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DDL – Detection Dog League
DDL – Detection Dog League
  • Home
  • About us
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  • All trainings
  • Contact
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Register

THE RANKS.

What rank are you?


Recruit - Where the Journey Begins
Who it’s for:
You’re brand new to scent detectionYou’re brand new to scent detection Your dog has never searched for an odour beforeYour dog has never searched for an odour before You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansYou’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that means You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansYou’re still learning how to reward your dog for sniffing
Your mission:
You’re brand new to scent detectionLearn the basics of how scent work operates Your dog has never searched for an odour beforeBuild odour association (your dog learns Black Tea = good things) You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansPractice rewarding and handling your dog calmly You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansCompete the basic training and join the ranks
No competition yet – this is your training ground.

Cadet - Ready for Action
Who it’s for:
You’re brand new to scent detectionYou’ve completed the Recruit Basic Training Your dog has never searched for an odour beforeYour dog already knows the target odour and can find it in simple setups You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansYou’ve started using a verbal cue like “Find it” You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansYou’re ready to follow simple setups You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansYou can spot your dog’s “alert” (sit)
Your mission:
You’re brand new to scent detectionBuild confidence and consistency Your dog has never searched for an odour beforePractice simple indoor and outdoor searches You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansIntroduce easy distractions and new search patterns You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansCompete with others who are also starting out
Perfect for pet dogs, hobbyists and curious beginners.

Operator - Time to Level Up
Who it’s for:
You’re brand new to scent detectionYour dog reliably finds the odour even with light distractions Your dog has never searched for an odour beforeYou’ve completed at least 6-12 months of Cadet missions You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansYou’re ready to face harder hide placements, obstacles, and decoys You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansYou want to see how you and your dog work as a team You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansYou have a dog that is already scent trained and want to start competing
Your mission:
You’re brand new to scent detectionTackle more complex setups (zig-zag, behind barriers, elevated containers) Your dog has never searched for an odour beforeNavigate visual distractions and mild scent decoys You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansImprove your dog’s focus and your own timing You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansCompete in scored monthly challenges You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansMakes minor decisions about search areas and flow within the DDL search parameters and rules
Great for anyone who’s caught the bug and wants more challenge.

Specialist - Precision and Performance
Who it’s for:
You’re brand new to scent detectionYour dog is experienced and performs reliable alerts in various environments Your dog has never searched for an odour beforeYou understand how scent moves (airflow, surfaces) and can set up more dynamic searches You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansYou’re competing with intent – not just to play but to measure performance You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansYou love watching your dog problem solve and stay focused under pressure
Your mission:
You’re brand new to scent detectionSearch through multi room or complex outdoor setups Your dog has never searched for an odour beforeBeat the clock while staying accurate You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansCompete with others at a high level – precision counts  You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansShowcase control, handling and your dog’s independent drive You’ve never said “Find it” and had your dog know what that meansMake decisions about area set up and flow within the DDL search parameters and rules
Ideal for working dog teams, sport detection handlers and advanced hobbyists.

How the

DDL Rank System Works

In the Detection Dog League, your rank reflects your capability as a team – both handler and dog. Each rank builds on the last, increasing in complexity, challenge and autonomy. Once you move up…
you can’t go back unless you are officially demoted or you request a demotion and its approved through the admin team.
This structure keeps the league fair, progressive and aligned with your true skill level.


You are responsible for choosing when you’re ready to rank up. It’s not a race – it’s about your dog’s confidence and your ability to read, guide and trust them.


ONCE YOU

RANK UP

searchesYou face harder searches

teamYou’re scored against more experienced teams

autonomyYou gain more autonomy (especially in Operator and Specialist ranks)

You cannot return to a lower rank unless: You’ve been demoted for rule violations or repeated poor performance or You submit a request to drop back (e.g., life events, restarting with a new dog)

How to Know

If You’re Ready

Ask yourself: searchesIs my dog confidently searching and indicating without help?

teamAm I giving clear cues and not interfering?

autonomyCan we handle distractions, new layouts and small failures calmly?

autonomyAm I ready for more problem-solving as a team?

If the answer is yes, then it might be time to level up.
If not yet, stay where the learning is good – strength and success come from mastering your current rank.

Unlock your potential: From Dog Owner to Dog Handler!

sign up for more info and join our email list to discover how you and your dog can embark on thrilling missions, forge an unbreakable bond, and master elite detection skills together!

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Join Now and Become the Handler Your Dog Deserves

Click the button below to join as a DDL Recruit and claim your free 15-day basic detection training. Let’s show the world what you and your four-legged partner are made of! 

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