Testing Protocols

Testing Protocol 1:  

• TRAINING protocol:  (reference)
• Before the testing of live SS begins, the dog must first be taught how to play the "find the scent" game.  And, be introduced to the Scent Wheel. 
• The criteria of switching from training mode to testing mode should be 
• eager enthusiasm for the game; 
• being able to find 
• alert to 3 different scents on the scent wheel
• clear and consistent alerts.
• During this training process it is assumed that distractions (as defined above) will be used so that the dog understands all the parameters of the game. 

Testing Protocol 2:

When conducting a test of SS

• Every container contains something, either a target scent or a variable.
• Every trial is documented on the Session Record Form.
• one test per form
• identification of sample being tested is crucial
• Day 3 of Sample 1
• HP Sample 3 (date hydrated)
• Day 1 of HC2
• etc
• Every time a New Sample is introduced, the containers should all be replaced
• Record data, not assumptions

Baseline Criteria

• 3 successive trials of 90%+ conducted on 2 subsequent sessions

Video trials whenever possible

Order of testing:

• Testing Plan for Donor Sample
• Testing Plan for Multi Donor Sample
• Testing Plan for Viable Sample Age

Testing Protocol 3:  

Ending a Test

A test will be concluded when the accumulated baseline percentage is equal to or less than 80% for 3 successive sets or when the trainer feels that the dog is becoming frustrated by the process

Whenever a test is concluded (TC) without meeting the Baseline Criteria, using the current Sample we will re-introduce the test in a teaching model.  If, after completion of the entire scope of re-teaching the test, the SS appears to have a viable, detectable scent, the test may then be repeated.

Repeated tests will be indicated within parenthesis.  i.e.  SS Test I:C (2)

Any test may be repeated once per Sample before it is considered to be not viable for training purposes.

ADDENDUM:

• Sample Collection Considerations
• Capture of sample
• Preservation of sample
• Origin of sample

Sample Collection protocol is addressed in the Scent Sample Collection Form.