Every judge plotting a track at every tracking test level should give careful consideration to the safety of the dog and handler. In general, judges should be aware of steep ravines, dangerous animal habitat, barbed wire, broken glass, hazardous chemicals recently spread on the field, and non-vegetated surfaces that are hot enough to burn the dog’s feet.
One of the most common TDU/VST safety concerns is the proximity of the track to a busy street. Judges must be especially aware of the dangers of traffic in the urban environment. TDX tracks may be plotted to cross a lightly traveled road. Whenever there is potential for safety issues with roads, judges may choose to post a person at a suitable distance from the track to observe the handler and warn them of potential problems, such as moving vehicles, cyclists, etc. The handler, judges or assigned person may stop the dog at any time for safety purposes.
There are plotting errors that judges should avoid when dealing with busy streets.
1. A start and first leg of a track should not be close to a street. The dog must be given ample space and opportunity to take scent and begin tracking. If the track is too close to a street, the handler may feel the need to restrain or guide a dog that is searching for the track as the dog nears the traffic. Also, the scent of the track may be more difficult to find as vehicles cause movement of the track scent both away and toward the passing cars.
2. A track leg should not go toward a busy street and make a turn just before the street. A track should be plotted to allow the dog to safely search for the new direction of the track. Again, the handler may feel the need to restrain or guide a dog if the dog nears dangerous conditions.
A dog that is quickly approaching traffic may potentially cause traffic stoppage and/or accidents as well.
Let’s keep everyone safe and have fun!