non competitive obedience association

Welcome Exhibitors, to the Non Competitive Obedience Association

You may download Version 4.0 Rulebook (02/20/23) here



The Non Competitive Obedience Association was formed to encourage advanced obedience and tracking training and to enable handlers to earn titles even when they cannot get to a traditional obedience trial or tracking test.

NCO is a great "first step" and we strongly encourage participants to continue on to competition obedience and tracking in other venues!

What dogs are eligible?





What does it cost to submit?

FIRST submissions for EACH dog are $30.00

All subsequent submissions for the same dog are $20.00 for obedience or $25 for tracking.

The fee is per submission.

Failing submissions are allowed to be re shot and submitted again for unlimited amounts of tries but there is a $10.00 fee for each obedience re-submission, $15.00 for each tracking re-submission

Passing performances resulting in the earning of a title, will be emailed a title certificate and listed on our title holders pages.

NCO-5 and NCO-T6 (Master level) Title earners will get an additional award via USPS mail!


How are title videos submitted? (SEE TRACKING RULES for tracking specific criteria )



Dog and Human Safety and Laws


General Rules

see tracking section for additional tracking only rules.


NCO Obedience Program:


Check our
YouTube channel and Facebook page for videos of performances



NCO-1  Beginner Level - May be filmed at home or a familiar area

*For all exercises that say "on a long line" the Dog may be off leash or dragging a leash as local law, dog safety and public safety allow


Heel on leash: Dog sitting at heel on a 6' leash, held so that there is some obvious slack. Heeling will commence with a command and/or signal by the handler and will continue for approximately one minute at a brisk pace. The heeling pattern must include at least 1 about turn (left, right or "go around" about turns are all legal), 90 degree right turn, 90 degree left turn and a halt with a sit in heel position.
There shall also be a segment of at least 15' of a slow pace, then return to normal and also a segment of at least 15' of a fast pace, then a return to normal. There must be a noticable change of pace in both handler and dog.
There is no specific order to these required elements as long as they are incorporated.

Heel in a serpentine one way: The dog and handler shall heel forward and weave in and around 5 imaginary cones ala slalom skiing. The total distance shall be approximately 20-30 feet and the handler may set start/finish markers ahead of time. If they feel it is necessary small discrete markers for the invisible cones may be laid on the ground/floor, but are not required and must be no larger than 6" across and must be flat. The curves should be obvious and the dog should maintain heel position.

Sit stay, handler walks around dog close:Dog sitting at heel on a 6 foot leash, handler commands/signals "stay" and walks around the dog close but not touching. When back in heel position handler will pause briefly.

Stand stay owner in heel position (30 sec): Dog sitting at heel on a 6 foot leash with some visible slack in it. Handler commands and/or signals dog to stand and then stay. handler then stands upright for 30 seconds to complete the exercise. The handler may step forward, give a couple commands/handsignals. They may not position the dog by hand or yank on collar. The handler MAY talk quietly to the dog periodically , but not non stop

Down, Sit, Down handler 4-6' away: Dog sitting in heel position on a 6 foot leash. handler commands and/or signals dog to stay and steps out 4-6 feet, turns and faces dog. Handler commands and or signals dog to down, pauses, then commands and/or signals dog to sit, pauses, then commands and/or signals dog to down. Pause then return around dog to heel position completing the exercise. The dog should perform the exercises promptly. Each position shall be accomplished with 1 verbal command and/or hand signal. ONE extra command and/or signal may be given without failure in total for this exercise (not per position)

Recall:
Dog on a long line, handler leaves dog going approximately 12-15 feet. Pause with hands at side and then give command and/or signal to "come" returning hands to side. Dog must come to front and sit. This ends the exercise but the handler may ask dog to finsh (either left or right) but this is not required and a failure to perform the finish will not fail the dog.


NCO-2 Advanced Beginner Level - Must be filmed somewhere that is not at home

*For all exercises that say "on a long line" the Dog may be off leash or dragging a leash as local law, dog safety and public safety allow


Heel on leash: Dog sitting at heel on a 6' leash, held so that there is some obvious slack. Heeling will commence with a command and/or signal by the handler and will continue for at least one minute at a brisk pace.
The heeling pattern must include at least 1 about turn (left, right or "go around" about turns are all legal), 90 degree right turn, 90 degree left turn and a halt with a sit in heel position.
There shall also be a segment of at least 15' of a slow pace, then return to normal and also a segment of at least 15' of a fast pace, then a return to normal. There must be a noticable change of pace in both handler and dog.
There is no specific order to these required elements as long as they are incorporated.

Heel in a serpentine - out and back: The dog and handler shall heel forward and weave in and around 5 imaginary cones ala slalom skiing. Upon the dog and handler reaching the farthest point, they shall curver around and weave in and around 5 imaginary cones back to the start. The total distance from one end to the other shall be approximately 20-30 feet and the handler may set start/end turn markers ahead of time.If they feel it is necessary small discrete markers for the invisible cones may be laid on the ground/floor, but are not required and must be no larger than 6" across and must be flat.The curves should be obvious and the dog should maintain heel position

Sit stay, handler walks around dog at end of 6' leash: Dog sitting at heel, handler commands/signals "stay" and walks around the dog at the end of the 6 foot leash but without pulling on the dog. When back in heel position handler will pause briefly.

Stand stay owner in heel position (1 min) Dog sitting at heel on a 6 foot leash with some visible slack in it. Handler commands and/or signals dog to stand and then stay. Handler then stands upright for 1 minute to complete the exercise. The handler may not position the dog by hand or yank on collar. They may not step forward and no more than two commands (hand signal with verbal counts as one). Handler may periodically talk to dog quietly but not steadily.

Recall over an obstacle leg pad height: Dog sitting at heel on a long line at least 8 feet from an obstacle that is approximately the height of the front leg pad. Handler leaves dog and goes at least 8 feet beyond the obstacle, pauses and then commands and/or signals dog to come to front returning hands to side. Dog must cross the obstacle (without stepping on or hitting) and come to front and sit. This ends the exercise but the handler may ask dog to finsh (either left or right) but this is not required and a failure to perform the finish will not fail the dog.

Down, Sit, Down handler 8-12' away: Dog sitting in heel position on a long line. Handler commands and/or signals dog to stay and steps out 8-12 feet, turns and faces dog. Handler commands and or signals dog to down, pauses, then commands and/or signals dog to sit, pauses, then commands and/or signals dog to down. Pause then return around dog to heel position completing the exercise. The dog should perform the exercises promptly. Each position shall be accomplished with 1 verbal command and/or hand signal. ONE extra command and/or signal may be given without failure in total for this exercise (not per position)



NCO-3 Intermediate Level - Must be filmed in a public place (see rules for definition of “public”). Three passing submissions required.

*For all exercises that say "on a long line" the Dog may be off leash or dragging a leash as local law, dog safety and public safety allow

Please film, panning about- approx 30 seconds or less of where you are so the judges can see the environment


Heel on long line: Dog sitting at heel on a long line, handle around handler's wrist but otherwise dragging. Heeling will commence with a command and/or signal by the handler and will continue for at least one and a half minutes at a brisk pace.
The heeling pattern must include at least 2 about turns (left, right or "go around" about turns are all legal), 90 degree right turns, 90 degree left turns and 2 halts with a sit in heel position.
There shall also be a segment of at least 20' of a slow pace, then return to normal and also a segment of at least 20' of a fast pace, then a return to normal. There must be a noticable change of pace in both handler and dog.
There is no specific order to these required elements as long as they are incorporated.

Figure 8 on long line: Handler shall use markers or natural items approximately 8-12 feet apart. Dog sitting at heel on a long line, handle around handler's wrist but otherwise dragging. Heeling will commence with a command and/or signal by the handler. The dog and handler shall heel in a figure 8 pattern starting in either direction. Upon completing one figure 8 they shall halt with the dog automatically sitting at heel. pause, then continue heeling to complete another figure 8. Halt, dog automatically sits and exercise is complete.

Go out, Turn and sit: Dog sitting at heel on a long line, handle around handler's wrist but otherwise dragging. Handler commands and/or signals dog to go out in a straight line to a marker or natural item approximately 15-20 feet away and commands the dog to turn and sit. Handler pauses, then returns around dog to heel position. Pauses and the exercise is complete.

Dog should not hit the end of the line so plan line length accordingly

Down, Sit, Stand Handler 10-15' away: Dog sitting in heel position on a long line. Handler commands and/or signals dog to stay and steps out 10-15 feet, turns and faces dog. Handler commands and or signals dog to down, pauses,

then commands and/or signals dog to sit, pauses, then commands and/or signals dog to stand. Pause then return around dog to heel position, pausing and completing the exercise. The dog should perform the exercises promptly. Each position shall be accomplished with 1 verbal command and/or hand signal. ONE extra command and/or signal may be given without failure in total for this exercise (not per position)

Retrieve: Dog sitting at heel on a long line, handler throws a non ball like object (an obedience dumbbell is fine but other items may be used providing they are not round/do not roll) out at least 12 feet. Pause. Send dog to retrieve. Dog should go out to the item directly, pick it up and bring it back to front without mouthing or playing with it. Dog should sit in front of the handler who shall briefly pause then take the item from the dog and command and/or signal the dog to finish (left or right) and exercise is complete

Retrieve over obstacle elbow height: Dog sitting at heel on a long line at least 8 feet from an elbow height obstacle, handler throws a non ball like object (an obedience dumbbell is fine but other items may be used providing they are not round/do not roll) out at least 8 feet beyond the obstacle. Pause. Send dog to retrieve. Dog should go out to the item directly jumping the obstacle without climbing or hitting, pick up the item, return back over the obstacle and bring the item back to front without mouthing or playing with it. Dog should sit in front of the handler who shall briefly pause then take the item from the dog and command and/or signal the dog to finish (left or right) and exercise is complete



NCO-4 Excellent Level - Must be filmed in a public place (see rules for definition of “public”).

Three passing submissions required, one of which must be outdoors.

*For all exercises that say "on a long line" the Dog may be off leash or dragging a leash as local law, dog safety and public safety allow

Please film, panning about- approx 30 seconds or less of where you are so the judges can see the environment


Heel on long line no verbal commands: Dog sitting at heel on a long line, handle around handler's wrist but otherwise dragging. Heeling will commence with a signal only no verbal commands by the handler and will continue for approximately one and a half minutes at a brisk pace.
The heeling pattern must include at least one about turn (left, right or "go around" about turns are all legal), one 90 degree right turn, one 90 degree left turns and 2 halts with a sit in heel position.
There shall also be a segment of at least 20' of a slow pace, then return to normal and also a segment of at least 20' of a fast pace, then a return to normal. There must be a noticable change of pace in both handler and dog.
There is no specific order to these required elements as long as they are incorporated.

Scent Discrimination 1 article type: Dog sitting or lying at heel on a long line. Handler leaves dog in a stay and takes a container with 5 dog safe identical articles clearly numbered so the video viewer can clearly read them (they may be every day objects or dumbbell like items) and walks approximately 10-15 feet behind the dog and dumps them out moving them into a spread out pattern using some method to keep scent off of them. The handler then selects one article and scents it- shows the number to the camera clearly- and sets it down among the pattern. Handler returns to dog and leaves bag at this location. Dog is heeled in a half circle to the right and sits at heel. Handler pauses, then sends dog for the scented article. Dog must go directly out to the articles and work to find the scented article which the dog shall bring directly to front. handler will pause, take article, command and/or signal dog to finish (left or right) then show the article number to the camera completing the exercise.

Stand, Down, Sit handler 10-15' away : Dog sitting in heel position on a long line. Handler commands and/or signals dog to stay and steps out 10-15 feet, turns and faces dog. Handler commands and or signals dog to stand, pauses,

then commands and/or signals dog to down, pauses, then commands and/or signals dog to sit. Pause then return around dog to heel position, pausing and completing the exercise. The dog should perform the exercises promptly. Each position shall be accomplished with 1 verbal command and/or hand signal. ONE extra command and/or signal may be given without failure in total for this exercise (not per position)

Owner performed Stand for exam: Dog sitting in heel position on a long line. Handler commands and/or signals dog to stand and stay, then steps out approximately 10 feet, returns to dog and runs hand down dog's back, steps back out to approximately 10 feet, pauses, then returns around behind dog to heel position. pauses and completes the exercise. The handler may not position the dog by hand or yank on collar. They may not step forward and no more than two commands (hand signal with verbal counts as one).

Directed send (2): Dog sitting at heel on a long line or leash dragging on the ground. Handler commands and/or signals dog to go out in a straight line to a marker or natural item approximately 15-20 feet away and commands the dog to turn and sit.
Handler pauses, then asks dog using command AND signal to go left or right between two cones (rocks or firewood etc are acceptable) previously set out which are about 10 feet from the handler position but one pair offset to the left and one pair offset to the right. Cones should be anchored so won't drag or tip over if leash hits them.
Cones are 6' apart. Dog passes between the cones indicated and comes to front. As the dog passes the cones the handler may pivot to face the dog. Handler pauses then asks dog to finish (left or right).
Handler may praise dog and/or perform a heeling circle to set up again. The handler repeats this same process but this time asks for the other set of cones. Dog passes between the cones indicated and comes to front. As the dog passes the cones the handler may pivot to face the dog. Handler pauses then asks dog to finish (left or right). Pauses and the exercise is complete.
The use of jump standards, with the bar or board removed and uprights anchored so unable to be dragged or knocked over are acceptable alternate to cones

Recall over Obstacle elbow height: Dog sitting at heel on a long line at least 8 feet from an obstacle that is elbow height. Handler leaves dog and goes at

least 8 feet beyond the obstacle, pauses and then commands and/or signals dog to come to front returning hands to side. Dog must jump the obstacle (without climbing or hitting) and come to front. Handler pauses and then commands and/or signal the dog to finish (left or right) and exercise is complete

Directed Retrieve 3 gloves used, 1 retrieved: Handler will have laid out 3 white cloth gloves in a line or semi circle previously. Gloves are 8-10 feet apart. Dog and handler are about 12 feet from the center glove. Dog sitting at heel on a long line. Handler points a finger to indicate to the camera which glove they will be retrieving. Handler may ask dog to mark the desired glove. Handler then commands and/or signals dog to retrieve the selected glove. Dog shall go to the glove promptly, pick it up and retrieve it to front without throwing it or chewing on it. handler pauses, takes glove from dog, pauses and commands and/or signals dog to finish (left or right) Exercise is complete



NCO-5 Master Level - Must be filmed in a public place (see rules for definition of “public”).

Six passing submissions required, three of which must be outdoors.

*For all exercises that say "on a long line" the Dog may be off leash or dragging a leash as local law, dog safety and public safety allow

Please film, panning about- approx 30 seconds or less of where you are so the judges can see the environment
There are no extra commands and/or signals allowed at the Master level

Heel on long line no verbal commands: Dog sitting at heel on a long line, handle around handler's wrist but otherwise dragging. Heeling will commence with a signal only no verbal commands by the handler and will continue for one minutes at a brisk pace.
The heeling pattern must include at one about turn (left, right or "go around" about turns are all legal), one 90 degree right turn, one 90 degree left turns and one halt with a sit in heel position.
There shall also be a segment of at least 10' of a slow pace, then return to normal and also a segment of at least 10' of a fast pace, then a return to normal. There must be a noticable change of pace in both handler and dog.
There is no specific order to these required elements as long as they are incorporated.

Scent Discrimination 2 article types: Dog sitting or lying at heel on a long line. Handler leaves dog in a stay and takes a container with 5 dog safe identical articles clearly numbered so the video viewer can clearly read them (they may be every day objects or dumbbell like items) and walks approximately 10-15 feet behind the dog and dumps them out moving them into a spread out pattern using some method to keep scent off of them. The handler then selects one article and scents it- shows the number to the camera clearly- and sets it down among the pattern. Handler returns to dog and leaves bag at this location. Dog is heeled in a half circle to the right and sits at heel. Handler pauses, then sends dog for the scented article. Dog must go directly out to the articles and work to find the scented article which the dog shall bring directly to front. handler will pause, take article, command and/or signal dog to finish (left or right) then show the article number to the camera completing the first part of the exercise. The dog may be praised and/or patted briefly.
Handler then repeats the exact process as above with a second set of five

articles made of a material different than the first set (leather instead of wood or metal etc) Upon completing the entire process again with the new article type this exercise is complete.

Moving Stand & Owner stand for exam: Dog sitting in heel position on a long line. Handler commands and/or signals dog to heel and heel forward about 10 feet and while still moving commands and or signals dog to stand and stay. The dog shall stop in place taking no more than a couple extra steps and the handler shall continue out about 6 feet, turn and face the dog, pause, then return to dog and runs hand down dog's back, steps back out to approximately 6 feet, pauses, then returns around behind dog to heel position. pauses and completes the exercise. The handler may not position the dog by hand or touch collar. They may not step forward and no more than one commands (hand signal with verbal counts as one)

Retrieve over obstacle elbow height: Dog sitting at heel on a long line at least 8 feet from an elbow height obstacle, handler throws a non ball like object (an obedience dumbbell is fine but other items may be used providing they are not round/do not roll) out at least 8 feet beyond the obstacle. Pause. Send dog to retrieve. Dog should go out to the item directly jumping the obstacle without climbing or hitting, pick up the item, return back over the obstacle and bring the item back to front without mouthing or playing with it. Dog should sit in front of the handler who shall briefly pause then take the item from the dog and command and/or signal the dog to finish (left or right) and exercise is complete

Directed send (3): Dog sitting at heel on a long line or leash dragging on the ground. Handler commands and/or signals dog to go out in a straight line to a marker or natural item approximately 15-20 feet away and commands the dog to turn and sit.
Handler pauses, then asks dog using command AND signal to go left or right between two cones previously set out which are about 10 feet from the handler position but one pair offset to the left and one pair offset to the right. Cones should be anchored so won't drag or tip over if leash hits them.
Cones are 6' apart. Dog passes between the cones indicated and comes to front. As the dog passes the cones the handler may pivot to face the dog. Handler pauses then asks dog to finish (left or right).

Handler may praise dog and/or perform a heeling circle to set up again. The handler repeats this same process but this time asks for the second set of cones. Dog passes between the cones indicated and comes to front. As the dog passes the cones the handler may pivot to face the dog. Handler pauses then asks dog to finish (left or right). Handler may praise dog and/or perform a heeling circle to set up again.
Handler commands and/or signals dog to go out in a straight line to the marker or natural item for a third time.
Handler pauses, then asks dog using command AND signal to go left or right between one set of cones, handler's choice.
Dog passes between the cones indicated and comes to front. As the dog passes the cones the handler may pivot to face the dog. Handler pauses then asks dog to finish (left or right).
Pauses and the exercise is complete.
The use of jump standards, with the bar or board removed and uprights anchored so unable to be dragged or knocked over are acceptable alternate to cones.

Directed Retrieve 6 gloves used, 2 retrieved: Handler will have laid out 6 white cloth gloves in a large circle previously. Gloves are at 12, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 on a clock face. Dog and handler are about 12 feet from the glove ring in the center.
Dog sitting at heel on a long line. Handler points a finger to indicate to the camera which glove they will be retrieving. Handler may ask dog to mark the desired glove. Handler then commands and/or signals dog to retrieve the selected glove. Dog shall go to the glove promptly, pick it up and retrieve it to front without throwing it or chewing on it. handler pauses, takes glove from dog, pauses and commands and/or signals dog to finish (left or right)
Dog sitting at heel again. Handler points a finger to indicate to the camera which glove they will be retrieving. Handler may ask dog to mark the desired glove. Handler then commands and/or signals dog to retrieve the selected glove. Dog shall go to the glove promptly, pick it up and retrieve it to front without throwing it or chewing on it. handler pauses, takes glove from dog, pauses and commands and/or signals dog to finish (left or right)Exercise is complete

Stand, Down, Sit handler 15-20' away no verbal commands: Dog sitting in heel position on a long line. Handler commands and/or signals dog to stay and steps out 15-20 feet, turns and faces dog. Handler commands and or signals dog to stand, pauses, then commands and/or signals dog to down, pauses, then commands and/or signals dog to sit. Pause then call the dog to heel, pausing and completing the exercise. The dog should perform the exercises promptly.


Optional Position Change Mini Title


NCO-OPC1 May be filmed at home or a familiar area

*For all exercises that say "on a long line" the Dog may be off leash or dragging a leash as local law, dog safety and public safety allow


Down from behind: Sit dog on 6' lead in front of handler. Command wait or stay. Handler walks to dogs left and stands behind dog. One foot on each side of dog's rump is acceptable but not required. Command and /or signal down. Dog should down fairly straight without turning towards handler

Face away recall: Sit dog on 6' lead in front of handler. Command wait or stay. Handler turns around in place to face away from dog. Call dog. Dog must come around handler and sit in front reasonably straight facing handler.

Angle finish: Sit dog on 6' lead in front of handler. Command wait or stay. Handler turns left in place so dog is now facing handler's right hip. Command and/or signal dog to finish. Dog can pass in front or behind handler and go to heel position and sit in heel

Sit from side: Down dog on 6' lead in Heel position.. Command wait or stay. Handler turns right and walks straight away 5-6', turns and stands facing dog's right side. Command and/ or signal dog to sit. Dog should sit fairly straight without turning towards handler

Sit, Down, Sit: Leave dog in sit on a long line, Command wait or stay and handler goes approx 15' then turns and face dog. Pause.

Give command and/or signal to down. Pause.

Give command and/or hand to sit. Pause.

Return to dog

During the whole exercise the dog may not “forward creep” more than approx two body lengths in total with the ideal being none

Down, Stand: Leave dog in down on a long line, Command wait or stay and handler goes approx 15' then turns and face dog. Pause. Give command and or hand signal to stand. Pause. Return to dog


NCO-OPC2- Must be filmed somewhere that is not at home

*For all exercises that say "on a long line" the Dog may be off leash or dragging a leash as local law, dog safety and public safety allow


Down, Stand, Sit from behind: Sit dog on 6' lead in front of handler. Command wait or stay. Handler walks to dogs left and stands behind dog. One foot on each side of dog's rump is acceptable but not required. Command and /or signal down. Dog should down fairly straight without turning towards handler.

Downing between handler's legs is acceptable but not required.

Pause.

Command and /or signal stand. Dog should stand fairly straight without turning towards handler. Standing between handler's legs is acceptable but not required. Pause.

Command and /or signal sit. Dog should sit fairly straight without turning towards handler. Sitting between handler's legs is acceptable but not required.


Face away recall: Sit dog on long line in front of handler. Command wait or stay. Handler passes dog's left side and goes approx 10' turns and faces dog's rear. Pause. Call dog. Dog must come to handler and sit in front reasonably straight facing handler.


Angle finish: Sit dog on long line in front of handler. Command wait or stay. Handler turns left and walks approx 10 ' and halts with their back to dog. Pause. Command and/or signal dog to finish. Dog can pass in front or behind handler to go to heel position and sit in heel


Sit and stand from side: Down dog on long line in Heel position.. Command wait or stay. Handler turns right and walks straight away approx 10', turns and stands facing dog's right side.

Command and/ or signal dog to sit. Dog should sit fairly straight without turning towards handler

Command and/ or signal dog to stand. Dog should stand fairly straight without turning towards handler


Stand, Down, Sit: Leave dog in sit on a long line, Command wait or stay and handler goes approx 15' then turns and face dog. Pause.

Give command and/or signal to stand. Pause.

Give command and/or hand to down. Pause.

Give command and/or hand to sit. Pause

Return to dog

During the whole exercise the dog may not “forward creep” more than approx one body length in total with the ideal being none




NCO Tracking Program

Required equipment:

*Collar with ID as described in Dog and Human Safety and Laws section

*Properly fitting harness that line attaches at top of back. Harness may not be a compression type, anti pulling or similar. If in doubt, send a photo of harness to NCO for approval.

*Long line lengths listed in level description

*GPS collar OR the ability to attach cell phone to dog (pouch on harness or dog vest allowed as long as you video the “putting on” )

*A flag for the start- can be a surveyor flag, or actual small flag on a post. Flag should be big enough to see in the video.

General Rules

*Unless contradicted in this section, all NCO rules in the Obedience section will apply

*Protective coats and/or boots may be used on the dog as long as the “putting on” is video recorded

*YOU MUST have the ability to record the GPS route of both track laid and track ran. This can be accomplished by a GPS collar system (like the Garmin Astro) or by smart phone via an app (like OnX, DogTracks, Motion X GPS etc)

*The track must be a single unedited recording from start to finish and this must include the “putting on” of any protective gear, or vest/pouch to hold cell phone. (this does not count laying the track, that does not need filming – it will appear on the gps screen)

*GPS collars may not have a correction feature (ie shock like the TT15) and a photo or short video of the collar showing it must be included in your final video.

*For all tracks you will need a person to follow you filming (this MAY be the tracklayer) as you run track. The camera person must be far enough so both dog and handler are always on screen together and close enough to see handler and dog behavior and that handler can be heard.

*Any corrections- loud verbal or physical are automatic fail.

*A neutral tone “leave it” or “uh-uh” or “No” ARE ALLOWED

*Treats or toy may be carried concealed, May not be given until track has ended

*Line must always be held by handler, never dragging loose with handler behind.

Tracking Video Submission -Special rules

*Tracklayer's name, mailing address, email address and telephone number MUST be provided on the submission form for NCO-T2 and above levels

Same info on crosstrack layers must be provided for NCO-T4 and above levels


*Tracklayer must provide date and time track laid and total yards


FINAL video for submission must include:

*30 second or less scan of the surroundings

*30 second or less video of the GPS collar if used

*Video of track as ran start to finish including “putting on” of special gear, vest or pouch

*Video of watch or phone just prior to start showing time and date

*The map showing both track laid and track run on same image



NCO-T1 -Beginner Tracking Dog

Handler lays their own track

15' long line. A longer line may be used but a long tassle of surveyor tape or similar must visually mark the 15' point. Handler at 15' mark of line except to untangle.

Track 150-200 yards in length in an open area

Two to three 90 degree turns

30-90 minutes in age

No crossing of water or ditch

No change in surface

(Ie. if on short grass entire track needs to be similar, not grass to dirt or short grass to tall)

Each leg of track must be no less than 50 yards long

No leg of track can be within 50 yards or less of another leg

No leg of track nor entrance path to start may cross any track leg

No portion of track shall follow a fence, or boundary for more than 15'

No leg of track can be within 15' of a fence or boundary

Start article a piece of cloth or clothing

End article must be leather


NCO-T2 -Novice Tracking Dog

Someone NOT the handler lays the track, can be a family member

20' long line. Handler at end of line except to take article, untangle or negotiate obstacles. Lines longer than 20' may be used but handler needs to stay at 20'

Track 300-400 yards in length in an open area

Three to five 90 degree turns

One to two hours in age

No crossing of water or ditch

No change in surface type except may cross a sidewalk, hiking or bike path not more than 6' wide

Each leg of track must be no less than 50 yards long

No leg of track can be within 50 yards or less of another leg

No leg of track nor entrance path to start may cross any track leg

No portion of track shall follow a fence, or boundary for more than 15'

No leg of track can be within 15' of a fence or boundary

Start article a piece of cloth or clothing

End article must be leather


NCO-T3 -Intermediate Tracking Dog

Someone NOT the handler lays the track, CAN NOT be a family member

20' long line. Handler at end of line except to take article, untangle or negotiate obstacles. Lines longer than 20' may be used but handler needs to stay at 20'

Track 600-800 yards in length

Four to six turns, three must be 90 degree turns- all turns must be in open area

Two to three hours in age

No crossing of Path, water or ditch more than 6' across, Water or ditch must be less than 12” deep or less than swimming depth whichever is less

No crossing of log, barrier or wall taller than 1' high

Each leg of track must be no less than 50 yards long

No leg of track can be within 50 yards or less of another leg

No leg of track nor entrance path to start may cross any track leg

No portion of track shall follow a fence, or boundary for more than 15'

No leg of track can be within 15' of a fence or boundary

Start article a piece of cloth or clothing

Middle article must be cloth or clothing, no less than 6” long and should not present a swallow hazzard and not less than 200 yards from start or end of track.

End article must be leather


NCO-T4 -Advanced Tracking Dog

Note: you will need a crosstrack layer- not handler or tracklayer


Someone NOT the handler lays the track, CAN NOT be a family member

20' long line. Handler at end of line except to take article, untangle or negotiate obstacles. Lines longer than 20' may be used but handler needs to stay at 20'

Track 800-1000 yards in length

Five to Seven turns, three must be 90 degrees

Three to five hours in age

Water crossings must be less than 12” deep or less than swimming depth whichever is less

All fence or wall crossings must be safely handled. Handler may assist dog to ensure safety but may not indicate the track direction.

Each leg of track must be no less than 50 yards long

No leg of track can be within 50 yards or less of another leg

No leg of track nor entrance path to start may cross any track leg

No portion of track shall follow a fence, or boundary for more than 15'

There MUST be two obstacles such as road crossing, dramatic surface change (grass to dirt, grass to forest etc), walls, water, ditches, logs etc..

A cross track layer must walk a u shaped path crossing the track twice around the half way mark for aging time. Cross tracklayer may be a family member.

Start article a piece of cloth or clothing

TWO middle articles must be cloth or clothing , no less than 6” long and should not present a swallow hazzard and not less than 200 yards from start or end of track and not closer together than 50 yards.

End article must be leather


NCO-T5 -Excellent Tracking Dog

Note: you will need two crosstrack layers-not handler or tracklayer


Someone NOT the handler lays the track, CAN NOT be a family member

20' long line. Handler at end of line except to take article, untangle or negotiate obstacles. Lines longer than 20' may be used but handler needs to stay at 20'

Track 800-1000 yards in length

Five to Seven turns, three must be 90 degrees. No turns on hard surface areas.

Five to eight hours in age

All fence or wall crossings must be safely handled. Handler may assist dog to ensure safety but may not indicate the track direction.

Each leg of track must be no less than 50 yards long

No leg of track can be within 50 yards or less of another leg

No leg of track nor entrance path to start may cross any track leg

No portion of track shall follow a fence, or boundary for more than 15'

There MUST be FOUR obstacles such as road crossing, dramatic surface change (grass to dirt, grass to forest etc), walls, water, ditches, logs etc..

Hard surface areas (dirt roads, gravel areas or paved areas) may not be more than 40' across

Each cross track layer must walk a u shaped path crossing the track twice around the half way mark for aging time. Cross tracklayers may walk as close as 6' apart. Cross tracklayers may be a family members.

Start article a piece of cloth or clothing

FOUR track articles may be any item no less than 6” long and should not present a swallow or shatter hazzard and not less than 100 yards from start or end of track and not closer together than 50 yards.

End article must be leather


NCO-T6 -Master Tracking Dog

Note: you will need two crosstrack layers-not handler or tracklayer


Someone NOT the handler lays the track, CAN NOT be a family member

20' long line. Handler at end of line except to take article, untangle or negotiate obstacles. Lines longer than 20' may be used but handler needs to stay at 20'

Track 1000-1500 yards in length

Five to Seven turns, three must be 90 degrees. No turns on a hard surface area

Ten to twelve hours in age

All fence or wall crossings must be safely handled. Handler may assist dog to ensure safety but may not indicate the track direction.

Each leg of track must be no less than 50 yards long

No leg of track can be within 50 yards or less of another leg

No leg of track nor entrance path to start may cross any track leg

No portion of track shall follow a fence, or boundary for more than 15'

There MUST be FOUR obstacles such as road crossing, dramatic surface change (grass to dirt, grass to forest etc), walls, water, ditches, logs etc..

Hard surface areas (dirt roads, gravel areas or paved areas) may not be more than 40' across

Each cross track layer must walk crossing the track twice around the three quarter mark for aging time. Cross tracklayers may walk as close as 6' apart. Cross tracklayers may be a family members.

Start article a piece of cloth or clothing

FOUR track articles may be any item no less than 6” long and should not present a swallow or shatter hazzard and not less than 100 yards from start or end of track and not closer together than 50 yards.

End article must be leather


NCO-OCT -Optional City Tracking Dog

NO prior title required, this is an optional title

Someone NOT the handler lays the track, CAN NOT be a family member

15' long line. A longer line may be used but a long tassle of surveyor tape or similar must visually mark the 15' point. Handler at 15' mark except to take article, untangle or negotiate obstacles. May also shorten line to deal with people, animals or traffic

Track 500-800 yards in length

Five to Seven turns, none acute turns

Three to five hours in age

ALL municipal laws must be followed, Be aware of and cautious of people, animals and traffic at all times.

Each leg of track must be no less than 30 yards long

No leg of track can be within 50 yards or less of another leg

No leg of track nor entrance path to start may cross any track leg

There MUST be THREE different surface types, and surfaces devoid of vegetation must comprise no less than 50% of the track nor more than two thirds.

Start article a piece of cloth or clothing

FOUR track articles may be any item no less than 6” long and should not present a swallow or shatter hazzard and not less than 50 yards from start or end of track and not closer together than 50 yards.

End article must be leather

IF a dog eliminates on the track, handler must stop to bag solids.

Camera person shall retrieve the bag after the team moves on.



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