The Specialist Titles are an endurance-based challenge testing a dog’s ability to locate handler-scented items across different conditions.

Qualification Requirements:

• 10 successful searches
• Each search must be in a unique location
• Each title requires completing five specific challenge types (two runs per challenge)

Specialist Categories:

🔹 LIO-SF (Fabric)
🔹 LIO-ST (Technology)
🔹 LIO-SP (Personal)
🔹 LIO-SS (Small)
🔹 LIO-SH (Helper) – Dog must retrieve the item to within easy reach of the handler
🔹 LIO-SD (Distance) – Handler must maintain a set distance from the hide
🔹 LIO-SV (Variable) – Requires unique search environments

Specialist Challenge Types

Each Specialist Title typically includes five types of search challenges:

Each of these challenges ensures dogs can work in varied conditions and environments, helping to develop strong real-world search skills.

Understanding Progression and Strategy

• Title Building: Handlers should strategically choose their items at each level to avoid duplication in higher levels.
• Hide Complexity: Start with ground hides and progress to elevated placements.
• Distraction Training: Teams should prepare for distractions introduced at higher levels.
• Specialization: Specialist titles allow teams to refine their skills in specific categories and search conditions.