Tracking

AKC TRACKING

Tracking is a noncompetitive outdoor sport which teaches you to read and understand your dog. The Tracking Test demonstrates the dog's willingness to work and ability to follow human scent. The dog works for the sheer love of scenting.

Tracking Titles which can be earned :

TD - Tracking Dog
TDX - Tracking Dog Excellent
VST - Variable Surface Tracking
CT - Champion Tracker

ELIGIBILITY

TD - Any AKC registered dog may enter a Tracking Test/TD at six months of age or older after passing a Certification Test. A dog is tested on their ability to follow a track laid by a person on moderate terrain, under a variety of conditions and finding an article dropped by that person. A TD track must be at least 30 minutes old containing turns with an article dropped at the end. Once a dog has passed the Certification and Tracking Test, AKC will issue a Tracking Dog Certificate and permit the letters "TD" after the dog's name which allows the dog to enter a licensed Tracking Test/TDX.

TDX - The Tracking Test/TDX tests the dogs ability to discriminate scent under a variety of conditions with difficult challenges. The track can lead wherever a person might go on a variety of terrain. TDX tracks must be at least 3 hours old with two cross tracks and turns plus obstacles and articles included. This test is open to dogs who have earned their TD Titles. AKC will issue a Tracking Dog Excellent Certificate to dogs passing the test and permit the letters "TDX" be used after the dog's name.

VST - The Variable Surface Tracking Test/VST is open to dogs who have earned the TD or TDX Title. This is a test of credibility, verifying the dog's ability to recognize and follow human scent while changing scenting conditions. The scent is given to the dog at the start of the test. The dog must be motivated to work on variable surfaces with a minimum of three different surfaces and consist of four articles. The VST track must be at least three hours old but no more than five hours old. AKC will issue a Variable Surface Tracking Dog Certificate to dogs passing the test and permit the letter "VST" be used after the dog's name.

CT - AKC will issue a Champion Tracker Certificate for each AKC registered dog who has earned all three Tracking Titles, TD, TDX and VST. They permit the use of the letters CT preceding the name of the dog.

Shibas who have passed a tracking test in 2001:
01/21/01: CH Hilarow Genuine Idaho Sunset, VCD1, OA - C Loomis, C Hildebrand. Passed Tracking Test at Orange Empire Dog Club

To find more information regarding AKC Tracking and Regulations, visit AKC's Website at http://www.akc.org