Behavior taxonomy

Dog demonstrates recognition of one of the five K9 Elements approved odors (Anise, Clove, Vetiver, Birch, or Myrrh) presented in a K9E-standard scent tin.

Dog recognizes and can discriminate between multiple K9E odors as a single "find this odor" concept.

Dog systematically searches an interior environment (room, building) for hidden odor, working walls, corners, floor, and furnishings per declared pattern.

Dog systematically searches an exterior environment (open ground, fenced area, structural exterior) for hidden odor, adjusting for wind and terrain.

Dog systematically searches vehicles (cars, trucks, vans) for hidden odor, working seams, wheel wells, doors, and interior access points.

Dog systematically searches containers (luggage, boxes, packages) placed in a defined area for hidden odor.

When searching an area that contains no target odor (a "blank" area), dog does not offer an indication, does not false-alert, and completes the search per declared pattern.

Dog searches for multiple K9E odors present in the same area, indicating each source distinctly, without confusing one odor for another.

Handler observes the dog's indication and calls the hide to the judge with appropriate confidence, per K9E handler-call protocol.

At the source of odor, dog assumes and sustains a passive indication (sit or down per declared style) until released.

Dog sustains motivated, systematic search behavior across all assigned search areas, without giving up in blank areas or losing intensity late in the routine.

Dog maintains commitment to searching for the target odor when environmental distractions (mechanical noise, secondary scents, movement) are present in the search area.

L1 detection escalated: multi-odor sets, added distractions from L2 DET Distraction Inventory, more sophisticated hide placements, aggregated line item scoring per §3.5.