Image Description: Indoor decompression space at the 2024 NASDA Invitational in Millarville, Alberta. The event featured multiple tented areas with convenient parking, allowing exhibitors to blind with or without their dogs before heading to their vehicles to care for their dogs and prepare for their runs. After completing their runs, exhibitors drove to the designated decompression space, which provided a quiet, stress-free environment for dogs to relax and recover. The space included puzzles, games, raffle items, snacks, and other enrichment activities. Exhibitors also had the option to use an outdoor grass area to best meet their dogs’ sensory needs. Every effort was made to ensure reactive dogs and handlers could blind safely and comfortably, allowing all teams to compete at their best.

Blinds and decompression spaces at the Regional vary based on the size of the event, parking availability, and resources available to the host clubs. Our primary goal is to provide a central location for exhibitors and their dogs who have not yet competed, ensuring there is no line of sight to the search areas. Additionally, we seek to provide a decompression area for exhibitors who have already completed their runs where they can choose activities and spaces which best meet their needs.

NASDA is committed to inclusivity and strives to accommodate all dogs and handlers. With each Championship event, we continue to refine and expand our pre-search areas to support the success of every team. Additional details, including accommodation options, will be provided as the event approaches.

If you’re concerned about blinding, rest assured that our top priority is keeping you and your dog safe, comfortable, and set up for success—while also preserving the integrity of the competition.