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Tracking
From the American Kennel Club - Tracking
website.
The purpose of a tracking test is to
demonstrate the dog's ability to recognize and follow human scent, a
skill that is useful in the service of mankind.
Tracking, by nature, is a vigorous, noncompetitive outdoor sport.
Tracking tests demonstrate the willingness and enjoyment of the dog
in its work, and should always represent the best in sportsmanship
and camaraderie by the people involved.
"We've all seen countless movies of dogs following the trail of
an escapee through swamps. The AKC's Tracking Trials allow dogs to
demonstrate their natural ability to recognize and follow human
scent. This vigorous outdoor activity is great for canine athletes.
Unlike Obedience events that require a dog to qualify 3 times, a dog
must successfully complete only one track to earn his title.
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Tracking Dog (TD): A dog earns a TD by following a track laid by a human
from 30 minutes to 2 hours before. The rules describe certain turns
in a 440 to 500 yard track.
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Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX): A TDX is earned by following an
"older" (3 to 5 hours), longer (800 to 1,000 yard) track
with more turns while overcoming both physical and scenting
obstacles.
- Variable Surface Tracking (VST): In the real world, dogs track through
urban settings, as well as through wilderness. A VST dog has
demonstrated this ability by following a 3 to 5 hours-old track that
may take him down a street, through a building and other areas
devoid of vegetation. "
For more information, visit the AKC Getting Started Series: Getting
Started in Obedience and Tracking or read more about training your
dog for tracking in the books:
Fun Nosework for Dogs by Roy Hunter (©1996)
Practical Scent Dog Training by Lou Button (©1990)
Puppy Tracking Primer by Carolyn Krause (©1992)
Tracking From the Ground Up by Sandy Ganz (©1992)
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