|
|
|
Tracking... ...by nature, is a vigorous, noncompetitive outdoor sport. This sport allows dogs, which are trained in tracking to be tested on their ability to recognize and follow human scent and find an article, or articles, left by the person whom they are tracking, a skill that is useful in the service of mankind. The American Kennel Club offers three different tests, varying in difficulty and venue. The Tracking Dog (TD) title is the most basic test and is the foundation for the two other titles, the Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) and the Variable Surface Tracker (VST) titles. A dog, which passes all three tests, earns the title of Champion Tracker (CT). A dog with the ability to pass these tests is a true Champion of this sport. See the perpetual list of CT Tervs since the award was started.
The primary feature of a Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) test is to show unquestionably that the dog has the ability to discriminate scent and possesses the stamina, perseverance and courage to do so under a wide variety of conditions. Some of these conditions include obstacles, such as woods, streams, or fences, and the track must be crossed at two widely separated points by two people other than the primary tracklayer. The dog must actively work throughout these challenging conditions. The dog/handler team, which passes this extremely difficult test, has truly earned the title Tracking Dog Excellent.
The first VST test was held September 5, 1995 in Ellicott City, MD. Since
then, more than 81 all-breed VST titles have been awarded and 76
all-breed Champion Tracker titles, 20 in 2003 alone.
With a nationwide pass rate of about
Die-hard tracking enthusiasts know that there is no other sport that solidifies the dog/owner bond than the fascinating world of scentwork and tracking. For more information on these events or on getting started in this sport, visit the American Kennel Club website at www.akc.org and look up "Getting Started in Tracking". The ABTC Tracking Committee has also composed a list of available resources for those interested in tracking. You may view recommended Internet links , or download and print Acrobat pdf files listing Recommended Readings by clicking on the button . (Not familiar with downloading Acrobat pdf files? Click here for instructions) The Tracking Committee is available to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact anyone on the Committee.
|
|
Problems or Comments? Use
our Contact Form |
All tracking events are pass/fail. The fundamental features of a TD test are
the dog’s ability to follow a track laid
by a person under a variety of conditions on moderate terrain and find an
article dropped by that person. A dog must possess the TD title before being
allowed to exhibit in either the Tracking Dog Excellent or the Variable Surface
Tracking tests. (Ed.
The Variable Surface Tracking test is a test of credibility, verifying
the dog’s ability to recognize and follow human scent while adapting to changing
scenting conditions. While the TD and TDX tests are conducted in fields or
forest preserves, the VST test is an urban tracking level. Tests are held at
locations such as business and corporate parks, community or state colleges and
other various urban venues. The dog must follow the scent of his tracklayer over
differing and sometimes widely variable surfaces, for example concrete, asphalt,
and gravel and there must be at least three of these surfaces in each test
track. One third to one half of the track must be devoid of vegetation.
7
%, as opposed to 55% for TD and 17% for the TDX title, there can be