TEAM Level 2 – General overview
General overview
Location: Any familiar location, such as the handler’s house, yard or regular training area. All exercises off leash.
Equipment: Target, distraction bowl, jump, retrieve object, scent articles
Optional: Distance platform, nosework oil
Cues: All cues in this level may verbal and/or hand signals.
Reinforcement: Eight external (food or toy) reinforcers. The handler may use external reinforcers to reward the dog’s behavior for up to eight exercises. The reinforcer must be kept in a pocket (no bait bags) and out of sight while the dog is performing an exercise. In exercises where a visible distraction is required, then the distraction, when given to the dog, IS counted as one of the external reinforcers. Food reset tosses do NOT count, and are allowed during the exercise when specified as an option. The reinforcer MUST be the same food or toy that is used in any distraction work. One reinforcer = one treat OR ball toss/toy play for up to 10 seconds. Reinforcement may only be given on the completion of the exercise.
Maximum video length: 7 minutes
Video Special Rules: Handlers may opt to film Level 2 and/or Level 2+ as two parts.
- The video must split the exercises as 1-5 and 6-10.
- Both videos must be taken within 7 days of each other.
- Location must be the same for both sets of exercises
- Video must be edited together as one complete video for submission purposes.
- Maximum time allowed limits still apply.
- Regular 2+ levels for location rules still apply.
- Does not apply for level two honors.
Sample video:
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Additional samples of Level 2 passing videos
Exercise 2-1: Engagement
Moving engagement with no visible reinforcers.
Handler maintains the dog’s focus while actively moving around for 15 seconds.
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Exercise 2-2: Heeling Pivots
Heel pivots without foot target.
Dog and handler pivot together on a single spot, turning 360 degrees to the left and right, without the aid of a foot target.
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Exercise 2-3: Recall, Front, Finish
Recall 6 ft. (1.8 m) and front with formal finish.
Dog demonstrates a formal 6 ft. recall with a front and a finish.
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Exercise 2-4: Marching Positions
Stand, sit and down in heel position with handler marching in place.
Handler starts by marching in place and then cues a stand, sit and down in any order.
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Exercise 2-5: Send to Target, Position Change
Send to target, hold a single sustained position, then demonstrate one additional position.
Handler sends the dog to a target 10 ft. (3 m) away, where the dog must hold the first position for 5 seconds (cued or not), followed by a second cued position of the handler’s choice.
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Exercise 2-6: Attention/Mark
Attention to handler followed by a forward mark.
The handler must demonstrate that the dog can (A) give 1 to 2 seconds of eye contact in the presence of a food bowl, target object or toy, and (B) mark (focus on) the same distraction or target for an additional 1 to 2 seconds. Exercise may also be done in reverse order.
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Exercise 2-7: jump
High or broad jump (height or width must be minimum 1/2 of dog’s height).
Without moving, the handler must cue the dog to jump either a high/bar or a broad jump while standing either next to the dog, in front of the jump, or beside the jump.
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Exercise 2-8: Hold an Object
Hold or retrieve an object.
Dog must hold an object for a minimum of 1 second.
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Exercise 2-9: Scent articles
Identify correct article (out of four) by scent.
Dog correctly indicates the handler’s scent (or nosework scent) from among four objects.
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Exercise 2-10: Stay under Distraction
Remain in position in the presence of a distraction with handler’s back to dog.
Dog must demonstrate a 15-second sit/stay, down/stay or stand/stay with a distraction bowl behind the dog and the handler’s back to the dog.
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Additional Resources
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(For convenience only. Please rely on the website exercise pages for details, updates, examples and judging criteria.)
