The urban environment can be challenging when considering the best placement of articles on a Variable Surface Track. Judges must focus on both the regulation requirements and the physical surroundings when deciding where to drop articles.
Regulations:
● Articles should meet the criteria for material, size, and weight. The dog should be able to safely pick up all articles.
● Articles must be inconspicuous in color in comparison to the surrounding terrain.
● Judges should avoid using standardized articles and should place articles in varying random order.
● Tracklayers must prepare an extra start article (fabric or leather) and have it readily available in case the start article is fouled or missing.
● Articles may be weighted in place if necessary. Discuss this with the tracklayers in advance.
● Article 2 or 3 must be dropped on a non-vegetated surface.
● The final article may be on vegetation or a non-vegetated surface.
Reminders:
● The second article may be placed on the first leg when the leg is exceptionally long.
● Consider the safety of the dog by not placing a rigid plastic article where it could be run over by a car and shattered.
● Articles placed near trash receptacles and in front of doors are often placed in the bin.
● Avoid physical obstacles where the dog may be working on the wrong side of a hedge, landscaping wall, fencing or other impediments that may cause the dog to miss the article.
● Think about what happens to the scent close to buildings (push/pull effect caused by wind currents).
● Avoid placing articles on a raised area or sidewalk where the dog is likely to work the scent at the bottom of the slope, missing the article.
Happy Tracking!