A NOSE FOR ADVENTURE

An Introduction to the Sporting Detection Dogs Association

Sporting Scent Detection is a playful yet competitive variation of traditional scent work, but instead of searching for professional working dog targets like narcotics, explosives, or bed bugs, you and your dog search for competition-approved scents.

EVERY DOG CAN JOIN THE FUN!

No matter the breed, age, size, or ability, all dogs are welcome to participate. 

Trial searches are conducted one dog-handler team at a time, creating a supportive environment where dogs with sensitivities can focus and excel. This activity fosters confidence, sparks joy in training, and provides essential mental enrichment—perfect for shy, senior, or differently-abled dogs. At its heart, the sport celebrates good sportsmanship and the shared enjoyment of both dogs and handlers.

TITLES & SCORING

In SDDA competitions, dogs earn titles by achieving qualifying scores in three components—Container, Interior, and Exterior—across all levels, Started, Advanced, Excellent, and Elite. Titles are awarded at SDDA-sanctioned events under the supervision of certified judges, with ribbons and certificates as acknowledgment.

Dogs passing all three components in a single trial receive a “SPECIAL (SP)” title designation. Elite titles require all components to be passed during the same trial. In games, earning three passing scores in any game leads to a game title.

Performance deductions may apply to both dog and handler, based on factors like distraction, missed hides, or handler-related issues such as poor control, not reading the dogs efficiently  or inconsistent search patterns. Judges assess performance comprehensively, focusing on teamwork and execution to ensure fairness and accuracy.

TIMING RULES

Each search is timed, and all hides must be located within the designated time limit. In the event of a tie, faster completion times determine placements. At advanced levels, handlers must signal the end of their search by saying “Finish” or “Done.” The SDDA values precision, consistency, and fairness, encouraging participants to excel at every stage.

SDDA Approved Odours

Wintergreen (Started)
Wintergreen & Pine (Advanced)
Wintergreen, Pine & Thyme(Excellent)

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

To earn a title, participants must qualify in all three components at their level. Higher levels introduce greater difficulty in searches and all levels require a 50% minimum qualifying score for each component with the successful identification of the hide(s), and clear areas at higher levels, to receive a title.

STARTED (SD-S)

Odour:
Wintergreen
Up to 3-foot-high hides.

Container Search:
• 1 hide
• 3-minute limit

Interior Search:
• 1 hide
• 5-minute limit

Exterior Search:
• 1 hide
• 5-minute limit

ADVANCED (SD-A)

Odours:
Wintergreen & Pine
Up to 3-foot-high hides.

Container Search:
• 2 hides
• 3-minute limit
• 1 distractor

Interior Search:
• 2 hides
• 1–2 rooms
• 5-minute limit

Exterior Search:
• 2 hides
• 5-minute limit

EXCELLENT (SD-E)

Odours:
Wintergreen, Pine & Thyme
Up to 4-foot-high hides. Handlers must call all finds and clear areas.

Container Search: 
• 3 hides
• 4-minute limit
• 1–2 distractors

Interior Search:
• 3 hides
• 3 rooms (1 clear area)
• 15-minute limit
• 1 distractor possible

Exterior Search:
• 3 hides
• 5-minute limit

ELITE (SD-EL)

Odours: Wintergreen, Pine & Thyme

All components must be passed in the same trial to achieve a title. Up to 4-foot-high hides and 1–3 distractors may be added to any search element.

Container Search:
• 2–4 hides
• 4-minute limit

Interior Search:
• 2–3 rooms
• 0–5 hides
• 10-minute limit

Exterior/Vehicle Search:
• 0–3 hides
• 5-minute limit

For scent detection enthusiasts, the journey doesn’t end with standard competitions. The SDDA has fun games such as Distance, Aerial, Speed, and Teams, where you can compete for additional titles. You can also aim for champion titles at every level, further elevating your skills and achievements in this rewarding spor

The mission of the Sporting Detection Dogs Association (SDDA) is to promote the sport of scent detection for all dogs and handlers, regardless of breed, experience, or background.

The SDDA provides opportunities for dogs to earn titles, maintains records of competitors and their trial results, qualifies judges to expand events, and has resources for classes and clinics. They emphasize humane training, good sportsmanship, and celebrate the remarkable scenting abilities of dogs, while working to grow the sport both in Canada and internationally.

Reference
For more information visit the Sporting Detection Dog Association at www.sdda.ca.