TRACKING:

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.

Tracking Dog: 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.

Tracking Dog Excellent: 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: 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.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Sounds like fun and you want to get going. Here are some ideas and resources:

(1) Don't wait! Puppy kindergarten classes are designed for 2 to 5 month old dogs and really focus on the very basics of training. Many basic training classes start puppies at 5 to 6 months of age. And just like kids, puppies pick up lessons very quickly when learning is made into a fun game.

(2) Your local dog club may hold classes taught by people knowledgeable in the sport that can help you train for these exercises. There are 5 kinds of dog clubs to check out: Obedience Clubs, Tracking Clubs, All-Breed Clubs (devoted to the entire dog experience), Group Clubs (devoted to a variety group, like Toys or Terriers), and Local Specialty Clubs (devoted to one breed). There may be one or all in your area that holds classes and publishes newsletters with articles. Getting involved with a club can teach you many more things about your dog that can be helpful.

If you need to find one of these clubs, contact AKC Customer Service or email:
info@akc.org and ask for a free Geographical List of Clubs.

The American Kennel Club has lots of material available for you:

Obedience and Tracking Regulations
AKC Dog Care and Training Book
"A Beginner's Guide to Dog Care and Training" (video)
"Tips on Training" (video)
TheAKC Gazette; the AKC's monthly magazine contains great articles on all facets
of the dog world, including training, and an Events Calendar which lists upcoming
Obedience and Tracking Trials
To order any of these items, contact Customer Service or email info@akc.org

Visit AKC's extensive website at: http://www.akc.org