Rules for Trailing Trials

BMT Sleuth Dogs

Rule Book 1.0 - Effective February 13, 2026

 

Bloodhound Man-Trackers (BMT) Sleuth Dogs focuses on engaging K9 handlers and their dogs in trailing events aimed at skill improvement and certification. The organization emphasizes fun as a key component of the trials, ensuring that both handlers and their K9 partners enjoy the experience while enhancing their abilities in tracking. BMT Sleuth Dogs promotes camaraderie among participants and fosters a supportive environment for learning and growth in tracking skills.

 

The skills taught in BMT Sleuth Dogs and related training are intended solely for use in sanctioned trials and recreational activities with your K9 partner. They are not designed to prepare teams for real-world missing-person incidents. If you encounter a missing-person case outside of an organized trial, do not attempt to conduct a private search with your dog; such efforts can contaminate the scent and hinder professional investigations. Instead, immediately notify law enforcement and request that they may contact Bloodhound Man-Trackers.

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Table of Contents

 

1. K9 Eligibility

2. Handler Eligibility

3. Trial Levels

4. Qualifying Runs

5. Equipment

6. Results

7. Spectators

8. Liability

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K9 Eligibility 

 

• Dogs participating in BMT Sleuth Dogs trials must be at least 6 months of age. 

• To qualify for the Recruit Level, a dog must be evaluated by an authorized trainer for readiness to trial.

• No open wounds, stitches or contagious diseases

• Bitches in Season may participate, but must run at the end of the trial. Participants should contact the event host as soon as possible prior to the event if they anticipate that their dog may be in season at the event. 

• Dogs must be registered for BMT Sleuth Dogs. The registration fee is $25 and is only required once during the lifetime of the dog. Registrations will be entered on the BMT Sleuth Dogs website.

 

Handler Eligibility

 

Handlers must register to be a member of BMT Sleuth Dogs. This will be an annual registration of $25. The registration form is available electronically on the BMT Sleuth Dogs website.

 

The minimum age for handlers participating in BMT Sleuth Dog events is 14. All handlers who are 14-18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The adult may not be a participant in the trial.

 

This sport exposes teams to real-life search scenarios across varied terrains and environments. All teams face similar conditions, including entrances, exits, and start lines. Trials often require long walks between parking areas and search zones as well as tracks/trails, frequently over natural, uneven terrain. Handlers and dogs should therefore be prepared for the physical demands and be able to navigate rough ground. 

 

Trial Levels

 

All tracks will be run blind with a Field Trial Officer (FTO) shadowing and/or assisting each team. FTOs are well versed in tracking/trailing and are available for assistance if needed. Advice from an FTO will disqualify a participant from passing their track, but should be seen as a learning tool. The target will usually be a volunteer who is familiar  with tracking techniques. Allowed times are suggested for each trial level, but will not be monitored. If a team exceeds the time, they will not be penalized.

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1. Recruit:  must pass two times to complete the level

• K9s must be recommended by an authorized trainer prior to their first track

• ¼  mile track

• Track set the morning of the trial

• Surface: grass or soil

• Number of turns: 1

• One person to track

• Time suggested: 15 minutes

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2. Rookie:  must pass two times to complete the level

• Must have passed the Recruit Level two times before the first track

• ½ to ¾ mile track

• Track 2 to 4 hours old

• Surface: grass or soil, may pass over concrete or asphalt

• Number of turns: variable

• One person to track

• Time suggested: 25 minutes

 

3. Officer:  must pass one time to complete the level

• Must have passed the Rookie Level two times before the track

• ½ to 1 mile track

• Track 6 to 8 hours old

• Surface: multi-surface

• Number of turns: variable 

• One person to track

• Time suggested: 30 minutes

 

4. Sergeant:  must pass one time to complete the level

• Must have passed the Officer Level before the track

• 1 to 1 ½ mile track

• Track 10-12 hours old

• Surface: multi-surface

• Number of turns: variable

• One person to track

• Time suggested: 40 minutes

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5. Investigator:  must pass one time to complete the level

• Must have passed the Sergeant Level before the track

• 1 to 1 ½ mile track

• Track 24 hours old

• Surface: multi-surface

• Number of turns: variable

• Two people to track

• Time suggested: 45 minutes

 

6. Chief:  must pass one time to complete the level

• Must have passed the Investigator Level before the track

• 1 to 2 mile track

• Track 36 hours old

• Surface: multi-surface 

• Number of turns: variable 

• One to two people to track

• Time suggested: 60 minutes

 

7. Senior: A senior level track will be offered at each level for anyone who cannot walk the distance of the track or whose dog cannot complete the track length. The track will be shorter, but more complicated. Teams completing the senior level (the number of times based on the level) will receive a Senior Certificate for that level.

 

Qualifying Runs

 

Teams will qualify on a track by completing the trail and finding the target without help from the FTO. A handler can ask for help from the FTO, but will not pass that track. If a handler team gets too far off of the actual trail, the FTO will intervene to get them back on course, but the team will not pass that track. If a team receives help, they should complete the track even though they will not pass. Positive reinforcement for the K9 as they find their target is essential to the training process.

 

K9s will not be penalized for eliminating on the course.

 

A certificate of title will be given to each team as they pass each level.

 

Equipment

 

The following equipment may be used during a trial run.

 

• Flat collar or a martingale collar without tags

• Harness

• Leash (15 foot leash is recommended)

• Treats

• Water for K9 and handler

• Booties

• Coats

• Cooling coats or sheets

• GPS and tracking devices are allowed during searches. The data may not be shared with anyone until all participants have run their track.

 

The following equipment is NOT allowed during a trial run.

 

• Retractable leash

• Prong or pinch collars

• Electronic collar of any kind used for discipline

 

 

Results

 

During the trial, official results sheets will be maintained by the FTO. We recommend you verify your results on the unofficial results sheet before you leave the target area and let your host know if you have any questions regarding your results. Handlers may not discuss their results beyond designating a pass or miss until the entire trial has been completed.

 

When you have passed a trial level the required number of times, you will receive a certificate in the mail and you will be eligible to participate in the next trial level.

 

Spectators

 

A participant is allowed to have one spectator accompany them on their track. Spectators and participants are reminded that tracks must not be discussed while in progress. There will be no coaching by the spectator. Neither spectators nor participants should speak with other handlers about what they observed on the track until after the event is complete. It will expedite the trial process if the spectator will carry any additional items that the search team may need and if the spectator will carry poop bags and pick up after the search team, if necessary.

 

An adult accompanying a minor must be present during the entire track. 

Everyone at the site must sign the waiver provided on the website and comply with all event requirements. 

 

Liability

 

By registering for the event, the handler hereby assumes all risks of, and responsibility for, accidents and/or damage to her/himself or to her/his property or to others or the property of others, resulting from the actions of her/his dog. The handler expressly agree that Bloodhound Man-Trackers and its assignees or any other person, or persons, of said groups, shall not be held liable personally, or collectively, under any circumstances, for injury, and/or damage to her/himself, for loss, injury, or damage to property, whether due to uncontrolled dogs or negligence of any member of said groups, or any other cause, or causes. The handler also agrees to assume all financial liability that may be incurred by the Bloodhound Man-Trackers of the trial host due to the actions of themselves or their dogs regardless of the cause.

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