3. NACSW Skills Challenge: Multiple Hides, Containers
Details for multiple hides and containers, plus info on NACSW Skills Challenge submissions.
This is the third in a three-part Sniffing Bits segment on the NACSW Skills Challenge. The first is an introduction, and the second is on independent hunting and suspended hides.
Multiple Hides
Details at NACSW: Multiple Hides
Description: This challenge requires the dogs to find multiple hides (number 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 or 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.
Number of hides: Designated by level
Preferred off-leash
Time Limit: 2 minute(s)
Submission
1) Photo, diagram, or video of the hide locations.
2) Link to video including audio of the search. Please refer to the Submission Guidelines
located here for general submission details and requirements
Judging
The dogs should show competency at locating multiple hides in a search area without handler assistance. The dog should be able to locate all the hides with minimal return to already found hides. The video should show the dog clearly demonstrating behavior changes or communication behavior to indicate that they have located the hides. The handler may move in support of the dog’s behavior/movement but should not lead the dog to new or productive areas. Please refer to the current version of the rule book for full Skills Challenge rules regarding rewarding your dog, directing your dog to search for another hide, and dog returning to hides.
Level 1 (10 points)
3 hides
Level 1 Video examples:
Level 2 (20 points)
4 hides
Level 2 Video examples:
Level 3 (30 points)
5 hides
Level 3 Video examples
Carbon
Daisy
Containers
Details at NACSW: Containers
Description: 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
Number of hides: Designated by level
Preferred off-leash
Time Limit: 2 minute(s)
Submission
1) Photo, diagram, or video of the setup including hide location(s) and distractor type(s) and
location if applicable.
2) Link to video including audio of the search. Please refer to the Submission Guidelines
3) Located here for general submission details and requirements
Judging
The video should show the dog clearly demonstrating behavior changes or communication behavior to indicate that they have located the hide(s). The dog should not demonstrate communication behavior on non-odor containers. The handler may move in support of the dog’s behavior/movement but should not lead the dog to new or productive areas.
Level 1 (10 points)
There should be one hide located in box 5 in the left row.
Level 1 Video examples:
Level 2 (20 points)
There should be two hides.
1) The left row (from the start line) should have a hide in the 2nd container.
2) The right row (from the start line) should have a hide in the 6th container.
There will be two distractors.
Distractor No. 1
A dog toy
Placed in the 5th container on the left.
Distractor No. 2
Select one of the following: a small piece of bread, tortilla chip, or potato chip.
Placed in the 3rd container on the right
Level 2 Video examples:
Coal
Emerson
Level 3 (30 points)
There will be three hides.
1) The left row (from the start line) should have a hide in the 2nd container
2) The left row (from the start line) should have a hide in the 6th container
3) The right row (from the start line) should have a hide in the 4th container
There will be three distractors.
Distractor No. 1
Select one of the following: cheese, popcorn, or peanut butter
Placed in the 4th container on the left.
Distractor No. 2
A dog toy
Placed in the 1st container on the right.
Distractor No. 3
A small piece of fruit
Placed in the 6th container on the right.
Level 3 Video examples
NACSW Skills Challenge Submissions
All videos/photos should be uploaded to either Google Drive or Dropbox
There is an informational video on how to upload to Google drive available here.
There is an informational video on how to upload to Dropbox available here.
All videos/photos should be labeled using the following format: “Skill X - handler last name-dog call name”. For example: Skill 1 - Smith-Fido
All videos/photos must be public or viewable by anyone with the link. You can have a friend test this before sending if you are unsure. Unlisted or private videos will not be judged.
All videos must include audio.
Copy/paste the link for each video in the proper space on the submission form.
Include the photo/video of hide setup as per the specific skill requirements in the proper space on the submission form.
If additional information is required, please list in the proper space on the submission form.
We have created a worksheet for you to prepare/verify/test your entry links prior to completing your submission - this is available here
The Skill and the Video
Videos should be taken in landscape view/horizontally.
Using a tripod is recommended to ensure a clear video. You may also prop the camera up or have another person film you. We need to see the handler’s movement when they are in proximity to the dog which cannot be accomplished if the handler is holding or wearing the camera.
Please make sure to read all the requirements for judging, handling and submission for each skill.
Watch your video after recording and make sure that things seem clear. We can only judge what we can see from your video!
We do NOT need the handler fully in view for the entire search. We do need to be able to see the handler if they are in proximity to the dog as they solve the problem.
The dog may also leave the view.
If you are not sure if your video meets the criteria or if your dog can more clearly demonstrate their competency at a skill you are welcome to set another search and take another try before submitting. Please review the guidelines about redoing searches in the current Rule book.
Your submission fee includes the option to address incorrect submissions or a miss on a single search. You will have one opportunity to address any issues with your submission such as the links not being public, the required information is not included, or the search doesn’t earn a pass. If you do not meet the criteria after that, you would need to submit a new entry including fees for the challenge.
Challenge Name: 2022 Skills Achievement Challenge No. 1
Start Date: 01/11/2022
To access the entry form and submit your entry for the 2022 Skills Achievement Challenge No. 1 you must be logged in to your NACSW Member account. If you are not a member you may Register Here.