Week 2 – Discrimination & Distraction

Video Submissions are due 03/18/2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific.

Round 1: Trailing & Locating

Course Time: 2:00

This week’s Trailing & Locating challenge introduces multiple scent distractions designed to test the dog’s ability to remain committed to the target odor, live quarry.

The search area and hide placement should be consistent with the Level II class as defined in the NASDA rulebook.

The following distractors must be included in the search area:

  • Bedding Distraction – Used animal bedding placed in a box, cage, or similar container.
  • Personal Item – One personal item such as a glove, keys, or wallet.
  • Food Distraction – One pastry item such as a donut, croissant, cupcake, or similar baked good.

The dog must be able to smell the distractors, but must not be able to access or consume the food item.

The objective of this round is to demonstrate the dog’s ability to remain committed to the target odor despite competing scent stimuli.

Runs may be completed on lead or off lead.

Round 2: Shed Dog

Course Time: 2:00

The Shed Dog challenge for Week 2 incorporates discrimination elements and environmental distractions similar to those used in the Trailing & Locating round.

The search area and hide placement should be consistent with the Level II class as defined in the NASDA rulebook.

The search area must include:

  • Bedding Distraction – Used animal bedding placed in a box, cage, or similar container.
  • Personal Item – One personal item such as a glove, keys, or wallet.
  • Food Distraction – One pastry item such as a donut, croissant, cupcake, or similar baked good. The dog must not be able to access or eat the food item.

Dogs should locate the shed and return it to the handler. A small deduction will be applied if the shed is not retrieved to hand, however the team may still qualify if all other requirements are met.

Runs may be completed on lead or off lead.

Week 2 – Judging Emphasis

This week’s theme focuses on scent discrimination and the dog’s ability to remain committed to target odor in the presence of distractions.

Judges will place particular emphasis on the following elements:

  • Commitment to Target Odor – The dog should remain focused on the target odor, a single antler shed, despite the presence of bedding, personal item, and food distractions.
  • Distraction Management – Investigation of distractions may occur, but teams should demonstrate the ability to quickly return to the search and remain productive.
  • Team Communication – Handlers should support their dog appropriately without interfering with the dog’s ability to independently solve the problem.
  • Search Efficiency – Productive searching and the dog’s ability to work through competing odors will be considered.

For the Shed Dog round, a small deduction will be applied if the shed is not retrieved to hand, however the team may still qualify if the dog successfully locates the shed and demonstrates clear control of the retrieve.

Judges may provide brief feedback explaining point deductions and notable elements of the run.

Quick Setup Checklist

Before filming your run, confirm the following:

Search Area

  • Search area size is consistent with a Level II, as defined in the NASDA rulebook.
  • Three sheds are hidden within the search area.

Required Distractions

The search area must include:

  • Bedding Distraction – Used animal bedding placed in a box, cage, or similar container.
  • Personal Item – One item such as a glove, keys, or wallet.
  • Food Distraction – One pastry item such as a donut, croissant, cupcake, or similar baked good.
    • The dog must be able to smell the food.
    • The dog must not be able to access or consume the food item.

Filming Requirements

  • Videos must be recorded in landscape (horizontal) orientation.
  • The camera should be positioned so that both the handler and the dog are visible during the search.
  • Point-of-view (POV) videos are not permitted.
  • The entire search area must be visible at the start of the video.
  • The handler should briefly show the location of all hides and distractions before beginning the search.
  • The entire run must be captured on video without edits or cuts.

Run Rules

  • Runs may be completed on lead or off lead.
  • Handlers may reward the dog between each find.
  • The dog must locate all three sheds.

Quick Setup Checklist

Before filming your run, confirm the following:

Search Area

  • Search area and hide placement should be consistent with the Level II class, as defined in the NASDA rulebook.
  • The search area should be clearly visible and safe for the dog to work.

Required Distractions

The search area must include the following items:

  • Bedding Distraction – Used animal bedding placed in a box, cage, or similar container.
  • Personal Item – One item such as a glove, keys, or wallet.
  • Food Distraction – One pastry item such as a donut, croissant, cupcake, or similar baked good.
    • The dog must be able to smell the food.
    • The dog must not be able to access or consume the food item.

Filming Requirements

  • Videos must be recorded in landscape (horizontal) orientation.
  • The camera should be positioned so that both the handler and the dog are visible during the search.
  • Point-of-view (POV) videos are not permitted.
  • The entire search area must be visible at the start of the video.
  • The handler should briefly show the location of the hide(s) and distractions before beginning the search.
  • The entire run must be captured on video without edits or cuts.

Run Rules

  • Runs may be completed on lead or off lead.
  • For the Shed Dog round, a small deduction will be applied if the shed is not retrieved to hand, however the team may still qualify if all other requirements are met.