GETTING STARTED IN OBEDIENCE AND TRACKING

by American Kennel Club

          There you are, with your cute little puppy, and you've noticed that everything you try to teach her she learns very quickly. Plus, she seems so proud of herself for doing what you ask of her. Wouldn't it be great for her (and you, too) to have a way to show off what she's learned?

          Or you've noticed that whenever your dog goes outside, his nose is to the ground and he's obviously following the trail left behind by another animal crossing your yard. So maybe he's not going to get a job at Scotland Yard but there must be something for him to do!

THERE IS!!!

          Under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club, local dog clubs sponsor Obedience and Tracking Trials that allow dogs to demonstrate their natural skill as well as their ability to work as part of an animal-human team. In these events, dogs and handlers compete against a standard of perfection, rather than against each other...and, theoretically, every dog entered can be a winner!

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

          Any purebred dog over the age of 6 months and registered with the AKC can be entered in Obedience or Tracking events. (Of course, you and he should be trained in order to know what to do!) This includes spayed females and neutered males. Also dogs that may not be "show quality" due to things that would disqualify them according to their breed's standard (such as size, incorrect color, improper bite, etc.) can be part of the working world.

          Additionally, dogs with an Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) number --- that is, breeds in the Miscellaneous Class or purebred dogs without registered parents who nevertheless meet certain criteria --- can participate in these events and earn titles. (For more information on ILP numbers, contact AKC Customer Service or email [email protected])

          Anyone can handle their dog in these events. This includes people of any age as well as individuals with disabilities.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Obedience

          Obedience Trials test a dog's ability to perform a prescribed set of exercises on which it is scored. In each exercise, you must score more than 50% of the possible points (ranging from 20 to 40) and get a total score of at least 170 out of a possible 200. Each time your dog gets that magic 170 qualifying score, he's gotten a "leg" towards his title. Three legs and your dog has become an Obedience Titled dog! There are 3 levels at which your dog can earn a title and each is more difficult than the one before it. You may see levels divided into "A" and "B" at a trial; "A" classes are for beginners whose dogs have never received a title while "B" classes are for more experienced handlers.

          Novice: The first level, Novice, results in your dog earning a Companion Dog (CD) title. The title actually describes what is expected of your dog: demonstrating the skills required of a good canine companion. He will have to heel both on and off leash at different speeds, come when called, stay (still and quietly!) with a group of other dogs when told and stand for a simple physical exam.

          Open: The second level, Open, results in your dog earning a Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title. He must do many of the same exercises as in Novice, but off-leash and for longer periods. Additionally, there are jumping and retrieving tasks.

          Utility: The final level results in a Utility Dog (UD) title. These are the cream of the crop. In addition to more difficult exercises, the dog also must perform scent discrimination tasks.

          OTCH and UDX: The best of the best can go on for more titles. Utility Dogs that continue to compete and earn legs at 10 shows become Utility Dog Excellent (UDX). Utility Dogs that are ranked 1st or 2nd in Open B or Utility classes can earn points toward an Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) title.

Tracking

          We've all seen countless movies of dogs following the trail of an escapee through swamps. The AKC's Tracking Trials allow dogs to demonstrate their natural ability to recognize and follow human scent. This vigorous outdoor activity is great for canine athletes. Unlike Obedience events that require a dog to qualify 3 times, a dog must successfully complete only one track to earn his title.

          Tracking Dog: A dog earns a TD by following a track laid by a human from 30 minutes to 2 hours before. The rules describe certain turns in a 440 to 500 yard track.

          Tracking Dog Excellent: A TDX is earned by following an "older" (3 to 5 hours), longer (800 to 1,000 yard) track with more turns while overcoming both physical and scenting obstacles.

       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 3 to 5 hours-old track that may take him down a street, through a building and other areas devoid of vegetation.

HOW TO GET STARTED?

          Sounds like fun and you want to get going. Here are some ideas and resources:

          (1) Don't wait! Puppy kindergarten classes are designed for 2 to 5 month old dogs and really focus on the very basics of training. Many basic training classes start puppies at 5 to 6 months of age. And just like kids, puppies pick up lessons very quickly when learning is made into a fun game.

          (2) Your local dog club may hold classes taught by people knowledgeable in the sport that can help you train for these exercises. There are 5 kinds of dog clubs to check out: Obedience Clubs, Tracking Clubs, All-Breed Clubs (devoted to the entire dog experience), Group Clubs (devoted to a variety group, like Toys or Terriers), and Local Specialty Clubs (devoted to one breed). There may be one or all in your area that holds classes and publishes newsletters with articles. Getting involved with a club can teach you many more things about your dog that can be helpful.

          If you need to find one of these clubs, contact AKC Customer Service or email: [email protected] and ask for a free Geographical List of Clubs. (3) The American Kennel Club can supply you with information. We have lots of material available for you:

• Obedience and Tracking Regulations

• AKC Dog Care and Training Book

• "A Beginner's Guide to Dog Care and Training" (video)

• "Tips on Training" (video)

• AKC Gazette (monthly magazine)

• Visit the AKC website for lots more information