LEVEL I
1) Scent evidence collection and use
A) The handler is shown a mock crime or search scenario. The handler must correctly identify and collect scent article to start the K-9.
B) The article may be fixed or moveable and must have been handled or touched by the subject.
C) The handler must ensure the article was uncontaminated or take appropriate counter-measures if it was.
D) The handler may use the K-9 in an evidence search mode in order to obtain a scent article.
2) Starting the K-9 on the scent material
A) The K-9 must actively scent from the material by a handler-articulated activity, such as a hand-sweep.
B) The handler must give a search command when the K-9 takes scent.
3) The track/ trail
A) The trail will be on soft surface at least 600 yards with 2 turns and subject hiding and unmoving at the end. The age of the trail will be approximately one hour old.
B) The wind will not be in the K-9’s favor. The subject will be up-wind.
C) Prior to trail commencement, the handler must articulate what the dog does when it finds the correct person.
D) 20 minute time limit for successful trail completion.
Level II
Article collection and use is the same as with level I.
1) The track/ trail
A) The trail will be at least 700 yards and not more than ½ mile of at least 2 different surfaces; dirt, grass, concrete, gravel, black-top, etc. At least 1 change of surface will occur coupled with 3 turns. There will be at least one obstacle that the K9 team will have to negotiate or bypass. The age of the trail will be no more than four hours old.
B) The subject will be up-wind and hiding.
C) The handler must articulate the dog’s ID.
D) One distraction will be placed on the trail, either another animal or human. The dog must ignore the distraction or briefly check it and go back to work.
E) 30 minute time limit.
Level III
Article collection and use is the same as with Level I.
1) The track/ trail
A) The trail will be approximately 850 yards with hard and soft surfaces in a urban type environment. There will be at least three hard turns. The age will be approximately 2 hours old.
B) The subject will be down-wind and hiding.
C) The handler must articulate the dog’s ID.
D) 1 human or animal distraction will be part of the testing environment.
E) 45 minute time limit.
Level IV
Article collection and use is the same as with Level I.
1) The track/ trail
A) The trail will be approximately 1500 yards and hard surface only coupled with 3 turns. There will be at least two obstacles
the K9 team must negotiate or bypass. The age will be approximately 4 hours old.
B) The subject will be down-wind and hiding.
C) The handler must articulate the dog’s ID.
D) 1 moving human or animal distraction should be part of the testing environment.
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