Maximum course time: 2:30 minutes to reach the quarry and begin work, 2:00 continuous work

Hides: 1 (known)

Tunnel Configuration: The tunnel must be at least 20 feet but no more than 30 feet long. The tunnel must include two turns to challenge the dog’s scenting and navigation abilities and one obstacle to test their adaptability.

Minimum Qualifying Score: 20

Title: Teams earning 400 points from Level II class will earn the Den Hunt Level II (DH-II) title.

Eligibility:  Teams must have earned the Den Hunt Level I title.

Distractions: Naturally occurring distractors may be present. At least one significant distractor must be present. Acceptable distractors include false trails which do not lead to quarry, crossing over old trails, or a “false quarry” including used bedding.

Search Area: The search area must meet the requirements of a Trailing & Locating course and be of sufficient size and space to allow a 100 – 150′ long trail to the tunnel entrance. The tunnel structure should not be readily visible from the start line, encouraging the dog to rely on scent rather than sight.

The performance in Den Hunt Level II (DH-II) is designed to assess the dog’s ability to trail and locate to a live den, enter and work quarry.

The evaluation consists of three stages:

Stage 1: Trailing & Locating to the Tunnel

The timer begins when the handler releases the dog at the tunnel entrance. The dog should work in their search independently of handler movement. The handler may verbally encourage and communicate with the dog provided it does not interfere with the search. Deductions will be taken for handlers who face the hide intentionally, stand near the hide, show the dog the hide, handle in a way which the judge deems is leading the dog to the hide. 

Stage 2: Entering and Navigating the Tunnel

The dog should enter the tunnel of its own accord. Handlers may provide up to two verbal cues to motivate the dog to enter the tunnel. The handler must not interfere with the dog’s ability to navigate or exit the tunnel independently.

Stage 3: Working the Quarry

Once the dog reaches the quarry, it must work continuously for 2:00 to fulfill the qualification criteria. Working behaviors include barking, digging, growling, licking, chewing, charging, whining, and staring.

If the dog leaves the quarry after initially reaching it but remains within the tunnel, it may still qualify if it returns to the quarry and completes the working requirement. However, points will be deducted for leaving the quarry past the first turn. The handler may offer brief verbal encouragement throughout the working component from any location on the course, provided it does not interfere with the judge’s ability to observe and evaluate the dog’s behavior.

Judging Criteria:

The performance in DH-II is judged on the dog’s ability to locate, enter and navigate the tunnel independently, locate the quarry, and maintain sustained quarry-focused behavior. Handlers are expected to provide supportive but non-intrusive guidance to their dogs, allowing them to demonstrate their natural instincts and confidence.

The judge will walk with the handler from the trailing point to the tunnels. Once the dog has entered the tunnel, the judge will move towards the quarry end to judge the working portion.

Whenever possible, the dog should be removed via the trapdoor at the quarry. There is no penalty for dogs exiting out the main entrance.

Dogs must run without a collar or harness. Dogs may compete in a muzzle.

Dogs may be rewarded in the quarry area after the judge verifies their success (“yes”).