Den Hunt I (DH-I)

Maximum course time: 2:00 minutes to reach the quarry and begin work, 0:15 continuous work

Hides: 1 (known)

Tunnel Configuration: The tunnel must be at least 8 feet but no more than 12 feet long. The tunnel may be above ground or buried.

Minimum Qualifying Score: 20

Title: Teams earning 100 points from Level I class will earn the Den Hunt Level I (DH-I) title.

Eligibility:  Teams must have earned the Den Hunt Tested title.

Distractions: Naturally occurring distractions may be present.

Search Area: The search area should be fenced in. This test may be held indoors or outdoors.

The performance in Den Hunt Level I (DH-I) is designed to assess the dog’s willingness to navigate a confined space independently and demonstrate quarry-focused behavior upon reaching the end of the tunnel. The evaluation consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Entering and Navigating the Tunnel

  • Start Time: The timer begins when the handler releases the dog at the tunnel entrance.
  • Handler Encouragement:
    • Handlers may provide verbal encouragement to motivate the dog to enter the tunnel.
    • Tapping the inside of the tunnel entrance is also an acceptable method of encouragement.
    • The handler must not interfere with the dog’s ability to navigate or exit the tunnel independently.
  • Overhandling:
    • Physically placing, pushing, or shoving the dog into the tunnel is considered overhandling and will result in point deductions.

Stage 2: Working the Quarry

  • Quarry Interaction:
    • Once the dog reaches the quarry, it must work continuously for 15 seconds to fulfill the qualification criteria.
    • Working behaviors include barking, digging, growling, licking, chewing, charging, whining, and staring.
  • Leaving the Quarry:
    • 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.
  • Handler Encouragement:
    • Verbal encouragement is allowed 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-I is judged on the dog’s ability to 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.

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”).