What is Tracking?
Dogs possess a sense of smell 100,000 times stronger than humans and are natural trackers. A dog is "tracking" when he is following the scent trail left by a human being (or other animal) that has passed along a certain route. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) tracking tests “demonstrate the dog’s ability to recognize and follow human scent, a skill that is useful in the service of mankind.” Hounds track game, search and rescue dogs track lost people, police dogs track suspects, well trained pets can find a lost set of keys. Many dog owners are involved in tracking with their dogs as a fun hobby, as a sport, or both. In the United States and Canada, tracking titles are offered by a variety of organizations.
The AKC tracking rules and regulations state that "Tracking, by nature, is a vigorous, noncompetitive outdoor sport. Tracking tests demonstrate the willingness and enjoyment of the dog in its work and should always represent the best in sportsmanship and camaraderie by the people involved.” Unlike other sports such as obedience or agility where the handler tells the dog what to do, in tracking the dog takes the role of leader for only he knows how to use his nose to follow the track. For many handler/dog teams the most enjoyable part of tracking is the dance that ensues when we truly become a working member of a team with our dogs. When it all comes together the dance makes all those hours of practice worthwhile.
While tracking, a dog uses his nose to take in the myriad of scents from the surrounding environment, process them and then use this information to follow the track to its end. The scent picture that the dog follows is believed to be made up of the tracklayer’s unique body scent (their personal body odor, soaps, clothing, perfumes, food and more) combined with the crushed or disturbed earth left behind as the tracklayer walks along.
Dogs have a natural ability to follow scent trails. Refining this instinct for tracking as the AKC and other organizations have defined it will take time, training and patience; but the process itself can become quite rewarding for all involved. You cannot make your dog track – he must want to do it. Motivation and patience are your most important tools. Your dog shouldn’t be the only one to come off a track feeling happy and looking forward toward the next opportunity to go tracking. While practicing (or participating in a test) with your dog you need to focus on tracking and only tracking. Leave all your other troubles and responsibilities behind and just enjoy the moment with your dog.
The AKC tracking rules and regulations state that "Tracking, by nature, is a vigorous, noncompetitive outdoor sport. Tracking tests demonstrate the willingness and enjoyment of the dog in its work and should always represent the best in sportsmanship and camaraderie by the people involved.” Unlike other sports such as obedience or agility where the handler tells the dog what to do, in tracking the dog takes the role of leader for only he knows how to use his nose to follow the track. For many handler/dog teams the most enjoyable part of tracking is the dance that ensues when we truly become a working member of a team with our dogs. When it all comes together the dance makes all those hours of practice worthwhile.
While tracking, a dog uses his nose to take in the myriad of scents from the surrounding environment, process them and then use this information to follow the track to its end. The scent picture that the dog follows is believed to be made up of the tracklayer’s unique body scent (their personal body odor, soaps, clothing, perfumes, food and more) combined with the crushed or disturbed earth left behind as the tracklayer walks along.
Dogs have a natural ability to follow scent trails. Refining this instinct for tracking as the AKC and other organizations have defined it will take time, training and patience; but the process itself can become quite rewarding for all involved. You cannot make your dog track – he must want to do it. Motivation and patience are your most important tools. Your dog shouldn’t be the only one to come off a track feeling happy and looking forward toward the next opportunity to go tracking. While practicing (or participating in a test) with your dog you need to focus on tracking and only tracking. Leave all your other troubles and responsibilities behind and just enjoy the moment with your dog.
Certification Opportunities
A dog that has not previously passed the TD or TDU must be certified in order to enter a test.
Here is a list of people available in the state for certification opportunities.
The fee for the certification test is a donation to the club.
Teressa Keenan - rioghailclan@gmail.com (Missoula area)
Lisa Fields - lfields@nemont.com (Red Lodge area)
Clarissa Negaard - cnegaard@yahoo.com (Bozeman area)
Chelle Schumann - k9sdoc@icloud.com (Missoula area)
Rachael Roper - roper.rachael@yahoo.com (Billings area)
Here is a list of people available in the state for certification opportunities.
The fee for the certification test is a donation to the club.
Teressa Keenan - rioghailclan@gmail.com (Missoula area)
Lisa Fields - lfields@nemont.com (Red Lodge area)
Clarissa Negaard - cnegaard@yahoo.com (Bozeman area)
Chelle Schumann - k9sdoc@icloud.com (Missoula area)
Rachael Roper - roper.rachael@yahoo.com (Billings area)
Tracking Resource Links
- American Kennel Club (AKC) - Tracking information, resources, events, clubs, rules and regulations
- Dog Tracks App - This app uses GPS to assist in track laying and tracking
There are several places to get tracking lines and supplies. Here are links to some options.
- Palomine Lines - Biothane tracking lines
- Leerburg.com - Tracking supplies and lines