Phase A: Scent Detection
AS1 - AS3
American Schutzhund has replaced footstep to footstep tracking with an Article Search at the AS1 level and Scent Detection evaluations at the AS2 and the AS3 levels.
At the AS2 & AS3 levels, dog/handler team’s will be evaluated with respect to their proficiency in detecting the odor of Hodgdon Pyrodex RS. This testing reflects the ability of the dog team to find black powder and is a mode of evaluating the trainability of the team in a detection capacity as part of the three phase test of American Schutzhund.
Hodgdon Pyrodex RS is a very common substitute for black power and is available in most hunting/sporting good outlets. It can be ordered online and shipped. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines regarding use and storage. It’s recommended to replace this odor every 12 months.
Article Search
AS1
The area to be searched will be in the shape of a box approximately 30 yards by 30 yards with an imaginary center line that transverses from one end to the other. The imaginary center line will divide the box into a left and right side.
At this time, two standard IGP tracking articles are used for the search. At club level trials, the handlers own tracking articles will be used. However, at national level championships, the handler will be given a new set of tracking articles. At both the club and national levels, the handler can choose the two articles to be used for the search.
Trial Footage
AS1 - Article Search
https://youtu.be/-Ko8SthWPBk
Scent Detection
AS2
This level is considered an odor recognition test. This test will require the dog/handler team to search thirty concrete blocks set up in straight rows of either three rows of (10) or five rows of (6). The test will include two Hodgdon Pyrodex RS (black powder) hides and three distractors.
Trial Footage
AS2 - Scent Detection
https://youtu.be/6vchWBBnKzs
Scent Detection
AS3
2026 AS3 SCENT DETECTION UPDATE:
Effective immediately, revised judging criteria will be implemented to provide greater clarity and consistency in the evaluation of scent detection.
Updated procedures will become mandatory beginning with the 2026 AS Nationals. (See below)
Judging Criteria Effective Immediately:
All AS3 scent detection competitors are allowed a maximum of FOUR alert calls and must locate ALL THREE OF THE SAME TARGET ODORS/HIDES within the allotted time.
After each alert, the judge will now respond “yes” or “no.” This will also apply to the AS2 level.
If the judge says “yes,” the competitor will continue searching for the remaining target odors and must call “clear” once the third and final odor has been located.
If the judge says “no,” the alert will be recorded as a false indication and the search will continue.
Each false indication results in a 25 point deduction, and every additional false indication carries the same penalty. Upon a second false indication, the judge will stop the team and the search will not continue.
False indication deductions are applied to the competitor’s total accumulated score, not to any individual scoring category.
The phase ends when one of the listed results occur:
-All three odors have been correctly identified and CLEAR is called
-Time expires
-Four alert calls have been exhausted
Failure to locate all three odors (due to time expiration, use of four alerts, or being stopped after a second false indication) results in a “no pass.” Points earned up to that point will still be awarded toward the final score.
An incorrect clear call/no clear call will result in a 10 point deduction. This also applies to the AS2 level.
TESTING CRITERIA CHANGES TO BE IMPLEMENTED AT THE 2026 AS NATIONALS:
The luggage search will consist of 15 luggage bags.
All luggage bags are to be filled with articles of clothing. Blankets may also be used.
There will be no more distractor odors placed in the luggage bags. The clothing will now be considered the distractors.
At the discretion of the judge, the luggage can be laid out in the following examples:
Two rows
One long row
One large circle
X formation
Half circle
Judge’s may choose another pattern, however the distance between bags will remain 3’ apart to the nearest edges and any boundary.
TESTING CRITERIA TO BE IMPLEMENTED IMMEDIATELY:
The magnetic metal containers for the vehicle search will no longer be used. This is due to the limited amount of hiding areas caused by plastic on most vehicles. The odor balls will be placed directly on the vehicle.
TESTING CRITERIA THAT CLUBS HAVE THE OPTION TO IMPLEMENT IMMEDIATELY:
In the interest of fairness for all competitors, until the 2026 AS Nationals, clubs can choose to conduct trials under the former rules OR the rules set above.
We remain hopeful that these new rules regarding scent detection will provide dog/ handler teams with better clarity and transparency to successfully navigate this phase at upcoming trials.