Content:
- General Guidelines
- Terminology
- Competition Area and Work Zones
- Prohibitions
- General Starting Rules
- Testing
- Categories and Classes of Competitions
- Distribution by Classes and Categories
- Exclusion from a Category
- Disqualification
- Points
- Titles
- Awards
- Results Presentation
Aplication of rules.
The rules come into effect on August 18, 2025, and automatically replace all previous regulations related to this area of training.
The Estonian Nosework League is a sports organization whose goal is to popularize the dog sport known as Nosework (scent work). The Estonian Nosework League organizes competitions, training sessions, seminars, masterclasses, and scent games, bringing together dog handlers, dogs, and clubs.
Nosework, or scent work, is a type of sport in which, through teamwork between the dog and the handler, the dog can detect and distinguish pre-trained scents in various environments as described in the guidelines.
To assess the dogs’ skills and evaluate their level of preparation, tests and scent work competitions are held in accordance with these rules.
All events are open to the public. Information about the location and time of each event must be publicly available.
1. GENERAL PROVISION.
1.1 Test and Competition Season.
1.1.1 Tests and competitions regulated by these rules may be held year-round, provided that weather conditions allow and do not pose a threat to the health and safety of people and dogs. The decision to hold a test or competition is made by the judge evaluating the event.
1.1.2 The minimum number of participants for a test is 1 sport pair.
To hold a qualification competition, a minimum of 3 sport pairs in the class is required.
All qualification competitions for sport pairs from Estonia are ranking competitions.
1.1.3 Competitions may be held in one or several classes.
1.1.4 Only natural scent sources are used in competitions: cinnamon sticks, dried orange peel, and dried clove buds.
1.1.5 A minimum of 2 assistants is required to conduct a competition (a judge’s assistant on the field, document handling, waiting area control, and calling participants to the start).
Assistants located in the class zone may not be changed during the runs in that category.
1.1.6 Only members of the Estonian Nosework League (individuals and legal entities) have the right to organize and conduct qualification competitions.
1.1.7 Competitions are governed by the rules set out in the Estonian Nosework League regulations for tests and competitions.
1.1.8 Odor tests and training competitions may be conducted by instructors of the Estonian Nosework League.
1.2 Organizer of the Test or Competition.
The organizer coordinates with the board of the Estonian Nosework League and the judge regarding the date, location, classes, categories, and number of participants in the competition. The organizer is responsible for preparing and overseeing all necessary stages of the event, ensuring compliance with the rules, and must be available to the judge throughout the entire event.
1.2.1 Organizer’s responsibilities:
- The organizer must provide discounts to members of the Estonian Nosework League when registering for a competition.
- Preparation of documentation related to the test or competition and obtaining permits.
- Provision of facilities, vehicles, open areas, and objects that meet the requirements of the rules for all competition classes.
- Arrangements with the owners of the competition venue.
- Recruitment of volunteers for the competition.
- Timely registration of the test or competition date and submission of information.
- Provision of necessary equipment for the test or competition in accordance with the rules.
- Availability of score sheets and protocols for all evaluated categories.
- Preparation of competition books, verification of valid pedigree, veterinary certificate, and microchip.
- Preparation of the schedule of classes and categories in cooperation with the judge, determination of working zones and waiting zones at the event venue.
- The organizer must provide discounts to members of the Estonian Nosework League when registering for a competition.
1.3 Judge.
- Judges are invited by the event organizer in agreement with the board of the Estonian Nosework League.
- Tests and competitions are evaluated by certified judges of the Estonian Nosework League or foreign judges.
- When inviting a foreign judge, the organizer must provide a translator.
- The organizer decides on the number of judges to be invited.
- A judge evaluating a test or competition may not participate in it as a handler.
- The judge must not, through their behavior, influence or interfere with the dog’s work. The judge is responsible for proper and correct compliance with the applicable rules.
- The organizer must inform the judge no later than 3 days before the test or competition about the location, time, classes, and number of participants. The judge must be sent arrival instructions for the event location.
- In case of failure to provide the necessary information in a timely manner, the judge has the right to refuse to officiate.
1.3.1 Judge’s rights:
- To stop the test or competition if what is happening contradicts the judge’s instructions or the official rules.
- To disqualify a handler for unsportsmanlike behavior, violation of the test and competition rules, or the animal welfare law. In case of disqualification, all points earned up to that moment are annulled.
- In case of disputes related to the organization of the event, the final decision rests with the judge.
- The judge has the right to remove an injured or otherwise unfit dog from the test or competition, even against the handler’s will.
1.4 Protest.
1.4.1 The judge’s decision is final and not subject to appeal. Criticism of the judge may lead to removal from the test or competition area and, ultimately, to disciplinary action.
1.4.2 In justified cases concerning violations of the rules by the judge (but not factual decisions), a complaint/protest may be filed. The protest must be in writing and submitted to the organization responsible for the event. The protest is submitted through the board of the organization and must be signed by the person submitting the protest, a board member of the organization, and at least one witness.
The protest must be submitted within 8 days of the event. Acceptance of the protest does not mean the judge’s decision will automatically be reviewed.
1.5 Test or Competition Participants.
1.5.1 Participants of the test or competition must register for the event within the designated time frame. By submitting a registration application, the participant commits to paying the registration fee. If a registered participant is unable to attend the event for any reason, they must immediately notify the head organizer of the test or competition.
If participation is not possible, the registration can be “sold” to another interested person, but no refund will be issued for a paid registration.
1.5.2 To participate in competitions, each sport pair must pass a scent test for cinnamon and/or orange, clove.
1.5.3 The handler is responsible for the dog and its actions in all areas. Before starting on the competition field, the handler must ensure the safety of the area for themselves and their dog.
1.5.4 The participant of the test or competition must comply with all current veterinary and animal welfare requirements in the respective region.
1.5.5 The participant must follow the instructions of the judge and the main organizer. The test or competition ends with the announcement of results, awards ceremony, and return of the competition book.
1.5.6 In the event of a visible injury to the dog or provision of a veterinary certificate, the competition book will be marked with “withdrawn due to injury/illness.”
1.5.7 Any Nosework class can be repeated an unlimited number of times. Classes must be completed in the order 0-1-2-3. A sport pair may participate in a higher class category only if they have achieved two clean results in the previous class in that category. Returning to a lower class is not allowed.
1.5.8 A sport pair may participate in a higher class in individual categories.
1.5.9 If the dog or handler is changed, this constitutes a new sport pair, requiring all stages to be repeated, including testing.
1.5.10 On a single competition day, a dog may start a maximum of 5 times; repeated starts in the same category or repetition of the same scent test are not allowed.
1.5.11 The handler is financially responsible for damage to vehicles, premises, and objects on the competition grounds.
1.5.12 All members of the Estonian Nosework League are entitled to discounts when registering for qualification competitions.
1.6 Dog Identification Check.
If necessary, dog identification may be checked at competitions. Identification can be carried out using a chip reader (microchip). The required equipment must be available at the competition.
1.7 Vaccination.
A valid vaccination certificate must be presented to the head organizer upon request.
1.8 Competition Book.
Each sport pair participating in a test or competition must have a competition book. The results of the test or competition must be entered into the dog’s competition book, and the judge must verify and sign the result.
The following information must be recorded in the competition book:
Dog handler’s name (if different from the dog owner’s details).
Competition book number or date of issue.
Dog’s name and breed, dog’s identification (microchip).
2. TERMINOLOGY.
2.1. Qualification competitions — all official competitions on the territory of Estonia that are held in accordance with the rules for organizing tests and competitions of the Estonian NoseWork League. For pairs from Estonia, all qualification competitions are ranking events, and the points earned go to the final ranking table.
2.2 Competition class — the level of difficulty of the competition (0, I, II, III, veteran class).
2.3 Competition category — a specific object (objects) or area where searches are conducted in different classes. Categories: indoor, open area, items, and vehicle(s).
2.4 Sport pair — a team consisting of a handler and a dog.
2.5 Odor test — a check of the sport pair for the dog’s ability to recognize the trained odor and the handler’s ability to recognize the dog’s reaction upon detecting the trained odor.
2.6 Odor sample — the source of the odor in its natural form (cinnamon stick, dried orange peel, clove buds).
2.7 Odor sample airing time — the time elapsed from placing the odor sample on the search area to the start of the first run in that competition category and class.
2.8 Competition area — all areas where tests and competitions are held, as well as waiting areas where participants wait for their runs or stay after passing the competition area, award areas, etc.
2.9 Waiting area — a designated area where participants wait for their entry into the search area. It is used to prevent information transfer about the location of the odor on the search area.
2.10 Search area/ring — a specific search area within one competition category.
2.11 False indication — an incorrect notification by the handler about the location of the odor sample.
2.12 Clean search — a search without false indications (error-free detection of all odor samples on the search area).
2.13 Accessible odor sample — an odor sample hidden in such a way that the dog can get as close as possible to its source and indicate it precisely. Typically, the distance between the dog’s nose and the sample is no more than 10 cm. Such samples are placed near openings or structural elements through which the odor can freely escape — e.g., cracks, recesses, holes, and similar locations.
2.14 Inaccessible odor sample — an odor sample hidden in such a way that the dog has no physical possibility of reaching it. Samples placed at height or with blocked access, such as those hidden in multiple objects (e.g., a “matryoshka”), are also considered inaccessible.
2.15 Disqualification from competition — means that all points earned in that competition are void, the sport pair no longer participates in the rankings (including already completed categories), and must leave the competition area.
2.16 Elimination from category — means that all points in a specific category are void, and the sport pair is excluded from the rankings in that category. Points in other categories remain valid.
2.17 Competition season — the current calendar year.
2.18 Foreign odor — any substance whose smell differs from the target odor used in the search, except for food and toy odors.
2.19 Exterior part of the vehicle — the part of the vehicle searched without opening doors, hood, trunk, or other parts; the search is conducted from the outside without opening.
2.20 Destructive behavior — dog behavior causing mechanical damage in the search area.
2.21 Training ring — a specifically designated area at Nosework competitions intended for short-term preparation of the dog before the start.
3. COMPETITION AREA AND RINGS.
3.1 The order of participants is determined by a draw conducted online no later than 24 hours before the start of the competition.
Information about the draw results is published on the competition website or in a publicly accessible online document.
3.2 One or more odor samples identical to those used in the main part of the competition are placed in the training ring. All hides must be clearly marked with an “X” so that the handler knows their exact location. The judge prepares the training ring and checks its compliance with the requirements.
3.3 The training ring is used by only one team (handler and dog) at a time. The dog must remain on a leash the entire time while in the ring. Work in the area must be calm and focused, without excessive excitement.
3.4 Visiting the training ring is voluntary and only available before the start in the participant’s own class. Time in the ring is limited (usually 1–2 minutes) to avoid delays. Participants must remain quiet and respectful, not disturbing the concentration of other participants.
3.5 Working rings must be clearly marked (using cones or other easily recognizable markers, such as trees/walls, and additionally marked with signal tape). Waiting areas, where participants wait for their turn to enter the working ring or for the announcement of results, must also be marked.
3.6 The working ring must have a clearly marked start line, crossing which starts the time count.
3.7 All participants have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the waiting areas, working rings, start lines, and necessary information before the start of the competition in accordance with the rules established by the judge.
3.8 Entry into the working ring is allowed only with the permission of the judge and/or organizer. Movement within the ring must be carried out according to their instructions.
3.9 Participants and dogs are prohibited from entering the working ring without the judge’s permission.
3.10 In the immediate vicinity of the rings (the exact zone is determined by the judge), other participants and spectators are not allowed.
3.11 The size of the working ring depends on the category and class.
3.12 Participants are not allowed to touch objects in the working ring without the judge’s permission.
4. PROHIBITIONS.
4.1 In the competition area, it is prohibited to use choke collars, prong collars/chains, anti-pull leashes, spike collars, electronic collars, and other similar accessories on dogs.
4.2 It is prohibited for people to be in the competition area in a state of alcohol intoxication or otherwise disturbing public order.
4.3 It is prohibited to be in the competition area with aggressive dogs that may pose a threat to other participants.
4.4 It is prohibited to use phones, laptops, or other devices in the competition area that allow the transmission of information about the competition outside the area. It is also prohibited to inform other participants about the work of the ring and the progress of the competition in any other way.
4.5 It is strictly prohibited to possess or use target odor samples in any form within the competition area.
4.6 Premises and transport intended for organizing the competition may not be used as search objects within 14 calendar days before the event date.
4.7 The use of squeaky and other sound-producing toys is prohibited throughout the event area.
5. GENERAL START RULES.
5.1 A participant may compete in one, several, or all competition categories.
5.2 In each category, a participant can advance to a higher class and receive the title “Category Champion.”
5.3 In the working ring, the participant starts the competition from the designated start line with the judge’s permission.
5.4 The time count begins when the dog or handler crosses the start line.
5.5 The participant has the right to restart the search at any time, but this does not stop or reset the time.
5.6 The time stops when the last odor sample is found, or when the participant has completed the search (in case of an unknown number of samples) and clearly informs the judge.
5.7 After the participant informs the judge of a find, the judge confirms (says “yes,” “correct”) or denies (says “no,” “incorrect”) the location of the reported sample.
5.8 The participant reports the found odor sample by raising their hand or saying the word ALARM.
5.9 In classes “2” and “3,” the number of odor samples is unknown. The participant’s statement “search finished” is shown by crossing arms, which stops the search time if the participant believes they have checked the entire area and found all samples.
5.10 The judge has the right to ask the participant to clarify the location of the sample if it is unclear. The participant must immediately indicate the location of the sample and is not allowed to signal the dog to mark it again. During this period, the time count does not stop.
5.11 The participant is prohibited from rewarding the dog before the judge confirms the correctness of the sample location marking.
6. TESTING.
6.1 To participate in competitions, the participant must first pass a scent recognition test for the corresponding class:
- To participate in Class 0, a cinnamon scent test must be passed.
Minimum sample size: 1 cinnamon stick at least 5 cm long. - To participate in Class 1, an orange scent test must be passed.
Minimum sample size: 1 piece of dried orange peel at least 2×3 cm in size. - To participate in Classes 2 and 3, a clove scent test must be passed.
Minimum sample size: 3 buds.
Metal cans with a diameter of 80 to 105 mm and a height of 20 to 90 mm with 2 small holes in the top part are used for testing.
The area of the test ring must be at least 10 m².
The cans are placed in 1 or 2 rows with an interval of at least 50 cm.
If the cans are placed in 2 rows, the distance between the rows must be at least 1 meter.
Maximum search time — 2 minutes.
One helper/assistant may be present in the ring during the test.
6.2 During testing, the participant must locate the metal can with holes that contains the scent sample.
The dog must check 10 metal cans, one of which contains the natural source of the scent, while the remaining 9 cans are empty.
6.3 The judge may change the location of the sample can for each participant.
6.4 Testing must not be conducted with multiple scent samples in the same ring simultaneously.
6.5 Dogs must be at least 6 months old on the day of the event to participate in testing.
6.6 A dog may complete a maximum of 3 different scent tests per day.
6.7 Minors under the age of 12 may participate in testing and competitions with the permission and presence of a legal guardian.
6.8 People with physical disabilities may participate in testing and competitions. If the participant’s condition affects their handling style or may cause accessibility issues, the organizer and judge must be informed in advance.
6.9 Dogs with physical disabilities may participate in testing, except for those whose participation causes noticeable discomfort or pain. The decision to exclude such a dog is made by the judge.
6.10 Nursing bitches and bitches in the last trimester of pregnancy are not allowed to participate in tests.
6.11 At the start, the dog may be on or off leash (handling tactics may be changed in the working ring as long as the dog remains under the handler’s control).
6.12 The dog may wear clothing, including cooling blankets and shoes, as well as a muzzle on the event grounds. Wearing a muzzle in the working ring is prohibited.
7. CLASS AND CATEGORY DISTRIBUTION.
7.1. The competition is held in 4 categories, each of which includes 5 classes (difficulty levels).
- Minimum scent sample size: 0.5 cm.
- Maximum scent sample size is not limited.
- The height of object placement in all classes and categories is measured from the floor/ground level.
7.2 Minimum participation requirements:
| Class | Dog’s age | Required scent test | Clean runs required to advance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 6 months | Cinnamon | — |
| 1 | 8 months | Cinnamon, dried orange peel | 2 clean runs in Class 0 (all categories) |
| 2 | 12 months | Cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds | 2 clean runs in Class 0 + 2 in Class 1 |
| 3 | 12 months | Cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds | 2 clean runs in Class 0 + 2 in Class 2 |
| Veterans | 8 years | Cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds | 2 clean runs in Class 0 + move to Class 1 |
- A participant may start an unlimited number of times in each class and category, but once moved to a higher class, returning to a previous class is not allowed.
- Simultaneous participation in a main class (1, 2, 3) and the “Veterans” class is allowed, subject to the daily limit of runs per dog.
- Participants in the “Veterans” class may return to the main class (1–3), but not to Class 0.
- A dog may participate in any category, but:
- Performing with different handlers at the same competition is not allowed.
- A handler may not participate with different dogs in the same class and category.
- The scent sample remains unchanged for all participants.
7.3 Participation in special cases:
- People with disabilities must inform the organizers and judge in advance if their condition affects the performance of tasks or access to areas.
- Dogs with limitations are allowed, except in cases where participation causes discomfort or pain (decision made by the judge).
- Nursing bitches and bitches in the last trimester of pregnancy are not allowed to participate.
7.4 Starting rules:
- The dog may be on or off leash (handling tactics may be changed in the ring if the dog remains under the handler’s control).
- Special clothing (cooling blankets, shoes) is allowed, as well as a muzzle on the event grounds (but not in the working ring).
8. COMPETITION CATEGORIES AND CLASSES.
The competition is divided by difficulty level (classes) and search type (categories):
Classes: 0, 1, 2, 3, Veterans
Categories: “Containers”, “Interior”, “Exterior”, “Vehicle”
CLASS 0
Category: Containers
- Odor: cinnamon (1 sample)
- Number of items: 15
- Search time: 2 minutes
- Handler knows the number of samples
- Hiding height: on the floor/ground
- Item type: metal tins, plastic and other containers, or cardboard boxes (uniform or mixed types)
- Search area: allows free movement
- No distracting odors
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Interior
- Odor: cinnamon (1 sample)
- Number of rooms: 1
- Search time: 2 minutes
- Hiding height: up to 50 cm
- Sample is accessible to the dog
- No distracting odors
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Exterior
- Odor: cinnamon (1 sample)
- Search time: 2 minutes
- Hiding height: up to 50 cm
- Sample is accessible to the dog
- No distracting odors
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Transport
- Odor: cinnamon (1 sample)
- Number of vehicles: 1
- Sample is placed outside the vehicle only
- Search time: 2 minutes
- Hiding height: up to 50 cm
- Sample is accessible to the dog
- The search area must allow free movement around the vehicle
- No distracting odors
- 1 false alert allowed
CLASS 1
At least one search area in Class 1 must contain a distracting odor.
Category: Containers
- Odors: cinnamon and dried orange peel (2 odors)
- Number of items: 20
- Number of hides: 2–3 (one or both odors may be used)
- Search time: 4 minutes
- Handler knows the number of hidden samples
- Hiding height: up to 50 cm
- Types of items:
- Metal tins, plastic containers, cardboard boxes (may be filled with water or other fillers)
- Household items (suitcases, backpacks, boots, etc.)
- Items may be uniform or varied
- Search area: large enough for free movement (exact size depends on object dimensions)
- Sample must be accessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- Food and toys are prohibited as distracting odors
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Interior
- Odors: cinnamon and dried orange peel
- Number of rooms: 1–2
- Number of hides: 2–3 (one or both odors may be used)
- Search time: 4 minutes
- Handler knows the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: up to 100 cm
- Sample must be accessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- Food and toys are prohibited as distracting odors
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Exterior
- Odors: cinnamon and dried orange peel
- Number of hides: 2–3 (one or both odors may be used)
- Search time: 4 minutes
- Handler knows the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: up to 100 cm
- Sample must be accessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- Food and toys are prohibited as distracting odors
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Transport
- Odors: cinnamon and dried orange peel
- Number of vehicles: 1–2
- Number of hides: 2–3 (one or both odors may be used)
- Search time: 4 minutes
- Handler knows the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: 100 cm
- Hides are placed only on the outside of the vehicles
- The search area must allow free movement around the vehicles
- Sample must be accessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- Food and toys are prohibited as distracting odors
- 1 false alert allowed
CLASS 2
At least one search area in Class 2 must contain a distracting odor.
Category: Containers
- Odors: cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds (3 odors)
- Number of items: 20
- Number of hides: 1–5 (one or more odors may be used)
- Search time: 6 minutes
- Handler does NOT know the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: up to 100 cm
- Types of items:
- Metal tins, plastic containers, cardboard boxes (may be filled with water or other substances)
- Household items (suitcases, backpacks, boots, etc.)
- Items may be uniform or varied
- Search area: sufficient for free movement
- Sample may be inaccessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Interior
- Odors: cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds
- Number of rooms: 2–4
- Number of hides: 1–5 (one or more odors may be used)
- Search time: 6 minutes
- Handler does NOT know the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: up to 200 cm
- Sample may be inaccessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Exterior
- Odors: cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds
- Number of hides: 1–5 (one or more odors may be used)
- Search time: 6 minutes
- Handler does NOT know the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: up to 200 cm
- Sample may be inaccessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Transport
- Odors: cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds
- Number of vehicles: 1–4
- Number of hides: 1–5 (one or more odors may be used)
- Search time: 6 minutes
- Handler does NOT know the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: 200 cm
- Hides are placed only on the outside of the vehicles
- Sample may be inaccessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- 1 false alert allowed
CLASS 3
At least one search area in Class 3 must contain a distracting odor. In addition, one of the categories may contain no target odor / an empty ring.
Category: Containers
- Odors: cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds (3 odors)
- Number of items: 25
- Number of hides: 0–5 (from zero to three odors may be used)
- Search time: 8 minutes
- Handler does NOT know the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: up to 200 cm
- Types of items:
- Metal tins, plastic containers, cardboard boxes (may be filled with water or other substances)
- Household items (suitcases, backpacks, boots, etc.)
- Items may be of the same or different types
- Search area: sufficient for free movement (exact size depends on item dimensions)
- Sample may be accessible or inaccessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Interior
- Odors: cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds
- Number of rooms: 1–5
- Number of hides: 0–5 (from zero to three odors may be used)
- Search time: 8 minutes
- Handler does NOT know the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: up to 300 cm
- Sample may be accessible or inaccessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Exterior
- Odors: cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds
- Number of hides: 0–5 (from zero to three odors may be used)
- Search time: 8 minutes
- Handler does NOT know the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: up to 300 cm
- Sample may be accessible or inaccessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Transport
- Odors: cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds
- Number of vehicles: 1–5
- Number of hides: 0–5 (from zero to three odors may be used)
- Search time: 8 minutes
- Handler does NOT know the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: 300 cm
- Distracting odors may be present
- Samples may be placed both on the exterior and inside of the vehicles
- The search area must allow free movement around the vehicles
- Sample may be accessible or inaccessible to the dog
- 1 false alert allowed
VETERANS CLASS
At least one search area in the Veterans Class must contain a distracting odor.
Category: Containers
- Odors: cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds
- Number of items: 20
- Number of hides: 1–2 (the same or different odors may be used)
- Search time: 4 minutes
- Handler KNOWS the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: up to 50 cm
- Types of items:
- Metal tins, plastic containers, cardboard boxes (may be filled with water or foam)
- Household items (suitcases, backpacks, boots, etc.)
- Search area: sufficient for free movement
- The sample must be accessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Interior
- Odors: cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds
- Number of rooms: 2
- Number of hides: 2 (the same or different odors may be used)
- Search time: 4 minutes
- Handler KNOWS the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: up to 100 cm
- The sample must be accessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Exterior
- Odors: cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds
- Number of hides: 1–2 (the same or different odors may be used)
- Search time: 4 minutes
- Handler KNOWS the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: up to 100 cm
- The sample must be accessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- 1 false alert allowed
Category: Transport
- Odors: cinnamon, dried orange peel, clove buds
- Number of vehicles: 1–2
- Number of hides: 2 (the same or different odors may be used)
- Search time: 4 minutes
- Handler KNOWS the number of hidden samples
- Maximum hiding height: up to 100 cm
- Samples are placed only on the exterior of the vehicles
- The search area must allow free movement around the vehicles
- The sample must be accessible to the dog
- Distracting odors may be present
- 1 false alert allowed
9. REMOVAL FROM A COMPETITION CATEGORY / DISQUALIFICATION.
The sport team (handler and dog) is removed from a competition category in the following cases:
9.1 Unauthorized entry of the dog and/or handler into the search area (ring)
9.2 The dog relieving itself in the ring after crossing the start line
9.3 Unauthorized exit of the dog from the working ring (not related to the search process), and the dog does not return to the working ring within 30 seconds after being called by the handler
9.4 Destruction and/or damage to the odor sample, the item concealing it, or other items in the ring
9.5 The dog grabbing the odor sample or the item concealing it and ignoring the handler’s command to release it
9.6 Two false alerts
9.7 Forcing the dog to the location of the odor sample if the dog has shown no interest in it
9.8 Rewarding the dog after the handler calls the alert but before the judge’s confirmation
9.9 Exceeding the time limit
9.10 Dropping the same treat twice onto the floor or item in the ring
9.11 Scattering of treats or other edible material in the ring
9.12 Late arrival to the waiting area
9.13 Repeating a command to the dog to re-alert on the odor sample after the handler has called the alert and before the judge’s confirmation
9.14 The handler may voluntarily declare withdrawal from the category during the run. In this case, the sport team receives no points for the given category and is not included in the ranking.
10. DISQUALIFICATION.
Any violation of the prohibitions listed below may result in disqualification from the competition, as well as temporary or permanent ban from participating in events:
10.1 Cruel treatment of the dog on the entire event premises
10.2 Unethical behavior of the handler towards other participants and spectators of the event
10.3 Use of a choke collar/chain collar, slip collar/semi-slip collar, prong collar, or electronic collar in the competition area
10.4 Aggressive behavior of the dog towards people and other animals
10.5 Obstruction of the competition, including loud or excessive disputes about the competition during its course
10.6 Use of any technical devices in a way that creates an unfair competitive advantage during the competition
10.7 Carrying and/or using an odor sample in the competition area
11. POINTS.
Each team (handler and dog) can receive a certain number of points per category, including penalty points.
11.1 Points table:
| Class 0 | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Veteran Class | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finding a scent sample (per sample) | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Overall impression | 0–20 | 0–20 | 0–20 | 0–20 | 0–20 |
| Clean search | 50 | 100 | 200 [1] | 300 [1] | 100 |
| No false alert | 50 | 50 |
11.2 In Classes “2” and “3”, the number of hidden scent samples is unknown. If the handler has searched the entire working ring and decides that all hidden samples have been found, they announce “search completed,” and the search time is stopped. Once this statement is made, the search ends, and if not all scent samples were found, the team receives points only for the found samples but loses the opportunity to find the remaining ones.
11.3 The team does not receive points for “clean search” in the following cases:
- Not all samples are found, but the handler announces search completion
- All samples are found, but the handler does not stop the time and exceeds the time limit (removal from the category)
- All samples are found, but the handler does not stop the time, continues searching, and the dog makes a false indication
11.4 Penalty points table:
| Class 0 | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Veteran Class | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destructive behavior | -1…-10 | -1…-10 | -5…-10 | -5…-10 | -1…-10 |
| Taking into mouth | -5 | -10 | -20 | -30 | -10 |
| First drop of treat | -20 | -20 | -20 | -20 | -20 |
- Overall impression — evaluates the interaction between the handler and the dog, including the dog’s behavior, interest in the search, handler’s control, etc.
- Clean search — absence of false indications
- Destructive behavior — behavior that may damage the scent sample or other items in the ring (scratching, biting, etc.)
11.5 Additional points for placement in the category:
| Place | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 50 |
| 2nd | 40 |
| 3rd | 30 |
| 4th | 20 |
| 5th | 10 |
12. TITLES.
12.1 Rules for awarding titles at competitions:
- The rules for placement to award the titles “Category Winner,” “Nosework Meister,” and “Season Winner” are the same.
- Placement is determined by summing all points (including penalty and additional points).
- The team with the highest total score is awarded 1st place.
- In case of a tie in points, the team that used less time for the search receives 1st place.
- If both points and search time are equal, both teams receive the same place.
12.2 “Category Winner”
The title “Category Winner” is awarded to the team that takes 1st place in that category.
12.3 “Nosework Meister”
The title “Nosework Meister” is awarded to the team that takes 1st place in the competition with the highest total score across all categories. In case of equal points, total search time is considered.
12.4 “Season Winner”
The title “Season Winner” is awarded at the end of the competition season to the top three pairs in the ranking table, without division into classes and categories.
Only the results of Estonian pairs are entered into the ranking table.
12.5 Rules for awarding the titles “Category Champion” and “Estonian Nosework League Champion”
Any team that receives two clean runs in a Class 3 category is awarded the title “Champion” of that category (e.g., “Transport Category Champion”).
A team that receives the “Category Champion” title in all four categories is awarded the title “Estonian Nosework League Champion.”
13. AWARDING.
13.1 The organizer may choose one of the following awarding options at their discretion:
- 1st–5th places in each category
- 1st–3rd places in each category
- Only 1st place in each category
13.2 The “Meister NoseWork” award and 1st place in each category are mandatory.
14. PRESENTATION OF RESULTS.
- Upon successful completion of a test, the result is recorded in the competition book.
- When a team participates in a competition of any class, the results of the category are recorded in the competition book, the table of the respective category, and the summary table.
- A qualification is awarded only if all scent samples in the category are found, there are no false indications, and the search is correctly completed by the handler within the time limit.