The K9 Elements Taxonomy
Behavior taxonomy
Every behavior in the K9 Elements curriculum — the building blocks (Foundation), the trained-and-proofed skills (Applied), and the composite trial exercises (Integrated).
132 behaviors · 25 Foundation · 66 Applied · 41 Integrated
Foundation
Atomic single-skill behaviors trainable in isolation; the building blocks of every other behavior.
- F-22 Nose-down scent commitment TrackingContent coming
Dog maintains nose contact with ground/scent trail, working the scent rather than air-scenting or visually tracking.
EntryL1L2L3 - F-25 Scent pad start commitment TrackingContent coming
Dog engages the tracking scent pad at the start of a track, commits to the scent, and departs in the direction of travel.
L1L2L3
Applied
Chained, proofed, or duration-extended single-domain behaviors; the training team’s daily focus.
- A-45 Track from scent pad TrackingContent coming
Dog commits to the scent trail from the K9E scent pad, departs in the correct direction of travel, and works the track with nose-down commitment.
L1L2L3 - A-47 Track with 2-3 turns TrackingContent coming
Dog works turns in a track, committing to the new direction of travel without over-shoot, cast, or handler cue.
L1L2L3 - A-49 Aged track (L2/L3 aging) TrackingContent coming
Dog commits to and works a colder-scent track aged per L2 or L3 specifications, requiring higher scent commitment and endurance.
L2L3 - A-50 Article indication on track TrackingContent coming
Dog encounters an article on the track and offers the handler-declared indication (sit, down, stand, or active alert), sustained until handler retrieves.
L1L2L3 - A-51 Recovery from lost track TrackingContent coming
When a dog loses the track scent, the dog casts, re-orients, and recommits to the correct direction of travel, with handler support via line management.
L1L2L3 - A-52 Handler line management TrackingContent coming
Handler manages the long line (15-30 ft per §4.2) with appropriate tension, reads the dog's body language, and provides support without over-cueing.
L1L2L3 - A-53 Missing person indication TrackingContent coming
At track's end, dog locates and indicates the missing person (track layer with K9E branded end marker) via declared indication style.
L1L2L3 - A-54 Lifeline article mechanic (L2) TrackingContent coming
L2-specific mechanic where a designated "lifeline" article on the track determines whether the team continues or is halted. Dog must indicate the lifeline article per L2 protocol.
L2
Integrated
Composite behaviors combining multiple Applied behaviors into a scenario or routine; the actual competition test units.