Scatters Competitions Rules

All classes are open to all dogs over 6 months.

No progression required to enter different levels.

Points awarded for correct identification of all the required Scatter tubes in the relevant class. Points allocated in league tables. League runs November 2025 - October 2026.

Fastest dog (must have located all the relevant Scatters in the class) gains additional points.

Points allocated as follows on correctly locating all Scatters in the class:

1 in 10 : 10 points

Scatters Level 1: 15 points

Scatters Level 2: 20 points

Scatter Lines Level 1 : 20 points

Fastest dog per class: additional 10 points

Rosettes for all dogs gaining points.

General Rules

Dog Eligibility and Restriction

• Any Breed of dog can participate.
• All classes are open to all dogs over 6 months.
• No progression required to enter different levels.
• Female dogs  in season may compete but please can they wear sanitary pants.
• Belly bands can be worn for male dogs prone to marking. Each and any attempt to urinate whilst wearing the belly band will incur 10 seconds time fault. 
• Harnesses may be worn throughout but must not have any flailing or loose straps.
• Dogs are not permitted to wear Prong,Pinch or Electric collars
• Please DO NOT attend with a dog suffering from or who has suffered from sickness or diarrhoea within the previous 24 hours.
• No double handling - whilst quiet conversation is permitted ringside, we ask all attending to be considerate of others especially when dogs are running in a class. Intentional double handling or outside assistance will classify the run as an NFC (not for competition) run.

General Competition and Ring Rules

• Time starts when the dog’s feet leave the start mat/start box area.
• The judge’s decision is final and is not to be contested while the competition is running. 
• Dogs must be on lead when entering and leaving the ring, even if the handler carries the dog.
• Dogs may be run without a collar. When hunting for more than one Scatter tube, once one tube is identified, the dog must be held whilst the tube is removed from the area. A collar or harness may facilitate this.
• Handlers are permitted to praise verbally and physically on finding a Scatter tube. For single finds, the lead must be reattached before leaving the ring. For multiple finds, holding the dog whilst each identified tube is removed is required. Once all tubes have been located or the time limit has been reached, the lead must be attached before leaving the ring. 
• No treats or toys are permitted during the allocated time. Toys may be given as a reward on completion of the run. Non crumbly food may be given from the hand only on completion of the run and only by the gate.

Bonus points: 

• A judge may choose, if they wish and only once in each class, to offer 10 bonus points for dogs that hunt well on their own, dogs that take direction well, dogs exhibiting sheer enjoyment of the sport, or if the judge wants to recognize an improvement in the teamwork of the dog/handler partnership.