Tracking

Tom Hacholski tracks with his Champion Tracker, Sydney, CT Tilbury’s Cinnamon Splash of Pal.

Tracking

The Sport of Tracking

“Tracking is a noncompetitive sport where we teach the dog to follow the scent left by one person. Tracking requires teamwork. The dog is the one with the nose who is an expert with the innate ability to detect, analyze, and identify scent. The handler learns through training to recognize how the dog tracks – when the dog is following the trail left on the ground by a person walking over terrain – distinguishing that scent from others left behind by animals, other individuals, or other scent that we humans cannot perceive. The individual walking a track carries an article with his/her scent and drops it after a specified distance. Anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours later, the dog leads the team to find the article. The accomplishment of the task is rewarding for both members of the team. The dog gets his treat – food, a favorite toy, or just making his handler happy. And the handler is happy by knowing the training has paid off during the time spent outdoors with his/her dog.”

Tom Hacholski (August 2020)

Tom Hacholski and Sydney celebrate her TDX Pass at Indian Nations. Sydney’s indication for finding the article is a sit.

Jody Fraser had two PASSes at the 2011 DCA National Specialty Tracking Test.

Champion Trackers

They’ve trained for years in all kinds of weather and over a myriad of terrain for the chance to earn the coveted title of Champion Tracker. View the list of those special Dalmatians and their owners who earned the title of Champion Tracker here.

Tracking FAQs

What is a dog tracking event?

AKC tracking events are the competition form of canine search and rescue. These Tracking events provide training for dogs and their handlers to meet some human needs for tracking and finding lost humans or other animals, as well as, demonstrating the extremely high level of scent capability that dogs possess. The AKC’s Tracking Tests allow dogs to demonstrate their natural ability to recognize and follow human scent. This vigorous outdoor activity is great for canine athletes. Unlike Agility and Obedience events that require a dog to qualify three times, a dog only needs to complete one track successfully to earn each title.
What does "TD" stand for?

TD = Tracking Dog. A dog earns a TD by following a track 440 to 500 yards long with three to five changes of direction. The track is laid by a human tracklayer and is “aged” 30 minutes to two hours before the dog begins scenting. The goal is to use the scented track to locate an article left at the end of the trail by the tracklayer. The owner follows the dog on a long leash and can encourage the dog during the tracking test.
What does "TDX" stand for?
What does "VST" stand for?

VST = Variable Surface Tracking. In the real world, dogs track through urban settings, as well as through wilderness. A VST dog has demonstrated this ability by following a three- to five-hour-old track that may take him down a street, through a building and other areas devoid of vegetation.
What does "TDU" stand for?

The fundamental features of the Tracking Dog Urban (TDU) test are the dog’s ability to follow a track by a person under a variety of scenting conditions in an urban environment and to find the articles dropped by that person. This is an optional titling event. Clubs are not required to offer this test and dogs are not required to earn the title to enter a TD, TDX, or VST tracking test.
Are there more levels?

Published with permission of the American Kennel Club. AKC Tracking

Training

The DCA Tracking Committee has gathered several articles, originally published in the Spotter magazine, to aid you in training your Dalmatian to a tracking title.

What Age Can a Dog Begin to Track?

Tracking: It’s All About the Journey

Attaining a Champion Tracker Title – From TD to CT

Tracking Resource Books

Tracking Resource Books 2

Tracking Certification Form

Tracking TD

Tracking Training With Food

Unravelling the Mystery

Tracking Dog Excellent – The Journey SP00

Tracking Colorado Style SP01

Puppy Tracking or What To Do Until Your Puppy Grows Up WI02

My Fifth Tracking Dog SU00

Tracking Tests

Another series of articles, gathered by the DCA Tracking Committee and originally published in the Spotter, will give you an idea of the planning, implementation of, and what to expect at tracking tests.

The Real Deal – A Tracking Test

Planning a Tracking Test