Tracking
Tracking is a non-competitive sport. It is judged, not with a scorecard or based on a standard, but on a pass/fail basis. The AKC Tracking Regulations state "Tracking, by its nature is a vigorous non-competitive outdoor sport. Tracking Tests should demonstrate willingness and enjoyment by the dog in his work, and should always represent the best in sportsmanship and camaraderie by the people involved." Tracking is also a integral part of the Schutzhund competition, as well as a separate sport in the SV system. Tracking dogs are trained to follow the scent of a person.
Tracking TestIn tracking tests, dogs are required to follow tracks of various lengths and degrees of difficulty to find articles which were left behind by the person who laid the track. This is a controlled way to measure a dog's ability to follow a particular scent from one point to another and a reflection of what a dog and its handler might be called upon to do in the search for a person. While all dogs are born with the ability to follow a scent, not all dogs can be called upon to follow/find someone. Usually only a trained tracking dog that is willing to follow a scent that is selected by the handler can provide this service to the community. Tracking tests mimic real life situations in an attempt to fully test the dog's scenting abilities.
The titles the dogs can earn are:
- AKC - American Kennel Club
- TD - Tracking Dog
- TDX - Tracking Dog Excellent
- UDT - Utility Dog Tracker (UD + TD)
- UDTX - Utility Dog Tracker Excellent (UD + TDX)
- VST - Variable Surface Tracker
- TCH - Tracking Championship
- CKC - Canadian Kennel Club
- TD - Tracking Dog
- TDX - Tracking Dog Excellent
- UDT - Utility Dog Tracker (UD + TD)
- UDTX - Utility Dog Tracker Excellent (UD + TDX)
- CT - Champion Tracker
SV - Verein für Deutsche Scháferhunde
- FH1 - Fahrtenhund level 1
- FH2 - Fahrtenhund level 2
- FH3 - Fahrtenhund level 3
On October 16, 2011, the Nova Scotia German Shepherd Dog Club held its annual tracking trial. A thank you is extended to Louise Weaver who was this year’s Judge. Thanks as well to everyone who entered the trial, as well as the many volunteers who helped with the track laying. We hope to see you again next year.
Those who successfully obtained a tracking title are noted below -
TD awarded to -
Peter Dillon and GSS Hazel Gaia Von Amalaberg
Marion Harper and GSD Quymera’s Solo Flight.
TDX awarded to -
Shirley Robertson and Standard Poodle Colanda’s Hubbell Morena, TD
Anne Arsenault and GSD Gaige vom klebitzende SchH3, FH2, CGN, CD, TD
About The Breed
General Facts | Breed History | Raising Your Dog
Related Activities
Tracking | Obedience | Herding | Agility | Schutzhund
Articles
Temperament Test | Aggression