Your first scent detection trial

So you think you might be interested in competing in scent detection, but aren't quite sure where to start?  This is for you!

Get your dog a number

In order to compete, a dog needs to have a number assigned to them by the organization holding the competition.  This allows the organization to keep track of all of the competing dogs and their progress.  In our area, there are two main organizations offering trials, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and the Sporting Detection Dog Association (SDDA).  Currently, the closest trials are held by the Muskoka District Kennel Club (CKC trials) in Gravenhurst, and various groups holding SDDA trials around the Barrie area.  The Red Barn Event Centre in Barrie also regularly holds CKC trials.

The SDDA only holds scent detection events, and all dogs register the same way through their website.  Since trials can fill quite quickly, and registered participants get priority entry, I do recommend also becoming a registered participant yourself.

The CKC does allow unregistered purebred dogs and mixed breed dogs to register to compete in scent detection events.  Unregistered purebred dogs can get a PEN number and mixed breed dogs can get a Canine Companion number.  The requirements are on the forms.  You will also need to become a member of the CKC.

Consider your dog's skills

In SDDA the beginning level is Started.  To complete their started title, your dog will need to find one wintergreen hide in the container search, the interior search and the exterior search and you will need to call their find correctly.  The hide can be up to 3 feet high.

In CKC, they offer a level called Instinct, which is just a container search of 5 containers.  I often see it entered when the dog is ready to enter Novice, as a bit of a warm up.  But you can enter just Instinct if you wish.  CKC's Novice level is similar to Started, your dog needs to to find one wintergreen hide in the container search, the interior search and the exterior search and you will need to call their find correctly. The hide can be up to 2 feet high.

So my recommendation is to be at the point where:
* your dog can confidently search containers and areas in new places.
* your dog can confidently perform an indication/trained final response (preferably a nose freeze) on containers and in an area once they have found the hide in a new place.
* your dog can do this in blind searches, that is when you don't know where the hide is either.

You'll notice I didn't mention working without treats, you are allowed to reward your dog for finding the hide in trials as well, and I recommend you do.

Find an upcoming trial to enter

SDDA trials are listed on their website, and registered participants get an email when new trials are posted.  CKC trials are listed on Canuck Dogs once their dates are approved.  

You will need to read the premium list for the trial you are interested in to find out all the details such as:
* where it is being held
* any special requirements, for example if the dogs need to wear boots when searching
* the opening date and time.

Because some trials fill very quickly, the opening date and time are important, and for SDDA trials especially you will want to be ready to enter as soon as they open, unless they are holding a lottery.  A lottery just means that they will accept entries for a given period of time, then hold a draw to see who gets in if they have more entries than they do available spaces.

You should receive a confirmation email once you are entered, and once the trial closes (is no longer accepting entries) you should receive a judging schedule to let you know what time the trial starts and what order the classes are being held in.

Trial Day

I recommend planning to arrive in advance of the check in time for your level to give yourself some extra travel time and some time to get situated once you arrive.

When you arrive, you'll want to park and go check in.  Usually there is a running order posted, sometimes with a volunteer in charge of checking people off when they arrive.  Then you can potty yourself and your dog and get set up at your vehicle for the time you are there.

You may have seen the words "no indoor crating" on your premium list.  This doesn't mean that your dog needs to be in a crate while you are there, but it means that there won't be space to set up a crate for your dog inside, so you will need to hang out outside with  your dog.  This comes from the fact that many CKC events (conformation, obedience, rally, sometimes agility) have spots for people to set up a crate/xpen and chair for themselves inside.  This is not the case in the vast majority of scent detection competitions because you can't see where the hide is in advance of your turn, and space indoors is often limited and being used for searches.  

I suggest bringing with you:
* food and water for you and your dog
* water bucket/bowl for your dog
* treats, snacks, enrichment activities for you and your dog
* depending on the weather: sunscreen, bug spray, an extra sweater, rain coat, rain boots/waterproof shoes, hat, warm mitts, etc.
* in the summer, some form of shade for your dog.  Ideally a shade cloth that would also allow some air flow, but if you have airflow through your vehicle another way, a light sheet to block the sun on one side/end would work.  You will see many competitors with aluminet covers to both provide shade and reflect the sun. 
* some way to hold that shade onto your car.  Small bungee cords and rare earth magnets are common options.
* in the summer, some people will bring cooling coats to use on their dogs.  If your dog tends to feel the heat, this can be help in keeping them cool.  In the winter, you may wish to bring a sweater/coat for your dog and/or boots.
* your dog's searching gear
* a folding chair for you

Briefing, walk through & searching

Keep an ear open for the briefing for your level.  You will want to attend to get important information about the site, and the flow for the searches.  Your judge will then take you on a walk through, so you can see the different search areas and ask any questions.  It is quite common for containers and interior to run back to back, so that you would do your container search, then your interior search, and then return to your vehicle until it is time to do the exterior search.  However, not all trials are set up that way.

Most trials like to have the next two or three dogs ready and waiting to go in to search to minimize time spent waiting around, so keep an eye out on the movement of dogs and get yours out to potty a few dogs in advance of when they will need to be on deck.

Enjoy your searches and searching with your dog!

Ribbons are often handed out at the end of the level, or may be self serve.

I hope you enjoy this sport as much as I do!