Dogs in Competition, Tracking

Tracking tests allow dogs to demonstrate their natural ability to recognize and follow human scent. Unlike obedience trials that require a dog to qualify three times, a dog must complete only one track successfully to earn a title.

As in obedience, there are three levels of competition. A dog earns a Tracking Dog (TD) title by following a complex track laid by a person 30 minutes to two hours before the event.

To earn a Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) title, a dog must successfully follow a track that is older, longer and less direct, while overcoming physical and scenting obstacles.

To earn a Variable Surface Tracking (VST) title, a dog must track through urban settings as well as through wilderness.

A VST dog demonstrates this ability by following a three to five hour old track over a variety of surfaces, such as down a street, through a building, and across a lot. A dog who achieves all three titles becomes a Champion Tracker (CT).

Titles Available

Tracking Dog (TD)

Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX)

Variable Surface Tracking Dog (VST)

Champion Tracker (CT)