http://www.competitionscentdogtrials.co.uk/

Competition Scent Dog Trials, Swadlincote (2026)

10/08/2026

Marking Criteria Monday: Indication

This week we’re looking at Indication — a key communication between dog and handler.

Before entering the search area, competitors will be asked what their dog’s indication is and how they will let the judge know when their dog has located the hide. This allows the judge to understand your trained final response and assess how clearly your dog communicates source.

So, what is the judge looking for?

✅ A desirable indication – Ideally your dog should clearly show they have found the odour without interfering with the hide or it's surroundings. The indication should be as described.

✅ A clear and consistent Indication – Your dog’s indication should be recognisable, reliable, and consistent. It is the handler’s responsibility to know their dog’s trained indication and recognise it.

Points may be lost if:

❌ The dog interferes with the hide or its surroundings (Pawing, scratching, mouthing, biting, retrieving)

❌ 'Show me again' The handler re tasks the dog back to the hide after the dog has already acknowledged source.

❌ The handler calls it too soon without waiting for their dog to show their trained final response or the handler fails to recognise when their dog is indicating.

❌ The handler marks or rewards their dog before the judge has confirmed the find.

Remember, the goal is a clear communication between dog and handler. The dog’s job is to find the odour and communicate it; the handler’s job is to recognise that communication and confidently inform the judge.

Keep training those final responses — clarity, consistency, and trust are what make a strong search team! 🐶

03/08/2026

Booking link:
https://southcambsdogtrainingclub.as.me/ScentworkWorkshop

03/08/2026

MARKING CRITERIA MONDAY – SYSTEM

A strong search system is one of the foundations of a successful search.

🏅 What are judges looking for?

✅ A logical and well executed search system.
✅ Good planning throughout the search.
✅ Area and route searches require to be broken down into manageable sections.
✅ A clear understanding of what has been searched and what still needs to be covered.
✅ A system that allows the dog to work effectively and gives the best opportunity to locate all hides.

Having a good system brings better area coverage and increases the likelihood of your dog finding more hides. A planned approach helps competitors stay organised, avoid missed areas and confidently know what has—and hasn't—been searched.

Points will be lost where:
❌ The search system is incomplete.
❌ Sections are missed or lack sufficient coverage.
❌ The handler is unable to demonstrate a structured approach.
❌ There is unnecessary repetition of areas already searched.

Remember, a good system is not about rushing through the search. It is about being methodical, efficient and purposeful, allowing your dog the best chance of success.

27/07/2026

Marking Criteria Monday – Control

Control is one of the six marking criteria in Competition Scent Dog Trials... but what are judges actually looking for?

Control isn't about perfect obedience. It's about how well the handler and dog work together as a team throughout the search. The best teams communicate effectively, allowing the dog to search confidently while the handler supports, rather than interferes with, the search.

⭐ Judges will be looking for:
🐾 Positive teamwork between handler and dog.
🐾 Good line handling (or control off line, the choice is yours)
🐾 Good spatial awareness, with the handler moving to support the search and giving the dog space to work.
🐾 Calm, appropriate handling cues that help the search flow smoothly.

❌ Marks may be lost for:
• Blocking or overcrowding your dog, preventing them from working odour effectively.
• Poor line handling and the dog getting tangled.
• The dog frequently disengaging with lack of interest to search.
• The dog ignoring handler cues and teamwork being off balance.

🐾 Training Tip: Video your training sessions. Watch your own movement, line handling and positioning.

20/07/2026

Marking Criteria Monday – Thresholds

During a trial, competitors are marked on Thresholds... but do you know what judges are looking for?

A threshold is the point of entry into a search.

Thresholds apply to buildings, routes, and area searches, where the point of entry should always be searched before committing to the search. Vehicles are the exception and do not present a threshold.

Thresholds are a critical control point and should be treated as "not yet clear" until they have been fully searched.

⭐ How to gain higher marks:

🏠 Building thresholds: Task your dog in to search the outside of the doorway with good overlap coverage, including any fixtures and fittings such as the door frame, handles, letterboxes and other features. Then open the door and search around the inside of the doorway before continuing into the building.

🌿 Routes and search areas: An example with these types of searches would be to work your dog across the width of the entry point, creating a small box before progressing into the search.

TIP:
Trials with continual searches where you move fluently from one element to another—for example Route to Building, Judges will expect to see both thresholds searched. Failing to search the threshold as you transition between elements will result in lost marks.

Taking the time to search thresholds not only improves your score but also helps switch your dog on from the very beginning, encouraging focus and setting the foundations for a more accurate, consistent search.

🐾 Training Tip: Practise threshold searches with good coverage and overlap, place a hide there for your dog to build interest.

❓What do you do to remind yourself to search thresholds ?

13/07/2026

🐾 Marking Criteria Monday – Safety First 🐾

Over the coming weeks we'll be taking a closer look at the Competition Scent Dog Trials marking criteria, explaining what judges are looking for and, more importantly, why each criteria matters.

This week we're starting with the most important one... Safety.

SAFETY - is paramount in all of our trials. Safety is there for the wellbeing of all.
Our Judges will be looking at your awareness to hazards, obstacles, surfaces, edges, environment and surroundings. Your spatial awareness, actions and dogs actions.

SAFETY QUESTION - Prior to entering the search area it is expected that you ask the Judge "Are there are any hazards that I need to be aware of?"

This is to be asked prior to you entering the search area.
A golden opportunity to ask is when the judge greets you outside of the search area to discuss your dogs indication etc.
You will not be reminded of this and failure to do so will lose points.

This isn't just a routine question—it's an essential part of safe and effective searching.

Why?
A good handler takes responsibility for assessing risk before sending their dog to work. Being aware of potential hazards helps you make informed decisions, protect your dog, and ensure you can work the search confidently and safely.

Safety is about much more than avoiding injury. It demonstrates:
🐾 Good handler awareness
🐾 Sound decision-making
🐾 Professional search management
🐾 Putting welfare first

At Competition Scent Dog Trials, safety will always come first. A successful search starts with making sure both handler and dog can work safely.

Over the next few weeks we'll also be exploring the other key areas of our marking criteria:
✔️ Thresholds
✔️ Control
✔️ System
✔️ Working to Source
✔️ Indication
✔️ Finds

We'd love to hear from you—what does safety mean to you when you're working your dog? Share your thoughts in the comments below ⬇

10/07/2026

Did you know there are three ways to enter Not For Competition (NFC) at Competition Scent Dog Trials?

🐾 Enter a level you've already completed
Perfect for those who are rebuilding confidence, returning after injury, enjoying their veteran years or simply love to search.

🐾 Enter the level you're currently competing at
Want more experience before going for that qualification? NFC is a great way to gain confidence, practise in a trial environment and continue developing as a team without the pressure of competing.

🐾 Enter one level above your current competition level
Thinking ahead? Entering the next level NFC gives you the opportunity to experience the increased challenge, see what's expected and identify what to work on before officially progressing.

NFC competitors complete exactly the same searches as everyone else but are not eligible for qualifications or placings. It's all about learning, building confidence and enjoying the experience.

At Competition Scent Dog Trials, we know every dog's journey is different. Whether you're building confidence, maintaining skills, preparing for the next level or supporting an older dog who still loves to search, NFC offers the flexibility to keep enjoying the sport.

Because every dog deserves the chance to do what they love. ❤️🐾

07/07/2026

TOP TRIAL TIPS TUESDAY

06/07/2026

FAQ
One of the questions we are asked most often is, "What's the difference between the levels, and what are Pro Trials and Alert Trials?" Here's a simple starting guide!

Everyone starts at Level 1 and progresses by qualifying at each level.

To move up, you must achieve a pass in both:
✅An Alert Trial
and
✅ Pass all of the four elements associated with Pro Trials

Progression is based on the individual dog and handler team.

LEVEL 1
Perfect for teams beginning their competition journey.
✔️ Known number of hides (Five)
✔️ One target odour at Level 1 (Napier Gun Oil)
✔️ No buried or high hides.
✔️ Great for building confidence and search

02/07/2026

THRESHOLDS

During a trial, competitors are marked on 'Thresholds' but do you know what they are?

As a brief summary, a threshold is the point of entry into a search area — the transition from one environment to another.
It is not limited to a doorway of a building, it also includes entry points to outdoor searches of areas and routes.

Thresholds are a critical control point. They ensure that the point of entry is properly searched and assessed before advancing on. Nothing is assumed about safety, accessibility, or readiness to begin work. Every start point or doorway should be treated as “not yet clear” until it has been fully checked and the search can be committed to with confidence.

Just as importantly, thresholds play a key role in the dog’s preparation. They help ensure the dog is switched on from the very beginning of the search, with focus engaged before fully entering the area.
This then supports the work that follows and supports a more accurate, consistent search.

So the question for handlers is:
How do you do to remind yourself to search thresholds before entering and starting your search?

TRAINING TIP - Remember to search them with good coverage

Competition Scent Dog Trials

10/08/2026

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20/07/2026

13/07/2026

10/07/2026

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06/07/2026

02/07/2026

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