Search Area Guidelines for Trailing and Brace

Both Trailing & Locating and Trailing Brace are designed to replicate the experience of hunting in the field, focusing on a dog’s natural scenting abilities in authentic environments. To maintain the integrity of these events, search areas must adhere to specific guidelines.

Both Trailing and Brace require significant land to offer multiple trials and level. Further, due to the time and resources required to set trails, transition exhibitors through courses and run courses, is it may be necessary to limit the number of runs or levels offered depending on the size of the venue and judges available.

Acceptable Search Areas

Search areas must be outdoors and set in natural terrains. Examples include:

  • Prairie
  • Woods
  • Grassy Fields
  • Sagebrush or Sand Fields
  • Pastures
  • Wheat Fields
  • Any Combination of These Environments

Unacceptable Search Areas

The following environments do not align with the purpose of these events and should not be used as search areas:

  • Gravel Parking Lots
  • Asphalt Parking Lots
  • Soccer Fields or Manicured Lawns
  • Indoor Areas

Incorporating Rural Features

Search areas may include human-made objects that are consistent with rural environments, such as:

  • Tractors
  • Trailers
  • Stock tanks
  • Run-in sheds

These elements should blend naturally into the environment and serve as potential distractions or obstacles, adding complexity to the search without compromising authenticity.

Venue Considerations

When selecting or setting up a venue, keep the following in mind:

  1. Safety Hazards:
    • Check for debris, sharp objects, unstable ground, or toxic substances that could pose a risk to dogs or handlers. Ensure all areas are safe and suitable for searches.
  2. Naturally Occurring Distractions:
    • Be mindful of distractions like livestock, wildlife, or food sources. These can challenge dogs while reflecting real-world conditions.
  3. Proximity of Search Areas:
    • Ensure there is sufficient distance between search areas to avoid interference and maintain smooth trial flow. Close proximity can lead to distractions or confusion for competing teams.

By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll create a safe, engaging, and authentic experience for both dogs and handlers, staying true to the mission of NASDA’s Trailing & Locating and Trailing Brace programs.