Week 1 – Alternative Assignment

Videos are due 03/09/2026.

Two Runs Required

  • Run 1: Complex Lost Item Recovery (Urban Alternative)
  • Run 2: Lost Item Recovery

Week 1 introduces heavily cluttered search environments, tight navigation challenges, layered discrimination, and required distractions designed to test:

  • Precision
  • Impulse control
  • Clean, neutral handling
  • Commitment to target article
  • Scent discrimination under pressure
  • Independence in confined spaces

This is not a simplified alternative. It is an equivalent technical challenge.

This is not a speed test. It is a discipline test.

Course Time

  • Course Time: 3:00.0 (three minutes) per run
  • Time begins at the moment of release
  • Time ends upon clear indication or at 3:00.0
  • Searches exceeding 3:00.0 will be scored as incomplete

Search Area Size Requirements

To maintain consistency and appropriate pressure:

  • Minimum Size: 250 square feet
  • Maximum Size: 400 square feet

The defining factor is not size alone, but density of clutter, discrimination pressure, and navigational restriction.

Open spaces with scattered objects do not meet Week 1 requirements.

Leash & Environment Parameters

  • Both searches may be conducted on leash or off leash
  • If conducted on leash, handlers may not use the leash to steer, guide, or direct the dog to source
  • Leash tension used as directional pressure will result in deductions
  • Searches may be conducted indoors or outdoors, provided all safety and clutter requirements are met

Acceptable Search Environment Examples

Searches must occur in confined, clutter-heavy environments requiring deliberate navigation and discrimination.

Examples include:

  • A densely cluttered garage with tools, bins, and overlapping stored equipment
  • A tight storage room with stacked items and narrow movement lanes
  • A classroom corner with desks, chairs, shelving, and layered objects
  • A workshop space with obstacles requiring route decisions
  • A barn aisle with stored items, equipment, and partial barriers

The defining characteristic is restricted movement combined with high object density and article discrimination pressure.

Clutter & Discrimination Requirements

Complex Lost Item Recovery (Urban Alternative)

  • Minimum 7 visible clutter elements
  • Minimum 3 non-target articles similar in size and general appearance to the target
  • Minimum 1 required neutral distraction

Lost Item Recovery

  • Minimum 3 non-target objects similar in size/shape
  • Minimum 1 required neutral distraction

Clutter must:

  • Require navigation (not decorative)
  • Be stable and safe
  • Not contain target odor
  • Not pose injury risk

Non-target articles must be:

  • Accessible within the search area
  • Clearly shown in the pre-run pan
  • Free of target odor contamination

The target article must:

  • Not be openly visible
  • Require intentional commitment
  • Not be buried

Evaluation Emphasis

Judges will prioritize:

  • Clean navigation through tight space
  • Scent discrimination under clutter pressure
  • Deliberate, thoughtful search strategy
  • Impulse control around visible non-target objects
  • Clear, committed indication
  • Handler neutrality

The following may result in scoring deductions:

  • Excessive cueing
  • Leash steering
  • Frantic handling
  • Repeated redirection
  • Chaotic management