Class A Scent Discrimination is the lowest of the Kennel Club’s classes of scent in obedience competition.

There are 5 neutral scent cloths – all neutral cloths must be provided by the show society.

The judge must provide a ‘marked cloth’ for each of the handlers competing whom put their scent on the cloth provided. The 5 neutral cloths are laid on the ground in a straight line by the steward.

The handler’s cloth, now with the handler’s scent on is taken by the steward with a pair of tongs (so as not to contaminate with another scent) and placed with the already placed 5 neutral cloths maintaining the straight line (which now contains the maximum 6 cloths, needed in Class A)

The scented cloth (from the handler) must be placed in the same position within the straight line of the final 6 cloths for all handlers.

The straight line of the total 6 cloths can be in any direction in relation to the handler’s position when facing the cloths.

Scent Cloth Details

Cloths in Class A are a minimum size of 6” x 6” to a maximum size of 10” x 10”. These cloths are cotton or linen, so as not to conduct static if used in indoor competition.

All cloths are weighted in one corner, to keep them in place when using in outdoor competition.

Markings on the Scent Cloths

Of the 6 cloths, the handlers cloth will have a mark on it, to differentiate it from the other 5. This is needed if the dog was to for example skid into all the cloths sending them all over the place, but still enabling the handlers cloth to be identified at the end of the exercise.

Who Supplies the Scent Cloths ?

The Show Society provide the cloths for the competition regardless of level entered

Setting out a scent cloth pattern

An ‘A’ class scent pattern comprises of a total of 6 cloths laid in a straight line in any direction.

The 6 cloths are set down between 3 and 5 feet apart.

Attention should be paid when setting out your pattern as to the direction of the wind across the cloths.

Instructing the Handler during competition

The handler will be asked to take a cloth from the ringside table when told and enter the ring area carrying that cloth. Whilst walking into the area you can handle the cloth putting your scent all over it. You are not allowed to give it to the dog, throw it on the ground or allow the dog to pick it up.

The scent exercise begins with the dog facing away from the scent area. This means that you can either set your dog up in the present position with you facing the cloths or with your dog facing you.

• “Do you want to stand in front of your dog or turn it around facing you”

You will be applying your scent to the cloth in this position, the cloth is then taken by the steward. They will take it from you and place it in the line of cloths. Your dog at this stage is still facing away from the area.

Once the steward has placed the cloth and returned to you, You will be asked to turn around so you and your dog are facing the scent pattern on the floor. Then you will be instructed as follows:-

• “Give your dog scent and stand up straight when you are ready”

In class A you give scent from your hand, cupping your hand around but not touch your dog’s nose, sufficient gap needs to be in place for the dog to take in air as well as the scent.

• Steward will instruct you to “Send your dog”
• Dog runs out and collects the cloth
• Dog picks up the cloth
• Dog returns to the handler and presents the cloth in front of the handler
• Steward will instruct you to “Take your cloth”
• Steward will instruct you to “Finish / Finish your dog”
• Steward will then say to you “Exercise over”

Commands in Class A Scent Discrimination 
During the test you can only use a simultaneous command and signal at the start of the exercise, you can also use the dogs name.

Points deductions / Penalties

The number of points you begin with in Class A (for Scent Discrimination) is 30

You will be deducted points for the way the dog works the area, delivery of the cloth, positioning on the present, the finish. 
A Typical ‘A’ Scent Pattern