In order for an “untitled” dog’s entry to be accepted for a Tracking Dog or Tracking Dog Urban event, the entry must include an original, signed statement that the dog has satisfactorily performed a certification test.
What does “untitled” mean? A dog entered in TD or TDU tests must not have a TD or TDU title in order to be considered “untitled.” If a dog has either a TD or TDU, a certification is not necessary for entry. Dogs without a TD or TDU will be given preference in the draw for entry at closing.
What is a certification test? A certification track will be equivalent to either a TD or TDU test and under similar conditions. The dog must complete the track in its entirety to be certified.
Who can conduct the certification test? All provisional, regular, retired or resigned AKC Tracking Judges and qualified Evaluators (people who have titled a dog to an AKC TDX or VST within the past 10 years) may conduct the certification test. Exhibitors may enter a tracking test under the certifying judge. Judges/Evaluators are not eligible to certify dogs that they own or co-own.
What is a certification statement? The Judge or Evaluator will supply 4 certification statements for dogs that complete their certification track. These certifications may not be reproduced. The certification statements are good for 24 months. If the certification expires or if the dog fails at 4 tests within the 24 month period, the dog must be recertified in order to be eligible to enter TD or TDU tracking tests
Will I get my certification back? Once a dog has exhibited in a test, the certificates are retained by the test-giving club, pass or fail. Dogs that were alternates that did not get a chance to run will have their certificate returned by the club.
What is a good format to use for certification forms? A form must include the date, dog’s registered name, AKC #, Judge/Evaluator printed name, Signature, Judge’s number or Evaluator’s address, email and phone number. Remember that this information needs to be clearly written so that the test secretary can include it in the event catalog.
Here is a good example:
Happy Tracking!