Week 3 – Like Items Different Odor
Videos are due 03/25/2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific.
Round 1: Lost Item
Course Time: 2:00
This week’s Lost Item challenge focuses on odor discrimination using like items, requiring dogs to identify target odor while ignoring competing human scent and neutral objects.
The search area consists of a 5′ x 5′ space with no additional environmental distractions.
The search area must include:
- 10 Like Items – Examples include 10 Easter eggs, 10 socks, 10 pens, or similar objects
- Target Odor – 2 items scented with target odor
- Non-Target Human Odor – 2 items scented with a different human’s odor
- Neutral Items – Remaining items contain no odor
Items may be lightly tossed or placed naturally within the search area.
The objective of this round is to demonstrate the dog’s ability to clearly identify target odor while ignoring non-target human scent and neutral items.
Runs may be completed on lead or off lead.
Round 2: Lost Item
Course Time: 3:30
The second Lost Item round increases difficulty by expanding the search area, increasing the number of hides, and introducing environmental distractions.
The search area must be approximately 400 square feet, with all hides placed no higher than 24 inches.
The search area must include:
- 20 Like Items
- Target Odor – 4 items scented with target odor
- Non-Target Human Odor – 4 items scented with a different human’s odor
- Neutral Items – Remaining items contain no odor
The following distractions must also be included:
- Toy Distraction – One visible toy placed within the search area
- Contained Food Distraction – Food such as kibble or treats placed in a container. The dog must be able to smell the food but must not be able to access or consume it
The objective of this round is to demonstrate the dog’s ability to work independently, maintain commitment to target odor, and ignore both scent and environmental distractions.
Runs may be completed on lead or off lead.
Week 3 – Judging Emphasis
This week’s theme focuses on discrimination and commitment to target odor in the presence of competing scent and environmental distractions.
Judges will place particular emphasis on the following elements:
- Commitment to Target Odor – The dog should clearly identify and remain committed to target odor items while ignoring non-target human scent
- Discrimination Skills – The dog should demonstrate the ability to differentiate between target odor, non-target human odor, and neutral items
- Distraction Management – Investigation of toys or food may occur, but teams should demonstrate the ability to return to the search and remain productive
- Search Efficiency – Productive searching and thoughtful use of the search area will be evaluated
- Handler Support – Handlers should support their dog appropriately without interfering with independent problem solving
Judges may provide brief feedback explaining point deductions and notable elements of the run.
Quick Setup Checklist
Before filming your run, confirm the following:
Search Area
Round 1:
- 5′ x 5′ search area
- 10 like items present
Round 2:
- Approximately 400 sq ft search area
- All hides placed no higher than 24 inches
- 20 like items present
Required Items
Round 1:
- 2 target odor items
- 2 non-target human odor items
- Remaining items neutral
Round 2:
- 4 target odor items
- 4 non-target human odor items
- Remaining items neutral
Required Distractions (Round 2 only)
- One toy distraction
- One contained food distraction
- Dog must be able to smell but not access the food
Filming Requirements
- Videos must be recorded in landscape (horizontal) orientation
- The camera should be positioned so that both the handler and dog are visible
- Point-of-view (POV) videos are not permitted
- The entire search area must be visible at the start of the video
- The handler should briefly show all items before beginning the search
- The entire run must be captured without edits or cuts
Run Rules
- All Lost Item rules apply
- Runs may be completed on lead or off lead
- Handlers may reward the dog appropriately after each hide