IRO Mantrailing Examination Regulations

Obedience and Agility Test

This test evaluates the working foundation of the team. The dog must demonstrate an appropriate level of obedience, control, and emotional stability, regardless of the environment. Basic exercises are assessed, such as heeling, response to commands, behavior in the presence of distractions, and the ability to work calmly and with focus. The agility component assesses the dog's mobility, movement safety, and ability to overcome various obstacles, all of which are essential aspects in real search and rescue missions.

Scent Differentiation Test

This test is essential for the Mantrailing discipline. The dog must demonstrate that it can correctly identify and select the correct scent of the searched person, usually provided in the form of a personal item, and clearly differentiate it from other human scents. The test confirms that the team is working on an individual scent and not on a general track or other visual or environmental cues. The dog's accuracy and confidence at this stage are fundamental to the success of the entire Mantrailing test.

Mantrailing Test

This is the main and most complex test, in which the dog must track the trail of a missing person in a realistic scenario. The difficulty increases with the level (V, A, B) and may include factors such as the age of the track, trail length, different surfaces (urban, semi-urban, natural), intersections, contamination with other human scents, and temporary loss of the trail. The evaluation focuses on the dog's ability to maintain the correct scent, the handler's working method, accurate reading of the dog's signals, and cooperation between the two throughout the entire mission.

Through this clear and progressive structure, IRO Mantrailing ensures high training standards for search and rescue teams, guaranteeing that they are capable of intervening efficiently and professionally in real-life situations. IRO certifications are not merely sporting exams, but a confirmation that the team can meet the demanding requirements of operational work, where every decision and every track can make a difference.