Turns “Out In the Open”

The Tracking Regulations for Tracking Dog and Tracking Dog Urban test tracks state that at least two 90-degree turns will be well out in the open and the first turn on a Tracking Dog Excellent test track must be in an open area. 

The basic concept of a TD/TDU turn in the open is that the direction of the next leg is completely unpredictable. When the dog is at a 90-degree turn that is well out in the open, the track could go right, left or continue straight. Since you will need to plot at least two of these of turns, it is a great idea to plan for the first turn to be one of these “out in the open” turns. That way you will have half of your requirement taken care of and it will make plotting easier for the rest of your track. Leaving the “out in the open” turns until the end of the track is risky as you may be reaching the maximum required yardage or be constrained due to the size or shape of the field. 

In order to plot a good start, first leg and turn for a TDX track it takes careful consideration. There are four components to think about before you even step into the field! 

• TDX starts should be in the same cover as the first leg and first turn. 

• TDX starts should be in an area that permits the direction of the track to go in any direction within a 180-degree arc. 

• Obstacles are not permitted on the first leg of a TDX track (which includes the first turn). There should not be a scenting, physical or line handling challenge on the initial leg nor near the first turn. 

• The first turn on a TDX track should be in an open area where the track could go in any direction. 

Take a few moments to plan for these track requirements before you start. Plotting great tracks is an art form that takes thought and practice to master.  

Approving Articles

One of the required elements of all tracking tests is that the dog find and indicate articles. Trainers of tracking dogs spend a lot of time making sure that their dogs are reliable at finding these items and either training for a specific response to the find or studying the dog’s behavior at articles so that they can identify article indication.

The Tracking Regulations state specific requirements for articles at each title level. It is important that judges present each exhibitor with a fair test of the dog’s ability to indicate articles. Providing the best article experience takes a bit of planning.

Know your regulations when it comes to approving articles.

All articles (for every test level) must be inconspicuous in color in comparison to the surroundings. The articles are not to be visible from a distance of 20 feet and must not be covered in an effort to conceal them. Brightly colored articles are prohibited, except for the start article.

Remember to approve two prospective start articles of the same material. If the start article disappears, the tracklayer can have the replacement start article readily available.

It is acceptable for the clubs to provide articles and/or for articles to be supplied by the tracklayer. In either case, judges should not feel pressured to approve articles that do not meet the requirements of the regulations. Please give your tracklayer instructions on how to effectively impregnate scent into the article. This is especially important when the item is new.

TD track articles:
Start article must be cloth and the size of a glove or wallet
End article must be a glove or wallet and can be cloth or leather
TDU track articles (dissimilar):
Start article must be cloth or leather and the size of a glove or wallet
Midpoint article must be cloth or leather and the size of a glove or wallet
End article must be a glove or wallet and can be fabric or leather
TDX track articles (dissimilar):
Start, 2nd & 3rd article must be personal to the tracklayer, the size of a glove or wallet
End article must be a glove or wallet
VST track articles (dissimilar, common, safely picked up by the dog):
Sized between a minimum of 2″ x 4″ and a maximum of 5″ x 5″
Weighing no more than 8 ounces and easily carried by the tracklayer
Four articles; leather, rigid or semi-rigid plastic, metal and fabric
Start article must be fabric or leather
End article must be temporarily marked with a number “4″

Tracking Apprentice Guide

One of the requirements for becoming a new tracking judge at the TD/TDU level or applying for additional tracking judge levels (TDX or VST) is that the applicant complete two apprentice assignments. In order to support these applicants and set them up for success, judges should take this opportunity to mentor and encourage these apprentices. It is of utmost importance to the sport of tracking that we bring along new judges so that clubs have good choices and affordable options when they are considering their judging panel.

How does an apprentice set up an assignment?
A person wishing to attend a tracking test as an apprentice must contact the test giving club and both judges asking for permission. Only one apprentice is allowed at a tracking test. A minimum of three tracks must be plotted and judged for the apprenticeship to apply.

The club is agreeing to provide transportation for the apprentice during plotting and judging. The apprentice cannot have any other responsibilities for the test so clubs must understand that they cannot serve as tracklayers or have any other duties on plotting or test days. Judges are agreeing to serve as an example, instruct and educate the apprentice.

What is an apprentice assignment?
A person must “shadow” the judges at a tracking test at the level in which they plan to apply. During this two-day commitment, the apprentice should plan to attend the entire plotting day, draw track charts and observe test day judging procedures.

How to prepare to be an apprentice:
After receiving permission, the apprentice should communicate with the club to find out when and where to meet on plotting day. The apprentice will need to bring the following:

● Map making materials for drawing field maps during plotting
● Forms for drawing simulated judge’s book charts. Apprentices must transfer their track information onto chart forms (no need for 4 part forms… download single-page forms from AKC website http://images.akc.org/pdf/RU9999.pdf)
● Current copy of the Tracking Regulations (download available at
https://images.akc.org/pdf/rulebooks/RU9999.pdf
● Copy of the Tracking Apprentice Judging Form (download at
https://images.akc.org/pdf/events/tracking/guidelines_apprentice.pdf Both officiating judges will need to fill out the form at the end of the apprentice assignment.

Completed charts and the Tracking Apprentice Judging forms from two apprentice assignments must be submitted with judging applications.

Judge and apprentice topics on plotting day:
● Details that need to be discussed with the club and head tracklayer (available land, plotting equipment, tracklayers and tracklaying conflicts, test day schedule)
● Approving articles including a duplicate start article
● Tracklaying instructions (time to lay track, drawing a map, walk-in, flags to leave/take, start article and possible replacement, sight line of legs, corner markers, triangulation of articles, walk-out and exiting the field, when the track will run and courtesy help after fail)
● Tracklayer instructions if there is an error or unusual circumstance
● Judge’s responsible for plotting regulation tracks
● Alternate track (judges decide, use for exhibitors, when it can be used for titling)
● Determining length of stride and conversion to yardage
● Judges and apprentice should review field maps to verify yardage and track shape
● Apprentice may need instructions on transferring information onto chart forms

Judge and apprentice topics on test day:
● Observing tracks whenever possible
● Judge must be at draw for running order (bitches in season, judge/exhibitor 10 day conflict, tracklayer/exhibitor 10 day conflict)
● Communicating with exhibitors and spectators (friendly, welcoming and approachable)
● Gallery location (possible club member appointed to direct gallery position)
● Judging (exhibitor instructed on approach to start flag, determining if the dog is working, description of guiding, restarts, article indication, minimum requirements met to award title?)
● Judge position on the track
● Co-judges discuss when and why a dog might be failed
● What to do if an article is missing
● Assist the apprentice in completing charts (wind, times, path of the dog, pass/fail with reason)

At the completion of the test please take a few minutes to ask/answer any questions, go over charts and discuss decisions made while judging the teams.

Thank you for your support of new and advancing tracking judges.

Please feel free to share this guide with current or future apprentices.

Tracking Test Closing Dates

At the April 2022 AKC Board meeting, the following item was approved:

Tracking Tests Closing dates update – effective July 1, 2022.

   If a tracking test is announced in a show or trial premium list, the show or trial closing date will apply to tracking entries; otherwise, the closing date for tracking test entries will be at least seven (7) days prior to the tracking test.

THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN COMPANION EVENTS DEPARTMENT

The American Kennel Club (AKC ®), today announced leadership changes in the Companion Events Department.

Pamela Manaton, Director of Obedience, Rally and Tracking has announced her retirement effective March 1, 2022 after 22 years with the AKC Companion Events Department. Senior Field Representative, Diane Shultz, has been promoted to the Director of Obedience, Rally and Tracking position. Additionally, Bob Withers has been hired as a Field Representative for Obedience and Rally, and Carol Ruthenberg has been hired as a Field Representative for Tracking.

For the past 11 years, Pamela has served as the Director for Obedience, Rally and Tracking. She has been responsible for the day-to-day management of the sports and has initiated enhancements for their long-term benefit. Since becoming Director, she has served as the chair for 34 National events. Pam has taken a personal interest in promoting the involvement of Juniors in Companion Events.

“Pam has been an integral part of the Companion Events Department for over two decades. Her contributions will be of lasting value to the sports.  She has been a pleasure to work with and we all wish her the best in her retirement,” said Doug Ljungren, Executive VP for Sports & Events. “We are very fortunate to have someone with Diane’s experience and knowledge who is prepared to take on the role of Director.  Diane will be working closely with existing field representative Mary Higdem, Bob, Carol, and the hard-working office staff.  We are confident these sports are in good hands.”      

Diane Schultz has been with the Companion Events Department since 2005.  Prior to joining the AKC, she was an active exhibitor in obedience, conformation, tracking and herding events.  Diane has served as a trial chair, national club officer and a judge in obedience, rally and tracking.  She clearly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new position.  Diane can be reached at Diane.Schultz@akc.org.    

Bob Withers has been hired as an Obedience/Rally Field Representative.  Bob is an active exhibitor in both obedience and rally and a dog training instructor.  He has judged both the Obedience and Rally Nationals and served as an expert commentator on AKC TV for these events.  Bob is an avid supporter of Juniors, having judged the AKC Juniors Classic and volunteered his time to assist 4-H and FFA clubs with their dog sport events.  Bob will officially start as a field rep on March 1st.  

Carol Ruthenberg has been hired as the Field Representative for Tracking.  She brings a lifetime of knowledge and passion for the sport.  She has been a tracking judge since 1993.  Carol believes that tracking captures the comradery that is inherent in dog activities and she looks forward to supporting the sport. She can be reached at Carol.Ruthenberg.Contractor@akc.org.           

AKC Tracking Program Update

The Companion Events Department is happy to announce the return of Carol Ruthenberg as an Independent Contracted Representative for Tracking. Those who know Carol, know that she has been involved with tracking for over 30 years and started judging in 1986. She is a long-time dog fancier, dedicated local and national club member, and brings a wealth of knowledge back to this position with AKC.  As an independent contractor Carol will be able to continue to enjoy her role as a judge and exhibitor, while assisting the department’s Tracking program, judges and clubs. You may reach her at Carol.Ruthenberg.Contractor@akc.org.

COVID Provisions – Regulations for Tracking Due to Expire at Year-End

At their October 2021 meeting the AKC Board voted on the following Regulations:

The Board voted to terminate the following Regulation modification at year-end:

Tracking – The modified 36-month tracking test certifications will return to a 24-month certification certificate, for all certifications issued on or after January 1, 2022. Certifications issued in 2020 and 2021 will continue to be valid for 36-months.

If you have any questions, please contact us at tracking@akc.org.

Sincerely,

The Companion Events Dept.

Regular Status Requests

Remember, as stated below, the Tracking Judge Evaluation Form must be submitted by three judges, not three forms submitted by the same judge(s).

As a provisional Tracking Dog/Tracking Dog Urban or Tracking Dog Excellent judge, you must judge a minimum of six (6) tests with at least three (3) different judges, only one of which may be a spouse or immediately family. In addition, a satisfactory observation judging at the provisional level must be completed within two years of the request for regular status, or a minimum of three (3) of the judges you judge with must complete and submit a passing Tracking Judge Evaluation Form for Committee approval.

Tracking Judge Requirements

Applying ~ Apprenticing ~ Regular Status Requests ~ Tracking Judge Evaluation Forms

There are several required steps to becoming an AKC Tracking Judge. Please review all the material and links below. Once you have read the information, if you have additional questions please email tracking@akc.org

To qualify as an applicant to judge TD/TDU or TDX Tests — you must have:

  1. TD/TDU – Personally owned, trained, and handled two (2) dogs that have been awarded an AKC Tracking Dog title (TD) and/or Tracking Dog Urban (TDU). TDX – Personally owned, trained, and handled a dog that has been awarded an AKC Tracking Dog Excellent title (TDX) and title at least one other dog to a Tracking Dog (TD) or Tracking Dog Urban (TDU) title.
  2. Have been active in the sport a minimum of six (6) consecutive years.
  3. Observed tracking judges in planning and plotting tracks by:
    1. Serving as a tracklayer for a minimum of ten (10) TD and or TDU tracks, or six (6) TDX tracks at AKC member or licensed tracking tests, whichever you are applying for. You must submit completed charts of at least two (2) tracks of which you served as a tracklayer.
    2. Apprentice twice under two (2) different sets of judges where at least one judge is an approved regular status judge. The apprentice assignments must be at two (2) different TD/TDU or TDX test, whichever you are applying for, and the judge may not be a member of the apprentice’s household or immediate family.

To qualify as an applicant to judge VST Tests — you must have:

  1. Must be approved to judge TDX or an approved regular status TD/TDU judge who has owned, trained, and handled a dog that has been awarded a VST title.
  2. Observed tracking judges in planning and plotting of VST tracks by:
    1. Serving as a tracklayer for a minimum of four (4) VST tracks at AKC member or licensed tracking tests. You must submit completed charts of at least two (2) tracks of which you served as a tracklayer.
    2. Apprentice twice under two (2) different sets of judges where at least one judge is an approved regular status judge. The apprentice assignments must be at two (2) different VST tests, and the judge may not be a member of the apprentice’s household or immediate family.

Apprentice Assignments:

  1. Permission to apprentice must be obtained from the test giving club and both judges. Apprenticing is for prospective judges only and is to be done at the level they are eligible to apply for. Only one apprentice person will be allowed at each test. The apprentice must attend both the day of plotting and the day of the test, with a minimum of three tracks being plotted. You must submit copies of the plotted tracks and a copy of the apprentice document with the application. Tracking Apprentice Form

To Apply as a Provisional TD/TDU, TDX or VST Judge:

The application for each test level including Part I, may be found on this page and under Downloadable Forms near the bottom of the web page. Email the completed relevant application, required documentation, and Part I to tracking@akc.org. If email is not an option, you may fax the documents to 919-816-4204 –

Attention Companion Events Department, or snail mail the documents to the Companion Events Department, PO Box 900068, Raleigh, NC 27675-9068 to begin the approval process. A passing score is required for Part I to proceed.

Part II Test Procedure for Provisional Approval:

All applicants are required to pass a written test consisting of multiple-choice questions, and the personal interview. The Companion Events Department will schedule the test and interview.

The completed test results are reviewed by an AKC Judge’s Approval Committee for final determination. Following review, applicants will receive written notification of the Committee’s action. If approved, the applicant’s name will be published on the Secretary’s Page of the first available online issue of the AKC GAZETTE as a Provisional judge. You may begin to accept judging assignments, for the approved provisional test level, once you receive written notification, or your name is published, whichever occurs first.

Applying for Regular Status Approval:

To apply for regular status approval for TD/TDU or TDX, the following minimum requirements to must be met:

  1. As a provisional Tracking Dog/Tracking Dog Urban or Tracking Dog Excellent judge, you must judge a minimum of six (6) tests with at least three (3) different judges, only one of which may be a spouse or immediately family. In addition, a satisfactory observation judging at the provisional level must be completed within two years of the request for regular status, or a minimum of three (3) of the judges you judge with must complete and submit a passing Tracking Judge Evaluation Form for Committee approval.
  2. As a provisional Variable Surface Tracking judge, you must judge a minimum of three (3) tests with at least three (3) different judges, only one of which may be a spouse or immediately family. In addition, a satisfactory observation judging at the provisional level must be completed within two years of the request for regular status, or a minimum of three (3) different judges you judged with, must complete and submit a passing Tracking Judge Evaluation Form for Committee approval.

Upon completion of the required number of assignments and observation or confirming with your co-judges that the evaluation form was submitted, the provisional judge must submit a request for regular status approval. The links to the forms may be found on this page and under Downloadable Forms near the bottom of the web page. Email the request to tracking@akc.org.

Overview of Tracking Application Procedures:

  1. Complete the minimum requirements for the test level.
  2. Submit the application, required documents, and Part I of the Test.
  3. Once those are accepted and approved, schedule the test and interview.
  4. Complete the multiple-choice written test and interview.
  5. Receive written approval as a Provisional Judge before accepting assignments.
  6. Meet the minimum requirements to request approval for regular status and verify the evaluation forms were submitted by your co-judges.
  7. Submit a request for regular status.

Tracking Judge Evaluation:

The Tracking Judge Evaluation Form is for the Regular Status Judge to complete and submit after co-judging with a Provisional Judge. The form is easy to fill out and submit directly to us from a computer, tablet, or cell phone with a touch of a button. The information shared within the form is confidential.

The purpose of co-judge evaluations is for the Regular Status Judge to provide insights into the abilities demonstrated by the Provisional Judge. If you have any questions, please email tracking@akc.org.

For a provisional judge to progress, a satisfactory observation, or a minimum of three (3) positive evaluations, by three different regular status judges, is required.

AKC Tracking Judge’s Blog

Welcome to the AKC Tracking Judge’s Blog!

Wikipedia: A blog is a discussion or informational site published on the World Wide Web consisting of discrete entries (“posts”) typically displayed in reverse chronological order (the most recent post appears first).

We are replacing our traditional way to communicate with you, with a blog, instead of through direct emailed newsletters.  Soon we  will be posting topics of interest via the use of an AKC Tracking Judge’s blog.  In doing so, we will be able to provide more timely information and take full advantage of the blog’s Search and Category functions.  This will make it easier for you to quickly research and access past information.

All Tracking Judges should sign up within the blog to receive the automated communications each time something new is posted. This will be the only form of mass communication to you other than  through the Tracking Regulations.  If you misplace the link you will be able to locate it on the AKC website on the Tracking webpage; listed under “Judges Newsletter” in the Judging Resources section.

Our goal is to keep you as up to date as possible and give you the tools you need to be the best AKC Tracking Judge you can be.  We can’t do it without you!

Sincerely,

Pamela Manaton, Director of Obedience, Rally & Tracking
Diane Schultz, AKC Sr. Field Representative

http://akctrackingjudges.akc.org/

Blogs are organized top to bottom, therefore the latest information posted may always be found easily.  In addition, blogs are Archived by Date – by scrolling down the web page you’ll find links for each Month/Year that topics have been posted.

If you wish to continue maintaining a paper copy simply scroll to Archives, click on the Month/Year of choice, then click “File”, “Print” from within your browser.

Looking for that write-up from 6 months ago?  Click on a Category link, listed on the right, and all blogs “tagged” with that category will be displayed. If none of those bullet items match what you are looking for, type in Search word(s) in the red box at the top right and press Enter. All blogs containing your search will be shown.

Finally, there are a number of buttons listed along the top of the web page, containing information we thought helpful to have available “at hand”.  Let us know if there are other documents/links that would be useful.

Enjoy!