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Trial Levels

Our Canine Trailing trials are structured in progressive levels designed to support steady skill development for both dog and handler.

 

Each level has clearly defined criteria, including track length, track age, surface type, number of turns, and suggested time. To move up to the next level, teams must successfully pass the required number of qualifying tracks at their current level. This ensures that progression is based on consistency and reliability, not just a single successful run.

 

As teams advance, tracks become longer, older, and more technically challenging. Surface complexity and environmental variables increase to reflect real-world trailing demands.

 

Below you’ll find a detailed breakdown of each trial level and its specific requirements.

Image by Victor G

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

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

Image by Pauline Loroy
Image by Atanas Teodosiev

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

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

Image by Jamie Street
Image by Alexandra Lau

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

Beagle Puppy Portrait

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

Image by Anastassia Anufrieva
Image by Alfonso Betancourt

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.

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