The History of Tracking
Tracking is the sports form of Canine Search and Rescue where dogs follow scents to an article such as a glove.
The sport of canine tracking started out in 1936 as a component of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Utility Dog title requirement. Over the next 11 years, tracking garnered garnered a passionate following and in 1947, tracking became its own AKC class.
The Tracking Dog (TD) title was the only tracking title available until 1980 when the Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) title was added. In 1995, due to the challenges of finding large amounts of land for tracking in urban areas, the AKC added the Variable Surface Tracking (VST) title.
Who can participate in Tracking Classes?
This vigorous outdoor activity is great for canine athletes and their active handlers.
Tracking classes are open to any dog who is over the age of 4 months. This sport requires that both the dog and the handler can tolerate moderate physical exertion and walking long distances. Dogs of all sizes can participate, although small dogs might struggle in rough terrain. While independent dogs who enjoy making decisions are ideally suited for tracking, many dogs enjoy the sport. Tracking not only provides good exercise for both handler and dog, it provides high mental stimulation for dogs.
Who can participate in Tracking Classes?
This vigorous outdoor activity is great for canine athletes and their active handlers.
Tracking classes are open to any dog who is over the age of 4 months.
Our Classes
Paws Plus Training offers an annual Beginning Tracking Workshop every November, which is a prerequisite for our Tracking Classes. We offer our Tracking Classes in beginning in December of each year.
* Our current Tracking Workshop and Classes are full! *
Check back in Summer 2024 to register for the next tracking session.
Beginning Tracking Workshop
♦ Paws Plus Training's Beginng Tracking Workshop is held each November and is a prerequisite to signing up for our Beginning Tracking classes in the following January. Thank [... read more ...]
T1: Beginning Tracking
T1 Beginning Tracking is a seasonal class which begins in December that focuses on the foundations of tracking and preparation for the Tracking Dog (TD) test. Our Beginning [... read more ...]
T2: Advanced Tracking
T2 Advanced Tracking focuses on building the dog and handler team’s endurance and foundation for the Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) test. Training at list level includes changes in [... read more ...]
T3: Urban Tracking
T3 Urban Tracking is a new titling program offered by AKC. Urban Tracking utilizes tracking skills to follow scent and identify articles in urban environments as open forest [... read more ...]
T4: Variable Surface Tracking
T4 Variable Surface Tracking (VST) is a different form of tracking that challenges the dog and handler to follow an aged track across concrete, asphalt or any [... read more ...]