Tracking Dogs
Tracking dogs earn their titles by following scent trails. The dog is placed on a 20 to 40 foot leash and encouraged to find different items by scent. Handlers are able to give verbal commands and praise, but cannot indicate the location of items or entice the dog with rewards such as food or toys.
Dogs can earn two tracking titles: Tracking Dog (TD) and Tracking Dog Excellent(TDX). Tracking dogs are certified dogs that are at least six months old. Thecertification process insures that a dog can manage a track and is ready for thetracking test. To earn a TD title, the dog must follow a scent on a track that is about 450 to 500 yards long and includes turns and straight legs track. The dog The TDX test is more challenging. The track is between 800 and 1000 yards and includes turns and obstacles. The dog must navigate the course and its hazards(fences, roads and streams are common) to track down four different items. Dogs that can master these challenges earn the title.