Hide Placement Strategies in Lost Item Online
Proper hide placement is crucial for setting up a fair and challenging search while adhering to NASDA’s Lost Item Online regulations. The hide should encourage independent searching, prevent unintentional cues from the handler, and meet elevation and visibility requirements for the specific title level.
This module will cover hide placement rules, strategies for increasing search difficulty, and best practices for ensuring clean and effective searches.
1. General Hide Placement Guidelines
Regardless of the level, all hides must follow these basic placement rules:
✅ The hide must not be visible from the start line.
✅ The item should be at least five feet from the start line.
✅ The handler should never move within five feet of the hide during the search.
✅ The hide may be partially covered (e.g., inside a slightly open drawer, under a box).
2. Hide Placement by Level
| Level | Hides | Distractors | Search Area Size | Hide Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIO-I | 1 (known) | 0 | 100-300 sq ft | Up to 24” |
| LIO-II | 1 (known) | 0 | 100-300 sq ft | Up to 36” |
| LIO-III | 1 (known) | 1 (contained food) | 100-300 sq ft | Up to 36” |
| MLIOCH | 1 (known) | 2 (1 food, 1 toy) | 100-300 sq ft | Up to 48” |
✔ Hides should not be placed in a way that forces the handler to move near them.
✔ The dog must work the scent pool and locate the item independently.
3. Increasing Search Difficulty with Strategic Hide Placement
A. Elevation Considerations
- LIO-I: Starts with slightly raised hides (e.g., a wallet on a low shelf).
- LIO-II: Introduces higher elevations up to 36” (e.g., inside a crate, on a chair).
- LIO-III and MLIOCH: Consider placing hides at the highest allowable elevation (e.g., on a table, within shelving units).
B. Partial Coverage and Concealment
- Ensure the item is not fully visible, but is accessible for the dog to indicate.
- Examples:
- A glove inside a slightly open drawer.
- A wallet under a small overturned box.
- A key ring tucked between couch cushions.
C. Scent Pool Management
- Airflow can dramatically affect the search—consider how scent will travel.
- Avoid placing the hide too close to walls or in areas where scent will become trapped.
4. Distractor Placement (LIO-III and MLIOCH Only)
- LIO-III introduces one contained food distractor.
- MLIOCH adds a second toy distractor.
- Distractors must be placed at least five feet from the hide and should not interfere with airflow.
5. Hide Placement Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Placing the hide too close to the start line – The dog should need to actively search rather than spotting the item immediately.
🚫 Using a location where the dog cannot easily access the item – The dog should be able to reach and indicate the item.
🚫 Allowing handler movement near the hide – This can unintentionally cue the dog.
🚫 Placing a hide in a strong airflow path – This may cause the scent to drift, confusing the search.
6. Final Checklist Before Running the Search
✅ The hide is at least five feet from the start line and not visible.
✅ The elevation requirement for the level is met.
✅ The handler can stay at least five feet away from the hide.
✅ Any required distractors are placed at least five feet from the hide.
✅ The search area is set up to encourage independent searching.
Conclusion
Thoughtful hide placement enhances the challenge of the search while ensuring the video meets NASDA’s judging standards. By following these guidelines, handlers can create fair, engaging, and effective search setups for their Lost Item Online submissions.