Tag: NTI

The 9th AKC National Tracking Invitational (NTI) has been rescheduled and is set to begin on October 16, 2021. The 2021 AKC NTI Committee, made up of members of the Nebraska Kennel Club and the Cornhusker Kennel Club, continue to meet to discuss this prestigious AKC National Tracking Invitational.

A new website dedicated to the event is set up and available to keep everyone up to date on the information surrounding the event in addition to the information on the AKC website. The event dates are October 16-17, 2021 at the Branched Oak State Recreation Area near Raymond, Nebraska. The Committee is excited to host this event. 

The AKC National Tracking Invitational is an “Invitation Only” showcase for handler and dog teams that have earned the coveted AKC Champion Tracker (CT) title. Since the event was delayed from being held in 2020, the eligibility criteria was extended for an additional year making the qualifying period January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2021. All dogs earning the Champion Tracker title during this period will receive an invitation to enter the 2021 event. There will be over 350 invitations sent out beginning on August 5, 2021, and only 12 dogs will be chosen by lot to participate at the two-day event. Only entries on the official NTI entry form will be accepted.

Two teams of judges will work with volunteers to plot and lay tracks for the dogs that will highlight their scenting ability. 

The judges for the 2021 AKC National Tracking Invitational are:

Michele Anne Gillette of Hanover, VA
Jane Jonas of Fort Collins, CO
Vincent Ramirez of Bucyrus, KS
Gretchen Stephenson of Fayetteville, NC