New to the Uk Antler Shed Trials
Introduction to Shed Hunting
International Animal Behaviour and Training is Introducing, Shed Dog Trails to the United Kingdom in 2024.
What are Shed Dog Trials
The purpose of shed dog trials is to simulate field work and determine the abilities of all breeds of dog in the fields to test both their natural and trained scenting, locating and retrieving shed antlers.
When do deer shed their antlers? Red cast their antlers in February-March, Sika in March-May, Fallow in April-May, Muntjac May-June and Roe in November-December. Antlers can be cast one at a time or, if you are lucky, a pair can be found close together.
We use Shed Scottish Roe Deer Antlers which are small branched, therefor much safer for the dogs to retrieve than other deer, and suitable for all breed sizes.
The males have relatively short antlers, typically with three points. They begin to grow their antlers in November, shedding the velvet from them in the spring. By summer, they are ready for the rutting season. After mating, they shed their antlers in October and begin to grow a new pair.
Trial Levels
Antler shed dog Foundation Level
Dogs will be worked on a long line.
The hide will be natural antler sheds in good condition.
The hides do not have a scent trail leading to them.
The antlers are thrown by the judges assistant into the search area.
Search area will be 100ft by 100ft approx
Normal woodland distractions.
The antlers will not be visible to the dog.
The may be partially covered.
Time begins when dog and handler cross the start line.
Time finishes on retrieval of shed.
Antler shed dog Level 1
Maximum course time: 2:00
Hides: 1
Course Size: 2,500 to 5,000 square feet
Minimum Qualifying Score: 20
Title: Teams earning 100 points from Level I class will earn the Shed Dog I (SD-I) title. Level I may be completed on or off lead.
Distractions: Naturally occurring distractors may be present.
Hide Placement: Hides should not be readily visible to the dog from the start line. The hide will be placed at ground level no closer than 25 feet from the start and may be partially covered by brush, leaves, dirt, sand or water.
Performance: Time begins when the dog or the handler cross the start line. Time stops when the judge calls the mark. The call shall be “Yes.” The dog should work in their search independently of handler movement. The handler may verbally encourage and communicate with the dog provided it does not interfere with the search. Deductions will be taken for handlers who face the hide intentionally, stand near the hide, show the dog the hide, handle in a way which the judge deems is leading the dog to the hide.
The dog is not required to retrieve the shed, however no time penalty will be assessed should the dog retrieve the shed
