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Agility | Conformation | Disc Dogs | Dock Diving | Earth Dog Trials | Flyball | Herding | Field Trials & Hunting | Lure Coursing  Obedience | Rally- O | Schutzhund & Protection Dogs | Therapy Dogs | Tracking | Pulling Sports

Tracking at AthleticDogs.com

AKC and CKC tracking trials are the competition form of canine search and rescue, and focus on demonstrating the extremely high level of scent capability of dogs. The tests are currently run in just about any environment, from the classic open field to new urban settings like office parks and college campuses. Tracking tests are an exciting way to get your dog working in a sport that tends to come very naturally to most dogs!

There are several titles to be earned through AKC and CKC tracking tests, and only one track must be successfully completed to earn each title. The AKC titles are:

• Tracking Dog (TD)   The dog must follow a track 440 to 550 yards long with three to five changes of direction. The track is aged 30 to 120 minutes after laid by the human tracklayer, at which time the dog is expected to follow the trail and locate an article left at the end of that trail. In this entry level event, the handler may follow the dog on a long leash and encourage him or her along.
• Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX)   The next level of title requires the dog to follow an older (3 to 5 hours) and longer (800 to 1000 yards) with 5 to 7 directional changes. In addition, there are often human cross tracks included that are intended to test the dog’s distractibility.
• Variable Surface Tracking (VST)   VST requires dogs to track through real-world, urban settings. The track is usually 3 to 5 hours old and may run down a public street, through a building, or in other urban places.
• Champion Tracker (CT)   Champion tracker titles are awarded to dogs that have successfully completed all three tracking titles discussed above.