Mantrailing is a discipline, not just a weekend hobby with your dog. An exam is where the training gets tested for real. Can your dog handle a live search, stay level-headed around strangers, work through distractions it's never seen on a training field? A pass confirms the work is holding up. A fail tells you exactly what to fix.
We recommend that every team eventually takes an exam, mantrailing or obedience, because a judge's feedback is more reliable than your own read of a training session. It gives you a clear result instead of a guess.
Before attempting a mantrailing exam, it pays to get the basics right first. Obedience and behavior around people and other dogs matter more than most handlers expect, especially once you're working on real streets or open terrain instead of a familiar field.
That's where TSAC and BH come in:
• TSAC (Sociability and Canine Aptitude Test) checks how the dog behaves in ordinary situations: around people, other dogs, noise, a moving crowd. No club membership is needed to enter, and the dog must be at least 12 months old on the day.
• BH (Begleithund) tests basic obedience and how the dog copes in public: on leash, near cyclists, in a group of strangers. Same minimum age of 12 months, and passing BH is required before most higher-level working exams will let you register.
For exact dates and locations, check the national events list. TSAC and BH sessions run across Romania, organized by clubs and associations authorized by A.Ch.R.
Once obedience is solid, two paths lead into mantrailing itself: IRO Mantrailing, run internationally across three levels (V, A, B) and geared toward search-and-rescue style work. The other option is Mantrailing Hungary K9, a seven-level system (MT1 to MT7) with published fees and cross-recognition against IRO, ROKK and MAA results.
Comparing the Exams
| Exam | What it tests | Levels | Min. age | Pass criteria | Organizer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSAC | Sociability & everyday behavior | Single test | 12 months | Qualitative grade | A.Ch.R. |
| BH | Basic obedience + public behavior | Single test | 12 months | ≥70% points (obedience) + "sufficient" (socialization) | A.Ch.R. |
| IRO Mantrailing | Obedience/agility + odour discrimination + mantrailing | V → A → B | 15 mo (V) · 18 mo (A) · 20 mo (B) | ≥70% points per phase | IRO (international) |
| Mantrailing Hungary K9 | Progressive trailing/search | MT1 → MT7 | Not published | Level-specific fail criteria | Mantrailing Hungary K9; cross-recognized with IRO, ROKK, MAA |
Which One Should You Take First?
Start with a foundation exam: TSAC for a lower-pressure first assessment, or BH if you're already aiming at working-dog exams later, since BH tends to be the one they require anyway. Once that's done, pick a mantrailing path based on where you want to end up: IRO if you want a recognized search-and-rescue style progression. Mantrailing Hungary K9 is the better fit if you'd rather have a longer, more granular level structure with clear pricing and results that carry over to other systems.
Ready to sign up? Check the events calendar for the next session near you.