Classes and Levels

To make classes run smoother, please use these descriptions to decide what class you might fit into.  It keeps all the classes running smoother if people are at the same basic level.

Beginner Airscent

Working runaways or very small problems.  Have begun to implement a refind or alert but need significant work to continue to build it.  Handler needs help reading the dog and building the dogs confidence.

Intermediate Airscent

Dog is consistently finding on problems up to 30 minutes.  Dog may need some debug work (crittering, refind/alert help.  Handler may need help (navigation, making decisions about reading the dog).  Instructor can throw some different things at the dog (multiple victims/strange victims/strange problems) and team will learn from the experience without it being too much for the dog.

Advanced Airscent

Team consistently finds in most situations.  May need some assistance with reading the dog or recommendations  for a debug or two.  Team wants to be challenged in problem type or style and do some different things.  Handler should have good navigation skills and be confident in the dogs abilities.

Beginner Trailing

Working very fresh tracks with a lot of help for the handler.  Have associated a reward system or are working on it.  Willing to try some different things as long as they are kept  on a beginner level.  Will work lots of motivation

Intermediate Trailing

Dog is progressing well in normal training but needs some assistance in certain situations, or handler needs help consistently reading the dog.  New situations can be added without throwing the dog backwards in training, and the instructors can help the handler read the dog through a new experience.  Dog is comfortable with different terrain/vegetation/urban but may need assistance/experience or debugging.

Advanced Trailing

Dog is comfortable on a variety of surfaces and ages of track.  May need a big of debugging for handler and dog on specific items.  Team is comfortable working a variety of problems and situations. 

Beginner HRD

Dog is very new to cadaver and is building an alert sequence.  Dog will be imprinted regularly and an alert sequence taught.  Dog needs lots of repetitions and guidance.

Intermediate HRD

Dog has fairly reliable alert sequence and has begun searching for source.  Dog and handler are comfortable working different situations but need assistance to reinforce alert sequence,  debug handler cueing or other specific issues.  Team can handle some new situations but will need guidance to remain consistent.  May work some blind problems but expect assistance from the instructor if needed.

Advanced HRD

Dog and handler are comfortable working a variety of blind problems.  May have an issue or two that need assistance from the instructor but are willing to work a lot of styles of problems and sources.

Water  HRD

Dog must be at an intermediate HRD level on land(minimum) during normal training.  If your dog has not been introduced to cadaver, please do not sign up for this class – sign up for the beginning land HRD class.  Dog and handler should be comfortable in a boat, have a basic alert built on land.  Great class for getting lots of water repetitions in for more advanced dogs.