1. When were the first TD, TDX and VST tracking titles offered?
The first tracking test at which a dog could earn a TD title was October 7, 1947. Until that time, tracking was part of the Utility Dog title. The first tracking test (as part of the UD title) was held on September 13, 1937, as reported in "The Story of Dog Obedience" by Blanche Saunders. The TDX test was first offered in 1980 with the VST being offered in 1995. As of July 3, 2001, The American Kennel Club records show that 44 dogs have earned the Champion Tracker title and 50 dogs have earned the VST title.
2. Since the six-month wait requirement between TD, TDX and VST was removed from Tracking Regulations, may a club require a copy of your TD certificate with your registration for a TDX or VST test?
No, once you pass your TD test you may go directly on to your TDX or bypass the TDX and go directly to VST. In consideration of the limited slots at tracking tests and to promote success at tracking events, you should make every effort to have your dog trained to the best of their ability prior to entering a TDX or VST test.
3. Is there a mileage restriction between tracking tests being held on the same day?
No, there is no mileage restriction between tracking tests being held on the same day.
4. Can a National Specialty, Specialty, or All Breed club hold a tracking test on the same day as other events?
No, another day must be designated for the tracking test.
5. How do I enter a tracking test?
First you must have your dog certified by an AKC judge. An experienced tracklayer or AKC judge will lay a regulation TD track for your dog to follow. After successfully completing the track (while under the observation of the judge), the judge will issue 4 tracking certificates. The certificates are good for one year and each time you enter a test, you must provide one certificate with your entry form. If you are not accepted into the test you should request your certificate be returned. You will only receive 4 certificates on one dog.
6. Who decides which dog is selected for the test and then which dog tracks first?
All entries must be submitted to the test secretary on the day of or prior to the closing date. A random drawing will be held at a public place that is generally convenient to all parties. If there are more entries than the number of tracks, people will be placed on an "alternate" list in the order drawn. On the day of the test another drawing will be held to determine the running order. If anyone is absent, than all vacancies will be filled by the alternates present. Entries will be selected in the order that they appear on the alternate list until the entry limit is reached.
If a "Specialty Breed" club is sponsoring the test, then preference is given to all dogs of that breed with any remaining slots going to dogs of other breeds. This includes the alternate list. On the day of the test, one drawing will be held for all dogs entered to determine the running order, regardless of their breed.
7. How do I find a tracking judge in my area?
You will need to go to our searchable Judges Directory.
8. How do I become a apprentice tracking judge?
Contact the judge for upcoming tracking tests and ask if you may walk with the judges the day of plotting and then draw maps as if you were the judge. You would also prepare charts as if you were going to send them to the AKC. When you apply to be a tracking judge use these maps as part of your application.
9. How do I teach my dog how to track? Are there books you can recommend? Can we train for regular tracking and fieldwork at the same time?
The AKC does not generally recommend books. You might search the web for vendors of dog products and try your local bookstores. The following books are ones that the AKC tracking staff members have used and liked. This list does not include all the excellent books on the market but are representative of staff favorites.
1. Scent and The Scenting Dog by William G. Syrotuck
2. Tracking Dog: Theory and Method by Glen R. Johnson
3. Enthusiastic Tracking by William (Sil) Sanders
4. Tracking From the Ground Up by Sandy Ganz & Susan Boyd
5. Following Ghosts by John Rice & Suzanne Clothier (Search and Rescue)
Our dogs already know how to track. What we have to do is teach the dog to track what we want him or her to track, and when we want them to. We have to give the dog a reason to use his nose. You can start by laying a short track using food, a toy or by having the dog find you. One way is to make a box with each side being about 10 paces long. The size of the box would depend on the size of your dog. At each corner, hide a bit of food under a leaf or something just big enough to cover it and when the dog finds the food offer a lot of praise. At the end of the track hide your treat under a glove and after finding the food make the dog give you the glove. In a real trial you would take the glove and then indicate to the judge it had been found.
As far as training for tracking and fieldwork at the same time, our advice would be to start with AKC TD type tracking and after your dog has completed the TD tracking test, then start with training for the fieldwork. Trying to do both at the same time could confuse the dog.
10. How do I find a club in my area?
You will need to go to our Club Search page.
Please note that you will receive the name and address of one of the club officers, but no telephone number. You may write to the club or call your local directory assistance for a telephone number.
11. How do I find a tracking event in my area?
You will need to go to our Event Search page.
12. How does my club get approved to host a TDX or VST tracking test?
First you must hold what is called a Match. Call Event Plans (919) 816-3584 and request they send you a kit to plan or hold a TDX or VST match. This kit should include a Sanctioned Match Application (at this time the color is blue) and a Report of Dog Show & Obedience Trial Match form (currently pink). Also, request a copy of the Regulations for Holding a Match. The Match Regulations are also on our website at www.akc.org. Complete the forms and return to Event Plans.
The match will be run just like a licensed test except that no titles are awarded and dogs need not be certified to enter. If you are holding a TD match and one of the judges is an approved or provisional judge, a dog that passes can receive their certification allowing them to enter future tracking tests. It is possible to hold a TDX and VST match on the same day. You may not hold a match and test on the same day.
According to the AKC Match Regulations, the primary purpose of this type of event is to give members of clubs the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and competence in handing the details of a Tracking Test. A club must hold at least one Sanctioned Tracking Test which is considered "qualifying" by the American Kennel Club, before an application for a Licensed Tracking Test may be considered.
13. How old should my dog be before I start tracking?
A dog can be started as young as 4 months of age. It is important to know the limitation of your dog so as not to push too hard. If tracking is viewed as fun and the reward (food, a toy or play) is meaningful, he will pick up tracking quickly. Most dogs love tracking and will enjoy your outings. There are several good books that provide a structured program for tracking training that you can use working alone if there is no one nearby to work with. However, a dog must be certified either by an approved or provisional tracking judge and be six months of age before they may enter a tracking test.
14. Does the AKC have a program recognizing service dogs or search and rescue?
The American Kennel Club does not have a program that recognizes the various service dogs and search and rescue groups. We are happy to say that Therapy Dogs International recognizes our Canine Good Citizen program and incorporates it into their training program.
15. I elected Emeritus status. Can I still certify dogs for TD tests?
Yes, there is a great need in some states for judges to certify dogs. Just call the AKC Tracking Department at (919) 816-3557 to let us know you are available.
16. How many dogs must be entered and actually run a track in a tracking test for it to be considered an official test?
It takes only one dog for a test to be an official test. The test is official whether the dog passes the test or not.
17. Can our TD or TDX or VST section of our test be held at different sites?
There should be no problem having different test sites as long as ample driving time from one site to the other is allowed on the day of the test. The test sites should be within reasonable distance of each other.
18. Why is there an alternate track and when would it be used?
Generally, alternate tracks are only used in situations where the track has been fouled. Examples would be people having walked over the track, an animal on the field being aggressive towards the exhibitor's dog or an error by the tracklayer that would cause the track to be too short or present a difficult scenting situation for the dog. It is up to the judges to determine if an alternate is warranted. While strongly encouraged for TD and TDX you are not required to plot them.
19. My dog earned a title from another association, i.e. American Working Collie Assoc. When I submit my entry form may I or should I put this title on my form?
You may, but all non-AKC titles will not be printed in the catalogue. We publish only American Kennel Club titles.
20. I am the tracking test secretary and receive an entry for a dog that either I, or a member of my family has bred. We do not own or co-own the dog, as tracking test secretary can I accept the entry?
If entries are full and an alternate list is necessary we would advise that 2 neutral parties supervise the drawing which is held in a public place. If the test is not filled then there is no problem.
