International Testing Standards (ITS) from 1 January 2012

International Testing Standards for rescue dog tests (ITS) of the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI, International Canine Federation) and the Internationale Rettungshunde Organisation (IRO, International Rescue Dog Organisation)

Nosework:
RH-FL A (area): Time limit: max. 15 minutes for the search without alert exercise, open and covered terrain, 100 x 200 m, 2 persons.

RH-FL B:
Time limit: max. 30 minutes for the search without alert exercise, open and at least 50% covered terrain or building, 35,000 - 40,000 m², 3 persons.

RH-T A (debris):
Time limit: max. 20 minutes for the search without alert exercise, destroyed or partly destroyed property, at least 800 – 1,000 m², one or more storeys, dark or hollowed areas, deep hiding places (up to 1 m), 2 hidden persons (the dog should not be able to see or touch them). Distractions include: smouldering fire, running motors, hammering, drumming, etc., two persons moving in the search area.

RH-T B:
Time limit: max. 30 minutes for the search without alert exercise, destroyed or partly destroyed property, at least 1,200 – 1,500 m², one or more storeys, at least 2 dark or hollowed areas, at least 2 deep hiding places (up to 2 m) or at least 2 high-up hiding places (min. 2 m), 3 hidden persons (the dog should not be able to see or touch them). Distractions include: smouldering fire, running motors, hammering, drumming, etc., several people moving in the search area.

RH-L A (avalanche), biological locating:
Time limit: max. 15 minutes for the search, snowfield of at least 8,000 m², 2 persons buried in max. 1 metre deep snow. Distractions include: at least 3 persons running or skiing in the search area.

RH-L B, biological locating:
Time limit: max. 30 minutes for the search, snowfield of at least 12,000 m², 3 persons buried in approx. 2 metre deep snow. Distractions include: at least 3 persons running or skiing in the search area.

RH-L A/B, technical locating:
5 minutes, snowfield 10x10 m, 1 avalanche rescue beacon each as a transmitter (buried 0.3 m deep) and receiver.

RH-W A (water):
Bringing a rescue device from the shore (rope), hauling a person in from the shore (harness), bringing a rescue device from the boat (rope), hauling a person in from the boat (harness), transport of an unseaworthy boat (rowing boat), 25 m distances.

RH-T B:
Bringing a rescue device from the shore (life belt), hauling a person in from the shore (arm grip), bringing a rescue device from the boat (life belt), hauling a person in from the boat (arm grip), transport of an unseaworthy boat (motor boat), 40 m distances.