What's the tracking Test

by Berdell K. Koch

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.

The dog works a track on a harness and long line, at least 20 feet from the handler.  The track is walked (laid), an article dropped at the end.  Each track has several turns and or angles.  The distance must be at least 440 yards but not more than 500 yards for a TD track.  The track is then left to age, 35 minutes to 2 hours for a TD, longer for TDX or VST.  Speed is not important.  There is no competition.  The dog either passes or fails.  The handler and dog work as a team, but the handler may not guide the dog.  Verbal encouragement is allowed.

A dog must work a track successfully and be evaluated by an AKC Tracking judge before entering an AKC Tracking Trial.  This is called a Tracking Certification test.

The AKC has 3 tracking tests. Tracking (TD), Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) and Variable Surface Tracking (VST).

TD is basically the dog’s ability to follow a track laid by a person under a variety of conditions and to find an article, usually a leather glove,  dropped by that person at the end of the track,  TDX  is to show without a doubt 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. (Example: obstacles, changes in terrain, multiple drops, many turns and extreme aging time)

VST track is laid on a wide variety of surfaces, around buildings,  through parking lots, with lots of distractions. Several types of articles must be found.  Aging time is several hours.