Simply put, tracking is an activity in which a dog follows the scent of a human being. The dog begins at a known starting point and follows the unknown path taken by that person. Tracking dogs can be used to find lost persons, but it is also a fascinating and enjoyable pastime for you and your dog.

Tracking is an activity open to all dogs. All dogs are tracking dogs; they are born that way. They track their mothers across the whelping box even before their eyes are open. We do not "teach a dog to track". We simply reinforce the dog's natural ability. "Training a dog to track" consists of teaching the dog to follow the particular scent that we want him to follow.

The dog's olfactory system is capable of feats that we humans are incapable of duplicating and perhaps even of understanding. We can theorize about what scent is, how it behaves, how the dog is detecting it, and specifically what it is that the dog detects. We can theorize, but we do not know- and the dog does! One of the most important lessons that the handler must learn is that the dog knows what it is doing, and we don't. Training the handler is at least as important part of tracking training, if not more important, than training the dog.

In tracking, perhaps more than in any other area of dog activities, we are talking about establishing a partnership between the dog and the human.

The above information was received from Twin Cities Obedience Training Club's Tracking Information.

The American Kennel Club's Tracking Club's Regulations state:

"Tracking, by its nature, is a vigorous noncompetitive 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."

The first level of tracking is the:

Tracking Dog (TD) In this test you and your dog will run a track that is 450-500 yards long, aged 30 minutes to 2 hours old, with 3-5 turns. There will be a start flag, directional flag, and an end article. If you and your dog complete the test successfully you will receive your TD! Before entering this test, most organizations will require certification. Certification is when you meet with a qualified judge, they lay a regulation type track, and you and your dog successfully pass the track.

Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) In this test you and your dog will run a track that is 800-1,000 yards long, aged 3-5 hours, 5-7 turns, 2 planned cross-tracks, and 3 articles to find. There will be a start flag and article. If you and your dog complete this track successfully you will receive your TDX. To enter a TDX you must have your TD from the appropriate organization.

Variable Surface Test (VST}) In this test you and your dog will run a track that is 500-700 yards long, aged 3-5 hours, 5-7 turns, 3 articles to find, and the track will be in public type area such as a college campus, army base, or industrial park. To enter a VST you must have your TD from the appropriate organization.

If you receive all 3 titles from the AKC you will be a Champion Tracker (CT)!!!!

There are several ways to earn tracking titles.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) offer TD, TDX, and VST tests.

Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) offer TD and TDX tests.

American Mix Breed Obedience (AMBOR) offer TD and TDX tests.

Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) offer TD and TDX tests.

Whenever entering a tracking test it is always a good idea to read that particular club's rule book. If you have any questions, please ask the host club holding the test or contact the organization directly. They will be more than willing to help.