Nosework — General Procedures

DH Readiness

• DH stays out of sight of search area with search-ready D until called.
• D may wear search vest or similar + collar.
• If D uses Bringsel alert: bringsel is placed on D before the search begins.

Reporting In

• DH reports with D on leash in GS.
• DH announces selected type of alert to TJ at this point.

Victims (VP)

• VPs are TJ assistants; must stay quiet in hide.
• No assistance to DH or D at any time — this includes not helping at the alert.
• No objects (blankets, backpacks) left in unused hiding places.

Tactical Situation

• TJ describes search area (visibly marked or clearly bounded).
• TJ provides: what happened, search area, area structures, question to answer.
• Search time begins after the tactical situation is announced by TJ.

AC/VC During Search

• Repeated and any AC/VC to direct D are permitted.
• Excessive commands to search are faulty.

Alert

• DH announces executed alert to TJ.
• DH may approach D only at TJ instruction.

DH Evaluation Criteria

• Handling the D (leading, pressure, holding back, reading the D)
• Teamwork
• Rational deployment of D
• Tactic: situation assessment, implementation, overview; includes:
  • Questioning witnesses (position, statements)
  • Wind direction, topography, area composition
  • Systematic search coverage

Dog Evaluation Criteria

• Directability: cooperation with DH, goal-oriented implementation while maintaining search motivation
• Search intensity: drive, behaviour, temperament, motivation
• Mobility: type and manner, dealing with difficulties, endurance
• Independence: individual work drive
• Overall picture

Alert Types

Barking (F, FL, T, L, MT)

• D orients definitively to VP or scent cone.
• Barks independently, continuously, and directly until DH appears (at TJ instruction).
• Leaving alert place once then independently returning → maximum Satisfactory.
• Leaving again after return → Insufficient.
• Not returning independently → 0 points.
• Any assistance by DH/VP/TL → 0 points for the alert.

Bringsel (F, FL, T)

• Special collar with bringsel affixed.
• Norwegian bringsel: must be verified that D can carry it freely and drop it.
• Collar must have release mechanism (drops after ~15 sec or when contact is broken).
• Execution: D picks up bringsel → brings it directly to DH without releasing → returns directly to VP.
• Not holding bringsel calmly: not faulty. Strong chewing: devalue.

Free Indication (F, FL, T, MT)

• D runs back and forth between DH and VP via quickest direct route.
• Leads DH to VP or alert place.
• D must not be put on leash at any time.
• Behaviour continues until DH reaches VP or alert place.
• Any assistance → 0 points.

Alert Exercise (separate from nosework search)

Tests: FL A/B, T A/B, L A/B — alert exercise is done before the search.
F V only — alert exercise is done after the track is completed (DH reports back on leash, then goes to alert exercise).

• Alert place is outside the search area.
• For FL/F: VP sitting or lying at 20 m, visible.
• For T/L: VP in pipe with lid, crate, or snow hide; work begins 10 m from hide.
• D does not indicate VP or immediately leaves → 0 points.
• Detours, not going directly, hesitant/non-continuous barking → devalue.