RULES FOR NOSEWORX COMPETITIONS
Noseworx- Competition Rules and Guidelines.
Guidelines for Noseworx Competitions:
Nosework is an uninterrupted performance by a dog and handler team without direction from the official.
The searches that are found on Nosework Tests are randomly chosen and are similar to traditional working detection dog environments.
The team is evaluated on their ability to search for, locate, and alert to, target odours as determined by the individual test taken.
The overall performance should show enthusiasm and the ability of the team to work together. Nosework was created for the purpose of allowing any breed or type of dog to use their natural scenting abilities to work in partnership with their handler and to respond to specific target odours. This activity provides a safe and enriching environment, can be easily performed in a variety of locations, and builds a trusting and lasting relationship between dog and handler.
All dogs, under reasonable control as determined by the official, should be able to participate in Nosework events. The dog is allowed unlimited communication, praise and encouragement from the handler without penalty, and is judged on the overall execution and completion of each exercise.
Competitors are NOT allowed in the working areas of the trial until after they have run their search. If any competitor is found to be in the working area prior to their run, they will be disqualified from the event for that day. Competitors are also prohibited from discussing any detail in relation to or the operation of the trial with any competitor or spectator. This is to protect the integrity of the odour placements.
Competitors are NOT allowed to bring any samples of odour into the testing area, or on site other than in the confines of their own vehicle.
The host organisation may provide a practise area at their own discretion.
Handlers may carry their dog’s re-enforcer or reward with them at any time, food is allowable in the Level 1 tests.
Competitors may only handle one dog in each trial, extra dogs may be entered but a separate handler must be provided for each extra dog.
Judges may compete in Nosework trials they are judging if there are multiple judges officiating at the discretion of the host organisation.
Official may compete in a manner that doesn’t hinder the running of the trial.
Requirements and Elements
1. General Rules.
The purpose of the Nosework Test is to demonstrate the ability of the dog to detect a target odour
under different element search conditions, these can include containers/interiors/exteriors and vehicles as required for each different level.
Dogs need to find all 4 elements without incurring any faults to be eligible for a first placement.
A participation certificate may be issued at the discretion of the hosting organisation,
regardless of the team’s level of success in completing each element.
The distinct element searches can be run in any order providing it is the same order for every competitor.
Bitches in season and known aggressive dogs will not be permitted,
competitors will be required to acknowledge their dog is vaccinated prior to it being brought to the venue.
2. Target Odours and Hides.
Odours will be prepared by placing one drop of the oil being used on a cotton bud or similar and placed into a small container,
the scented container must be placed into the search area 15 minutes prior to the first dog competing.
Hides can be securely taped or fastened to a surface, can be placed inside another container
with holes in it to allow the odour to be released into the air.
Additional hides will be available at a trial in case of replacements being required.
In Levels 1 and 2, odours should not be placed more than 650ml from the ground and there should be no intentional distractions.
3. Alerts.
Handlers are responsible for calling the alert when they think their dog has located the odour.
An audible or visual signal is required that is easily identifiable by the judge.
Formal responses are not required at Level 1 and 2 tests.
4. Faults:
Faults can be, but not limited to:
a). Incorrect Alert Call. An incorrect alert call will incur one fault, the judge will call “wrong, continue” and
the handler is to continue the search until the hide is found, or the course time is reached.
b.) Compromising the search area. A fault may be assigned if the judge determines
that the integrity of the search area has been compromised.
Handlers should take care not to contaminate the area with
rewards or touch or move surfaces in search areas.
c.) Safety Violations. A fault will be incurred for any occasion the dog is put in an unsafe situation.
d.) Fouling. A fault will be incurred for any urination or defection in the search areas.
5. Scoring:
Dogs must successfully complete all the searches to be considered for placements.
Scores are determined firstly by the number of faults, then by the fastest dog’s combined search time over the searches.
Element Requirements:
Odour Recognition Tests.
Container Search: The container search will consist of 12 identical containers set in a straight line,
or in 2 parallel lines of 6 containers.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and concludes when the handler calls alert.
No faults are allowed in ORT’s.
Search time limit: 2 minutes.
Level 1 Tests – 1 Odour- 4 Searches- 4 Finds.
Container Search: Container search will consist of 10-12 boxes or containers set in a geometrical configuration such as a straight line,
or regular rows, in the middle of the designated area.
All containers will be on the floor with one containing the hidden odour.
The containers can be uniform or random sizes but should be 250-300mm and smaller than 600x600mm.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert.
Search time limit: 2 minutes.
Interior Building Search: Search area indoors should be an area between 60sqm and 100sqm,
this area can be within a larger area, but the area used should be marked off.
One odour will be hidden within the area.
The search time will commence when the dog enters the search area, and stops when the handler calls the Alert.
Search time limit: 3 minutes.
Exterior Search: Search area should be between 75 and 200sqm with a maximum of 200sqm.
The area to be searched will be identified and marked if within a larger area.
One odour will be hidden within the area.
The search time will commence when the dog enters the search area, and stops when the handler calls the Alert.
Search Time limit: 4 minutes.
Vehicle Search. The vehicle search will be one vehicle with clear access on all sides.
The vehicle should be not less than 3m from the start line and not further than 10m.
One odour will be hidden on the outside of the vehicle easily accessible to the dog.
The search time will commence when the dog enters the search area, and stops when the handler calls the Alert.
Search time limit: 3 minutes.
Level 2 Tests- 1 Odour- 3 Searches- 6 Finds.
Container Search: Container search will consist of 15-20 boxes or containers set in a geometrical configuration
such as a straight line or regular rows in the middle of the ring or designated area.
All containers will be on the floor with two containing the hidden odours.
The odours should not be within 5m of each other.
The containers can be uniform or random sizes but should be 250-300mm and smaller than 600x600mm.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Search time limit: 3 minutes.
Interior Building Search: Search area indoors should be an area between 75sqm and 150sqm and can be multiple rooms,
this area can also be within a larger area, but should be clearly marked off.
Two odours will be hidden within the area but not within 10m of each other.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area, and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Search time limit: 5 minutes.
Exterior Search: Search area should be between 100 and 300sqm with a maximum of 400sqm.
The area to be searched will be identified and marked off if within a larger area.
Two odours will be hidden within the area but not within 10m of each other. The search area may contain one or more vehicles.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Search Time limit: 6 minutes.
Scoring: The time will start when the dog enters the search area and stop
when the handler calls the alert on the first odour find,
the find will then be removed by the steward, and the time will commence again when the handler starts the
search for the second odour find, and will stop again when the handler calls the alert on the second odour find.
Level 3 Tests- 2 Odours- 3 Searches- 6 Finds.
Container Search: Container search will consist of 15-20 boxes or containers set in a geometrical configuration
such as a straight line or regular rows in the middle of the ring or designated area.
All containers will be on the floor with two containing the hidden odours.
The odours should not be within 10m of each other.
The containers can be uniform or random sizes but should be 250-300mm and smaller than 600x600mm.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Odours can be either or both odours designated for the test.
Search time limit: 3 minutes.
Interior Building Search: Search area indoors should be an area between 75sqm and 150sqm and can be multiple rooms,
this area can also be within a larger area, but should be marked off.
Two odours will be hidden within the area but not within 10m of each other Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Odours can be either or both odours designated for the test.
Search time limit: 5 minutes.
Exterior Search: Search area should be between 100 and 300sqm with a maximum of 400sqm.
The area to be searched will be identified and marked off, if within a larger area.
Two odours will be hidden within the area but not within 10m of each other.
The search area may contain one or more vehicles.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Odours can be either or both odours designated for the test.
Search Time limit: 6 minutes.
Scoring: The time will start when the dog enters the search area and stop when the handler
calls the alert on the first odour find, the find will then be removed by the steward,
and the time will commence again when the handler starts the search for the second odour,
and will stop again when the handler calls the alert on the second odour find.
Level 4 Tests- 3 Odours- 2 Searches- 6 Finds.
Interior Building Search: Search area indoors should be an area between 75sqm and 150sqm and can be multiple rooms,
and ideally in a “real life” situation, this area can also be within a larger area, but should be marked off.
Three odours will be hidden within the area but not within 10m of each other.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Odours can be either or all odours designated for the test.
Search time limit: 5 minutes.
Exterior Search: Search area should be between 100 and 300sqm and ideally in a “real life” situation with a maximum of 400sqm.
The area to be searched will be identified and marked off, if within a larger area.
Two odours will be hidden within the area but not within 10m of each other.
The search area may contain one or more vehicles.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Odours can be either or all odours designated for the test.
Search Time limit: 6 minutes.
Scoring: The time will start when the dog enters the search area and stop when the handler calls the alert on the first odour find,
the find will then be removed by the steward, and the time will commence again when the handler
starts the search for the second odour, and will stop again when the handler calls the alert on the second odour find,
the time will recommence and stop when the alert is called on the 3rd odour find.
Copyright..Noseworx2019.
Noseworx Test Days
Test days are run regularly in several locations and run under Noseworx rules, check the events page for the next scheduled test day.
Essential oils are used for the dogs to find which are concealed in small containers, and must be found within a specific time.
More details can be found under the Test Day Rules and Regulations page.
All tests will be held using the following essential oils of
1. Clove Bud Oil: Syzgium Aromaticum
2. Cedar wood: Cedrus Atlantica
3. Cypress: Cupressus Sempervirens
Odour Recognition Test: (ORT) Oil of either: clove, cedar wood or cypress may be used.
Single odour, one hide per search, 1 search: container (1 find)
(Done at the end of the term or by arrangement if required)
Level 1: Oil of either clove, cedar wood or cypress may be used.
Single odour, one hide per search, 4 searches: containers/indoor/outdoor/car. (4 finds)
Level 2: Oil of either clove, cedar wood or cypress may be used.
Single odour, 2 hides per search, 3 searches: container, indoor, outdoor (may contain vehicle). (6 finds)
Level 3: Oils of either clove, cedar wood or cypress may be used
Two odors, 2 hides per search, can be either or both odours per search area.
3 searches: Container, Indoor and outdoor, (may contain vehicles). (6 finds)
Level 4: Oils of clove, cedar wood or cypress may be used.
3 odours, 3 hides per search, can be either or all.
2 searches- indoors and exterior- real life conditions if available to be used.
Flyers advertising upcoming test days will be distributed to all Noseworx class participants
who will be given first option on any available spaces, outside entries will be taken to fill any extra places.
Copyright..Noseworx2019.
Noseworx- Competition Rules and Guidelines.
Guidelines for Noseworx Competitions:
Nosework is an uninterrupted performance by a dog and handler team without direction from the official.
The searches that are found on Nosework Tests are randomly chosen and are similar to traditional working detection dog environments.
The team is evaluated on their ability to search for, locate, and alert to, target odours as determined by the individual test taken.
The overall performance should show enthusiasm and the ability of the team to work together. Nosework was created for the purpose of allowing any breed or type of dog to use their natural scenting abilities to work in partnership with their handler and to respond to specific target odours. This activity provides a safe and enriching environment, can be easily performed in a variety of locations, and builds a trusting and lasting relationship between dog and handler.
All dogs, under reasonable control as determined by the official, should be able to participate in Nosework events. The dog is allowed unlimited communication, praise and encouragement from the handler without penalty, and is judged on the overall execution and completion of each exercise.
Competitors are NOT allowed in the working areas of the trial until after they have run their search. If any competitor is found to be in the working area prior to their run, they will be disqualified from the event for that day. Competitors are also prohibited from discussing any detail in relation to or the operation of the trial with any competitor or spectator. This is to protect the integrity of the odour placements.
Competitors are NOT allowed to bring any samples of odour into the testing area, or on site other than in the confines of their own vehicle.
The host organisation may provide a practise area at their own discretion.
Handlers may carry their dog’s re-enforcer or reward with them at any time, food is allowable in the Level 1 tests.
Competitors may only handle one dog in each trial, extra dogs may be entered but a separate handler must be provided for each extra dog.
Judges may compete in Nosework trials they are judging if there are multiple judges officiating at the discretion of the host organisation.
Official may compete in a manner that doesn’t hinder the running of the trial.
Requirements and Elements
1. General Rules.
The purpose of the Nosework Test is to demonstrate the ability of the dog to detect a target odour
under different element search conditions, these can include containers/interiors/exteriors and vehicles as required for each different level.
Dogs need to find all 4 elements without incurring any faults to be eligible for a first placement.
A participation certificate may be issued at the discretion of the hosting organisation,
regardless of the team’s level of success in completing each element.
The distinct element searches can be run in any order providing it is the same order for every competitor.
Bitches in season and known aggressive dogs will not be permitted,
competitors will be required to acknowledge their dog is vaccinated prior to it being brought to the venue.
2. Target Odours and Hides.
Odours will be prepared by placing one drop of the oil being used on a cotton bud or similar and placed into a small container,
the scented container must be placed into the search area 15 minutes prior to the first dog competing.
Hides can be securely taped or fastened to a surface, can be placed inside another container
with holes in it to allow the odour to be released into the air.
Additional hides will be available at a trial in case of replacements being required.
In Levels 1 and 2, odours should not be placed more than 650ml from the ground and there should be no intentional distractions.
3. Alerts.
Handlers are responsible for calling the alert when they think their dog has located the odour.
An audible or visual signal is required that is easily identifiable by the judge.
Formal responses are not required at Level 1 and 2 tests.
4. Faults:
Faults can be, but not limited to:
a). Incorrect Alert Call. An incorrect alert call will incur one fault, the judge will call “wrong, continue” and
the handler is to continue the search until the hide is found, or the course time is reached.
b.) Compromising the search area. A fault may be assigned if the judge determines
that the integrity of the search area has been compromised.
Handlers should take care not to contaminate the area with
rewards or touch or move surfaces in search areas.
c.) Safety Violations. A fault will be incurred for any occasion the dog is put in an unsafe situation.
d.) Fouling. A fault will be incurred for any urination or defection in the search areas.
5. Scoring:
Dogs must successfully complete all the searches to be considered for placements.
Scores are determined firstly by the number of faults, then by the fastest dog’s combined search time over the searches.
Element Requirements:
Odour Recognition Tests.
Container Search: The container search will consist of 12 identical containers set in a straight line,
or in 2 parallel lines of 6 containers.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and concludes when the handler calls alert.
No faults are allowed in ORT’s.
Search time limit: 2 minutes.
Level 1 Tests – 1 Odour- 4 Searches- 4 Finds.
Container Search: Container search will consist of 10-12 boxes or containers set in a geometrical configuration such as a straight line,
or regular rows, in the middle of the designated area.
All containers will be on the floor with one containing the hidden odour.
The containers can be uniform or random sizes but should be 250-300mm and smaller than 600x600mm.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert.
Search time limit: 2 minutes.
Interior Building Search: Search area indoors should be an area between 60sqm and 100sqm,
this area can be within a larger area, but the area used should be marked off.
One odour will be hidden within the area.
The search time will commence when the dog enters the search area, and stops when the handler calls the Alert.
Search time limit: 3 minutes.
Exterior Search: Search area should be between 75 and 200sqm with a maximum of 200sqm.
The area to be searched will be identified and marked if within a larger area.
One odour will be hidden within the area.
The search time will commence when the dog enters the search area, and stops when the handler calls the Alert.
Search Time limit: 4 minutes.
Vehicle Search. The vehicle search will be one vehicle with clear access on all sides.
The vehicle should be not less than 3m from the start line and not further than 10m.
One odour will be hidden on the outside of the vehicle easily accessible to the dog.
The search time will commence when the dog enters the search area, and stops when the handler calls the Alert.
Search time limit: 3 minutes.
Level 2 Tests- 1 Odour- 3 Searches- 6 Finds.
Container Search: Container search will consist of 15-20 boxes or containers set in a geometrical configuration
such as a straight line or regular rows in the middle of the ring or designated area.
All containers will be on the floor with two containing the hidden odours.
The odours should not be within 5m of each other.
The containers can be uniform or random sizes but should be 250-300mm and smaller than 600x600mm.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Search time limit: 3 minutes.
Interior Building Search: Search area indoors should be an area between 75sqm and 150sqm and can be multiple rooms,
this area can also be within a larger area, but should be clearly marked off.
Two odours will be hidden within the area but not within 10m of each other.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area, and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Search time limit: 5 minutes.
Exterior Search: Search area should be between 100 and 300sqm with a maximum of 400sqm.
The area to be searched will be identified and marked off if within a larger area.
Two odours will be hidden within the area but not within 10m of each other. The search area may contain one or more vehicles.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Search Time limit: 6 minutes.
Scoring: The time will start when the dog enters the search area and stop
when the handler calls the alert on the first odour find,
the find will then be removed by the steward, and the time will commence again when the handler starts the
search for the second odour find, and will stop again when the handler calls the alert on the second odour find.
Level 3 Tests- 2 Odours- 3 Searches- 6 Finds.
Container Search: Container search will consist of 15-20 boxes or containers set in a geometrical configuration
such as a straight line or regular rows in the middle of the ring or designated area.
All containers will be on the floor with two containing the hidden odours.
The odours should not be within 10m of each other.
The containers can be uniform or random sizes but should be 250-300mm and smaller than 600x600mm.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Odours can be either or both odours designated for the test.
Search time limit: 3 minutes.
Interior Building Search: Search area indoors should be an area between 75sqm and 150sqm and can be multiple rooms,
this area can also be within a larger area, but should be marked off.
Two odours will be hidden within the area but not within 10m of each other Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Odours can be either or both odours designated for the test.
Search time limit: 5 minutes.
Exterior Search: Search area should be between 100 and 300sqm with a maximum of 400sqm.
The area to be searched will be identified and marked off, if within a larger area.
Two odours will be hidden within the area but not within 10m of each other.
The search area may contain one or more vehicles.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Odours can be either or both odours designated for the test.
Search Time limit: 6 minutes.
Scoring: The time will start when the dog enters the search area and stop when the handler
calls the alert on the first odour find, the find will then be removed by the steward,
and the time will commence again when the handler starts the search for the second odour,
and will stop again when the handler calls the alert on the second odour find.
Level 4 Tests- 3 Odours- 2 Searches- 6 Finds.
Interior Building Search: Search area indoors should be an area between 75sqm and 150sqm and can be multiple rooms,
and ideally in a “real life” situation, this area can also be within a larger area, but should be marked off.
Three odours will be hidden within the area but not within 10m of each other.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Odours can be either or all odours designated for the test.
Search time limit: 5 minutes.
Exterior Search: Search area should be between 100 and 300sqm and ideally in a “real life” situation with a maximum of 400sqm.
The area to be searched will be identified and marked off, if within a larger area.
Two odours will be hidden within the area but not within 10m of each other.
The search area may contain one or more vehicles.
Search time commences when the dog enters the search area and stops when the handler calls the Alert on the second odour.
Odours can be either or all odours designated for the test.
Search Time limit: 6 minutes.
Scoring: The time will start when the dog enters the search area and stop when the handler calls the alert on the first odour find,
the find will then be removed by the steward, and the time will commence again when the handler
starts the search for the second odour, and will stop again when the handler calls the alert on the second odour find,
the time will recommence and stop when the alert is called on the 3rd odour find.
Copyright..Noseworx2019.
Noseworx Test Days
Test days are run regularly in several locations and run under Noseworx rules, check the events page for the next scheduled test day.
Essential oils are used for the dogs to find which are concealed in small containers, and must be found within a specific time.
More details can be found under the Test Day Rules and Regulations page.
All tests will be held using the following essential oils of
1. Clove Bud Oil: Syzgium Aromaticum
2. Cedar wood: Cedrus Atlantica
3. Cypress: Cupressus Sempervirens
Odour Recognition Test: (ORT) Oil of either: clove, cedar wood or cypress may be used.
Single odour, one hide per search, 1 search: container (1 find)
(Done at the end of the term or by arrangement if required)
Level 1: Oil of either clove, cedar wood or cypress may be used.
Single odour, one hide per search, 4 searches: containers/indoor/outdoor/car. (4 finds)
Level 2: Oil of either clove, cedar wood or cypress may be used.
Single odour, 2 hides per search, 3 searches: container, indoor, outdoor (may contain vehicle). (6 finds)
Level 3: Oils of either clove, cedar wood or cypress may be used
Two odors, 2 hides per search, can be either or both odours per search area.
3 searches: Container, Indoor and outdoor, (may contain vehicles). (6 finds)
Level 4: Oils of clove, cedar wood or cypress may be used.
3 odours, 3 hides per search, can be either or all.
2 searches- indoors and exterior- real life conditions if available to be used.
Flyers advertising upcoming test days will be distributed to all Noseworx class participants
who will be given first option on any available spaces, outside entries will be taken to fill any extra places.
Copyright..Noseworx2019.
