Tracking Trials
The objective of a tracking trial is to test the dog’s ability to find a deliberately ‘lost’ tracklayer and any articles of clothing they may have dropped along the way. To fairly assess the dog, the tracks are not designed in a meandering fashion, but with reasonably straight lines and varying angles for the turns (changes of direction).
The tracks are set out the day before the trial and are marked, usually with flags or ribbons, and mapped by the track steward. The length of the track, the number of turns and the number of articles left on the track depends on the level of track being set. Tracking trials are conducted in accordance with Dogs Queensland and the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) Rules.
The tracks are set out the day before the trial and are marked, usually with flags or ribbons, and mapped by the track steward. The length of the track, the number of turns and the number of articles left on the track depends on the level of track being set. Tracking trials are conducted in accordance with Dogs Queensland and the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) Rules.
The flags stacked and sorted ready for the next tracking trial.
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Waiting patiently around the camp fire for the fog to lift before tracklayers can see to walk the tracks.
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On the day of the trial, a tracklayer leaves a scented article at the start flag and follows the marked track, removing any markers that have been placed on the track. The tracklayer either, stays in the ‘hide’ at the end of the track, or leaves an article (usually a large t-shirt) and follows a designated route to walk out.
Mary and Dizzi at the start flag. Dizzi searches for scent in the long grass.
For the dog to be awarded a pass, a dog must work continually without assistance from the handler, and find the required number of lost articles and the tracklayer at the end of the track. A pass is graded by the judge on the quality of the work. After the required passes have been awarded, the handler/owner may apply to Dogs Queensland for a tracking title.
There are seven (7) tracking tests. The dog must successfully pass each test before it can compete at the next level.
Each test builds upon the one before, becoming more difficult in terms of the amount of time that passes before the dog begins the track, the distance over which the track is laid and the number of changes of direction the 'tracklayer' makes.
Tracking is non-competitive in that there are no placings awarded. When the dog passes a test its performance is
graded by the judge as a Pass, Good, Very Good or Excellent.
There are seven (7) tracking tests. The dog must successfully pass each test before it can compete at the next level.
Each test builds upon the one before, becoming more difficult in terms of the amount of time that passes before the dog begins the track, the distance over which the track is laid and the number of changes of direction the 'tracklayer' makes.
Tracking is non-competitive in that there are no placings awarded. When the dog passes a test its performance is
graded by the judge as a Pass, Good, Very Good or Excellent.
Tracking Champion 'Hattie' tracking at Grafton, NSW
Dogs which achieve the top level in tracking are awarded a Tracking Champion title.
Tracking Champions are then eligible to enter the next stage of tracking, Track and Search which can be conducted in
either rural or urban areas. The club conducts two track and search trials each year at Strathpine on the northside of Brisbane.
Tracking Champions are then eligible to enter the next stage of tracking, Track and Search which can be conducted in
either rural or urban areas. The club conducts two track and search trials each year at Strathpine on the northside of Brisbane.
Helen and Nina
Mary and Dizzi, Judge Ron Jackson, Rosemary with Bailey and Devo
