Independent Hunting – working at a distance from the handler:

The handler will stand in a designated location at a specific minimum distance (by level) from the hide location. The dog will start the search from the handler’s designated location.  Handler will remain in the designated location until the dog locates the hide.   Handler may exit the designated location to reward.  If using isolated objects (such as chairs or boxes) in an empty area, there should be at least 6 objects.

Please refer to the current version of the rule book for full Skills Challenge Rules

# of hides: 1

Preferred off-leash

Using a string, a single hide will be suspended in the air at a designated height (by level).  The hide may be suspended from a string hanging down from a single point, or a string tied between two objects with the hide located in the middle of the string.  If the hide is below the height of the dog’s head, it is recommended that you suspend from a single point to minimize the potential of the dog becoming entangled with the string. The vessel (flex tube or tin) containing the swabs should be no larger than .25oz slide tin (approx 2 in. x 1 in. x 3/8 in).

Please refer to the current version of the rule book for full Skills Challenge Rules

# of hides: 1

Preferred off-leash

This challenge requires the dogs to find multiple hides (# of hides designated by level) within the designated time limit. If using isolated objects (such as chairs) in an empty area, there should be at least 15 objects. Boxes/Containers are not to be used for this challenge. There are no other requirements regarding the distance between hides or location of hides.

Please refer to the current version of the rule book for full Skills Challenge Rules

# of hides: Designated by level

Preferred off-leash

This challenge requires the dogs to demonstrate competency at container searches. Each level will require the dog to demonstrate skills similar to the skills required at NW1/NW2/NW3 container searches.

• There will be 12 containers in 2 rows of 6. 
• Containers should be cardboard or plastic, square or rectangular containers, of any size. (Folding flaps on 4 flap cardboard boxes is OK). You may use a variety of types of containers.
• The containers must be closed. 
• Venting of the containers using small holes in the lids is at your discretion.  
• Spacing between containers is also at your discretion.
• Distractors may be in a container (like a tupperware) within the designated container, however the tupperware lid should be vented with holes.

Please refer to the current version of the rule book for full Skills Challenge Rules

# of hides: Designated by level

Preferred off-leash

Details:  Using one passenger vehicle (car or truck), place the required number of hides based on the level.  All hide placements must be in the specific location based on the level.  All wheel hides must be placed either behind a spoke on the hubcap or on the front of the brake rotor.

 # of hides: Designated by level

Time limit: 2 minutes 

Preferred off-leash but may be run on leash with no assistance from the handler.

Details:  Set a blank search area (Interior or Exterior).  If using an empty area (such as a training building or empty exterior)  there must be at least 15 objects in the search area.  Boxes/Containers/Luggage (paint cans, plastic containers, cardboard boxes of any kind) should not be used in the number of objects.  We recommend you select the size of your search area to be appropriate given the time limits - larger may be better in many cases.  If you have a smaller space, it is acceptable for the dog to cover the area multiple times to reach the time limit.  

The handler may move with the dog in order to facilitate actively covering the entire search area the required minimum of one time. 

 # of hides: 0

Time limit: Designated by Level - Time Limited Listed in Judging section is for Level 1 only

Preferred off-leash

Details:  Set two hides the required distance apart at the height levels designated for each level.  Hides should not be in any type of container (paint cans, plastic containers, cardboard boxes of any kind). 

 # of hides: 2

Time limit: 2 minutes 

Preferred off-leash

Details:  An inaccessible hide in this challenge is defined as a hide that the dog cannot physically access. Depth of the hide for all levels should be a minimum of 18 inches in all directions and recommended no more than 3 feet. The height of the hide is recommended to be below 3 feet. This inaccessible challenge excludes contained type hides like hides inside drawers, cupboards or file cabinets. The dog must clearly demonstrate that he understands the location of the hide.

# of hides: 1

Time limit: 2 minutes 

Preferred off-leash