Get a trial-like experience with progressively challenging levels and searches. Earn titles and ribbons and have the option to receive helpful training feedback.
*Updated 1/23/24. Ver. 2.1
What is Traditional Cyber Scent Work?
Cyber Scent Work originally launched as an online organization to bring Scent Work trialing opportunities to as many dog and handler teams as possible.
The program has now expanded to include in-person assessments.
Designed to be similar to what teams will experience in formal trialing situations, we offer six progressively challenging levels meant to provide opportunities for teams to both test and demonstrate their searching skills. Teams will tackle the four common search elements: Interior, Exterior, Container and Vehicles.
How Can I Try Traditional Cyber Scent Work?
There are two ways to participate in Traditional Cyber Scent Work.
In-person
Looking for someone to design and officiate the searches for you? Work with an approved Cyber Scent Work Evaluator who will do just that! You can concentrate on tackling the search with your dog as the Evaluator scores your search. Afterwards, they will provide you with a paper scorecard letting you know if you passed or not. To earn titles and ribbons, simply upload a photo of this scorecard along with the required recording fee - easy!
Online
Interested in working on your own or do not have an approved Evaluator in your area? Submitting an online entry is the perfect fit. Have a friend or family member be your Assistant who will design the search, set the hides, film and officiate for you.
Upload your video along with the required entry fee and we will review your search. Better still, you can request personalized training feedback from our experienced Online Review Officials (see their bios here).
Learn more about these offerings here.
How Are Entries Scored?
Each search requires a certain point total depending on the level of difficulty. Points are awarded based on several criteria as outlined below.
There are three required test items. If you fail to complete any of these items, your entry will not qualify.
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Dog finds all the hides. (25 points)
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Handler rewards the dog for each hide found. (25 points)
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Handler calls "Alert" and “Finish”. (10 points)
Searches are evaluated based upon the criteria below:
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Dog knows what they’re searching for.
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Dog is focused on the search.
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Dog is working independently.
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Dog is interested in searching.
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Handler grants the dog space to work.
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Handler grants the dog time to work.
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Handler practices good off or on-leash handling techniques.
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Handler covered the search area.
For each item, you may earn one of three grades:
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Exceeds (5 points)
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Pass (3 points)
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Needs Work (0 points)
Faults, disqualifications and bonus points are also possible. See the Rules for more details.
Titles and Ribbons
Who doesn't love bling! Well, you can earn beautiful Element and Level title ribbons with the Traditional Cyber Scent Work program.
You will earn an Element title with three qualifying searches in that Element (for a given Level and Track). You will receive a title certificate via email and an Element title ribbon will be mail to you.
You may earn a Level title by earning titles in all four Elements at that Level (for a given Track). You will receive a title certificate via email and a Level title ribbon will be mailed to you.
See our beautiful ribbons here.
Hide Options
The Traditional program is designed to be flexible to accomodate dogs at various levels of training. While formal competitions typically use target odors (e.g., Birch), you may also choose to search for Paired Odor or Food.
Any titles earned will specify the type of hide used.
See the Rules for more information.
Resources
See below for helpful tips and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Level should I start with?
You may start at any Level and are not required to start at the Beginner Level. Levels are designed to be progressive. You can move around between Levels, move up and down as it works best fo you and your dog.
What Element should I start with?
It is entirely up to you! You may choose to start with an Element that is a strength for you and your dog or a weaker Element and request training feedback. It depends on your individual goals.
How do I earn an Element title?
Each entry consists of one search. Three qualifying entries are required to earn an Element title, and all three must be in the same Level and Track.
"Track" represents the item your dog is searching for (target odor, paired odor or food).
How do I earn a Level title?
To earn a Level title, you must earn an Element title in each of the four elements for that Level and Track.
How do I find an in-person Evaluator?
Once you create your free account on the Cyber Scent Work site, you may search a list of approved Evaluators.
What is the cost?
There is a one-time lifetime fee to register your dog, which will allow you to track their progress as they earn titles and ribbons. The registration allows you to compete in both Games and Traditional Cyber Scent Work.
Dog registration fee: $20.00
Entry Fees:
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In-person: $15.00*
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Online: $25.00
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Online with training feedback: $45.00
*Represents the recording fee paid to Cyber Scent Work and excludes any trialing fees charged by the Evaluator.
How do I submit an entry?
Log in to your account and select Submit a Traditional Entry.
Can I submit both an in-person and an online entry?
Yes! Both types will work toward you earning your titles. A benefit of submitting an online entry is you may opt to receive training feedback from our Online Review Officials.
What kind of training feedback will I receive with an online assessment with training feedback entry?
Our experienced Online Review Officials will create a narrated video review of your search, providing helpful insights, feedback and training suggestions you may want to try to with your dog.