AKC National Tracking Invitational
September 20th and 21st, 2003 - Asheville, NC
Billie French - CT Bi-Kentucky Noreko CD (German Shepherd Dog)

Comments from the Judges
Mr. John F. Barnard of Lombard, IL and Ms. Joyce Klamut of Dover, OH

"This dog had a nice start, casted a little and then executed the first turn. The dog adapted to a change in the scent picture on the second leg, but ultimately overshot the second turn due to unfavorable scenting conditions. The dog could not recover at this point, but after being assisted back to the track, successfully completed the same." Video Clips: Click on image for caption and larger view.
   

More information on Billie French

Tracking has been a life long fascination for Billie French. She has been involved in the sport for 15 years and has proven herself as a dedicated enthusiast.

Billie's canine companion for the 2003 AKC National Tracking Invitational is CT Bi-Kentucky Noreko, CD. A German Shepherd Dog, he has achieved the three different AKC tracking titles required to earn the highly sought after Champion Tracker (CT) title.

Billie inadvertently began tracking as a child. She trained her dog to follow her scent in the effort to find her in a hiding spot. She also trained the same dog to find her younger sister. This seemingly simple activity is the foundation of AKC Tracking that sometimes even the best dog trainers cannot accomplish. This activity also could have proven useful if either Billie or her sister were missing; the dog could have been put to use to track their scent, something tracking dogs are used for now.

Over the years Billie has dedicated time to research tracking and how dogs follow and work with scent using their natural abilities. She developed her talents in training for tracking and finished many dogs to advanced titles. She also trained several other dogs to advanced titles. Billie has been an approved AKC Tracking judge for 14 years. She is able to judge TD, TDX, and VST tracking events, a great achievement in the tracking sport.

Her partner for the AKC National Tracking Invitational, CT Bi-Kentucky Noreko, CD, is a talented tracking dog. He earned his TD and TDX before age two and worked extremely hard to achieve the esteemed Variable Surface Tracker (VST) title and become a Champion Tracker.

She has learned, especially through the VST test, that tracking is a true, intense partnership between canine and companion. Tracking, to Billie, is a real team effort sport. She looks forward to showcasing this partnership and bond in September. Billie French resides in Lexington, Kentucky.