Week 1 – Precision Under Pressure

Videos are due 03/09/2026.  

Two Runs Required

  • Run 1: Urban Locating
  • Run 2: Lost Item Recovery

Week 1 introduces heavily cluttered search environments, tight navigation challenges, and required distractions designed to test:

  • Precision
  • Impulse control
  • Clean, neutral handling
  • Commitment to target article
  • Independence in confined spaces

This is not a speed test. It is a discipline test.

Course Time

  • Course Time: 3:00.0 (three minutes) per run
  • Time begins at the moment of release.
  • Time ends upon clear indication or at 3:00.0.
  • Searches exceeding 3:00.0 will be scored as incomplete.

Search Area Size Requirements

To maintain consistency and appropriate pressure:

  • Minimum Size: 250 square feet
  • Maximum Size: 400 square feet

The defining factor is not size alone, but density of clutter and navigational restriction.

Open spaces with scattered objects do not meet Week 1 requirements.

Leash & Environment Parameters

  • Both searches may be conducted on leash or off leash.
  • If conducted on leash, handlers may not use the leash to steer, guide, or direct the dog to source.
  • Leash tension used as directional pressure will result in deductions.

Searches may be conducted indoors or outdoors, provided all safety and clutter requirements are met.

Acceptable Search Environment Examples

Searches must occur in confined, clutter-heavy environments requiring deliberate navigation.

Examples include:

  • A cluttered garage with tools, bins, and stored equipment
  • A tight storage room with stacked items and narrow pathways
  • A classroom corner with desks, chairs, shelving, and equipment
  • A workshop space with obstacles and barriers
  • A fenced patio with contained furniture and obstacles
  • A barn aisle with stored items and limited movement lanes

The defining characteristic is restricted movement combined with high object density.

Clutter & Distraction Requirements

Urban Locating

  • Minimum 5 visible clutter elements
  • Minimum 1 required neutral distraction

Lost Item Recovery

  • Minimum 3 non-target objects similar in size/shape
  • Minimum 1 required neutral distraction

Clutter must:

  • Require navigation (not decorative)
  • Be stable and safe
  • Not contain target odor
  • Not pose injury risk

Evaluation Emphasis

Judges will prioritize:

  • Clean navigation through tight space
  • Deliberate, thoughtful search strategy
  • Impulse control around visible non-target objects
  • Clear, committed indication
  • Handler neutrality

Excessive cueing, leash steering, frantic handling, or chaotic management will impact scoring.