26/10/2026
A little heads up about a modification to NNA rules coming into force as of November 1st
NNA RULE UPDATE – Toileting in Search Areas
Effective from 1 November 2026
We know that, despite a handler’s best efforts, a dog may occasionally urinate or defecate during a search. This has not been a widespread problem over the past five years, but we feel it is important to deal with incidents consistently while protecting the venues that make NNA trials possible.
From 1 November 2026, the deduction for each toileting incident in a search area will increase from 2 points to 5 points. We are also introducing clearer guidance on when a search must stop.
Under the updated rule:
• Each incident of urination or defecation in a search area will incur a 5-point deduction.
• Searching will pause while the incident is dealt with. The search clock will continue to run, and the Judge will confirm when the team may resume.
• A third incident in the same search will end that search. Finds and points earned in that search will not be retained. The 15 point fault deduction will stand.
The three-incident limit is a point at which a search must end. It is not an allowance for dogs to toilet during a search. As always, we ask handlers to give their dogs appropriate opportunities to toilet before searching and to manage them as thoughtfully as they can during the trial.
Some venues or search areas need greater protection, particularly where toileting could damage furnishings or surfaces. A Trials Official may therefore designate a Protected Search Area in the trial information. In a Protected Search Area, one toileting incident will end the search. The team will retain the points earned up to that point, subject to the 5-point deduction, and area coverage will reflect where the search stopped.
We have made this change because toileting can affect the search area for teams that follow and can put valued trial venues at risk. The revised rule gives Judges and Trials Officials a clear, proportionate way to respond across the wide range of places where NNA trials are held.
Thank you for helping us look after our venues and keep NNA trials welcoming and fair for everyone.
