 mins - Time starts when the dog takes scent

MASTER

Hard article in a sealed bag placed at nose height. the dog is to be tasked to take the scent from there -  2 People. 1 Decoy and 1 Trail Layer, out of view from the start - Start is 2 metres off the trail -  50 metres -  2 junctions along the trail anywhere -  Trail layer to walk the trail first, decoy to follow a couple of metres behind -  Split is at the end of the trail and the trail layer and decoy should stand about 3 metres apart from each other -  Handler must raise their hand or speak to confirm the dog has identified the trail layer

Time 05:00 mins - Time starts when the dog takes scent

ASSESMNT FAILS

Dog IDs the decoy,

Handler does not alert to the Assessor within 20 second of the dog indicating.

Team runs out of time.

Dog trashing the scent article

Switching to ‘training mode’