In the American Kennel Club (AKC), tracking events fall under the Obedience Division. Many obedience clubs offer tracking classes and conduct tracking tests. These tests assess a dog's ability to follow a scent trail across various terrains, mimicking the skills needed to find lost or injured people. Unlike most real search and rescue operations, which are done off-lead, dogs in AKC Tracking Tests wear a non-restrictive harness and are on a long line.

There are three levels of tests in AKC Tracking:

Tracking Dog (TD)

Test: Follows a simple track of 440-500 yards, laid 30-120 minutes before.

Course: Contains 3-5 turns, predominantly in the same type of cover.

Objective: Locate a glove or wallet at the end of the track.

Title: Dogs completing this track earn the suffix title “Tracking Dog” (TD).

Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX)

Test: Follows a harder and older track of 800-1000 yards, laid 3-5 hours before.

Course: Contains 5-7 turns, with obstacles like downed branches, plowed fields, and cross tracks.

Objective: Find four different articles along the track.

Title: Dogs completing this track earn the suffix title “Tracking Dog Excellent” (TDX).

Variable Surface Tracking (VST)

Test: Follows a trail of 3-5 hours old across various surfaces like pavement, concrete, lawns, high grass, and bricks.

Objective: Find articles made of leather, metal, plastic, and clothing fabric.

Title: Dogs completing this track earn the suffix title “Variable Surface Tracker” (VST).

Achievement: Dogs earning all three tracking titles (TD, TDX, and VST) are awarded the prefix title “Champion Tracker” (CT).

Curious about exploring Tracking with your dog? Our expert AWPGA Tracking Ambassadors are here to guide you! These dedicated members are seasoned in tracking trials and eager to share their knowledge, answer your questions, and offer enthusiastic support. Connect with us and start your tracking journey today!

Katy Torrey
Jacktorrey@hotmail.com

Ruth Vogel
ruth_vogel@aol.com