| TRACKING / HUNTING |
| HUNTING |
| TRACKING |
TRACKING
BY
DIANE HACH
Tracking is a wonderful sport that involves teamwork between a handler and his dog. What makes it especially neat is
that the AKC actually awards titles for the fun that you and your dog have together.
There are 3 titles that can be earned - Tracking Dog (TD); Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) and Variable Surface Tracking
(VST). The TD and TDX tests are held in fields. The day before the TD test, two judges plot the track, that is, determine
where it begins, where it turns and where it ends. On the day of the test, a person (tracklayer) walks through the field the
set distance, executes the turns and leaves an article (glove or a wallet) at the end of the track. After waiting a
predetermined amount of time (the age of the track), the handler and his dog are shown the start of the track (the
starting flag) and the dog, through his ability to follow human scent, follows the track successfully and finds the article at
the end of the track. At least that is the ideal. (The TDX test is plotted similarly with exceptions as noted below.)
The following is a brief summary of the requirements of the TD and TDX tracks:
Tracking Dog (TD) - The track is 440 - 500 yards in length and the scent on the track is between 30 minutes and 2 hours. It
has between 3 and 5 turns. There is a personal article of the tracklayers at the starting flag and a glove or wallet at the
end of the track which the dog must indicate and the handler joyfully raises on high for all to see indicating the
completion of a successful track.
Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) - This is a more complex track involving 5 to 7 turns; 800 - 1000 yards in length; aged 3 to 5
hours and having 2 obstacles which may be a stream, a fence, a hedgerow, change of cover or the like; and 2 places on
the track where 2 persons other than the tracklayer walk across the track (crosstracks) and the dog must continue on the
older track walked by the original tracklayer. In addition to an article at the starting flag, there are 3 other personal
articles of the tracklayer placed throughout the track which the dog must indicate and the handler must pick up. An
absence of one of the articles at the end of the track is a failure.
There is an approximate 50% passing rate for the TD test and about 17% for the TDX test. The passing rate for the VST is
low, I believe it's somewhere around 5 - 7%.
The VST test was started in 1995. It is quite different than the T or X test. It takes place on a college campus or in a
business park. It is 'a test of credibility, verifying the dog's ability to recognize and follow human scent while adapting to
changing scenting conditions.' The track may go through an open parking garage, around buildings, across parking lots,
through mulch beds, up/down stairs, through a breezeway, through shelters, fences, courtyards, ramps.
Variable Surface Tracking Test (VST) - The track is 600 - 800 yards in length and aged between 3 and 5 hours. It shall have
4 - 8 turns one of which must be on an area lacking vegetation. There must be at least 3 different surfaces including both
vegetated and non-vegetated areas. The non-vegetated areas will comprise 1/3 to 1/2 of the length of the track. Four
dissimilar articles (plastic, leather, fabric, metal) are to be placed on the track including 1 on the non-vegetated area. And
affecting all the tracks are variables such as wind, rain, fog, heat, humidity, etc.
Most of my experience in tracking involves TD and TDX work - that is, the tracks that are trained in the fields. There is
nothing quite like the feeling one gets when one is in the middle of a gorgeous field on a beautiful day following their
dog scenting a track - marveling at how he is doing what comes naturally to him - ah, life is good.
The picture of the black and white EC is MACH Marly TDX. She was a joy to train - very happy and a very steady worker.
The picture of the blue roan is CH Trucker TD. The picture of him is on his very first day tracking; he was either 10 or 11
weeks of age. He attained his TD at 7 months and we're not through tracking yet. He seems to have a real drive to track.
I thought I was fortunate to have EC's who liked to track as not all dogs like it, however, after having tracked with fellow
club members, I think EC's in general have a knack for this sport. Why not give it a try?
BY
DIANE HACH
Tracking is a wonderful sport that involves teamwork between a handler and his dog. What makes it especially neat is
that the AKC actually awards titles for the fun that you and your dog have together.
There are 3 titles that can be earned - Tracking Dog (TD); Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) and Variable Surface Tracking
(VST). The TD and TDX tests are held in fields. The day before the TD test, two judges plot the track, that is, determine
where it begins, where it turns and where it ends. On the day of the test, a person (tracklayer) walks through the field the
set distance, executes the turns and leaves an article (glove or a wallet) at the end of the track. After waiting a
predetermined amount of time (the age of the track), the handler and his dog are shown the start of the track (the
starting flag) and the dog, through his ability to follow human scent, follows the track successfully and finds the article at
the end of the track. At least that is the ideal. (The TDX test is plotted similarly with exceptions as noted below.)
The following is a brief summary of the requirements of the TD and TDX tracks:
Tracking Dog (TD) - The track is 440 - 500 yards in length and the scent on the track is between 30 minutes and 2 hours. It
has between 3 and 5 turns. There is a personal article of the tracklayers at the starting flag and a glove or wallet at the
end of the track which the dog must indicate and the handler joyfully raises on high for all to see indicating the
completion of a successful track.
Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) - This is a more complex track involving 5 to 7 turns; 800 - 1000 yards in length; aged 3 to 5
hours and having 2 obstacles which may be a stream, a fence, a hedgerow, change of cover or the like; and 2 places on
the track where 2 persons other than the tracklayer walk across the track (crosstracks) and the dog must continue on the
older track walked by the original tracklayer. In addition to an article at the starting flag, there are 3 other personal
articles of the tracklayer placed throughout the track which the dog must indicate and the handler must pick up. An
absence of one of the articles at the end of the track is a failure.
There is an approximate 50% passing rate for the TD test and about 17% for the TDX test. The passing rate for the VST is
low, I believe it's somewhere around 5 - 7%.
The VST test was started in 1995. It is quite different than the T or X test. It takes place on a college campus or in a
business park. It is 'a test of credibility, verifying the dog's ability to recognize and follow human scent while adapting to
changing scenting conditions.' The track may go through an open parking garage, around buildings, across parking lots,
through mulch beds, up/down stairs, through a breezeway, through shelters, fences, courtyards, ramps.
Variable Surface Tracking Test (VST) - The track is 600 - 800 yards in length and aged between 3 and 5 hours. It shall have
4 - 8 turns one of which must be on an area lacking vegetation. There must be at least 3 different surfaces including both
vegetated and non-vegetated areas. The non-vegetated areas will comprise 1/3 to 1/2 of the length of the track. Four
dissimilar articles (plastic, leather, fabric, metal) are to be placed on the track including 1 on the non-vegetated area. And
affecting all the tracks are variables such as wind, rain, fog, heat, humidity, etc.
Most of my experience in tracking involves TD and TDX work - that is, the tracks that are trained in the fields. There is
nothing quite like the feeling one gets when one is in the middle of a gorgeous field on a beautiful day following their
dog scenting a track - marveling at how he is doing what comes naturally to him - ah, life is good.
The picture of the black and white EC is MACH Marly TDX. She was a joy to train - very happy and a very steady worker.
The picture of the blue roan is CH Trucker TD. The picture of him is on his very first day tracking; he was either 10 or 11
weeks of age. He attained his TD at 7 months and we're not through tracking yet. He seems to have a real drive to track.
I thought I was fortunate to have EC's who liked to track as not all dogs like it, however, after having tracked with fellow
club members, I think EC's in general have a knack for this sport. Why not give it a try?
| MACH Alynmar Hooligan TDX MARLY Owned by Diane Hach |
| Ch Belsam Big Rig TD TRUCKER Owned by Diane Hach |
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HUNTING ARTICLE
BY
TIM PINNERI
Purpose of Spaniel Hunting Test Program Spaniels are flushing breeds. Their purpose is to hunt, find game, flush
and retrieve birds in a pleasing and efficient manner. The objective of the hunting test program is to help the
hunter develop a useful hunting companion by providing a means to gauge a dog’s abilities against three
standards of accomplishment—Junior Hunter,Senior Hunter and Master Hunter.
Watching an E.C working in the field has been a great pleasure to watch over the last few years.
Junior Hunter is the lowest of the test. In order for a spaniel to qualify they must pass two requirements. First is
the land work in which the dog has to flush and retrieve two bird(which are usually chucker or pigeon), then if the
dog passes the land they will be called back to the water retrieve. For the water work, the dog can be restrained
lightly by the handler. They will launch a bird about 25 to 30 yards into a lake or pond. Once the bird hits the water
the handler must release the dog to enter the water and retrieve it. Once it is retrieved the dog must return it to
the handler. The handler may take one step to retrieve the bird. To achieve a Junior Hunter title you must pass
four times.
Senior Hunter is the next level. This level the dog must pass three requirements. First is the land work in which
the dog has to flush and retrieve two bird(which are usually chucker, pigeon, or pheasant),the dog must bring the
bird back to the hand of the handler. The next requirement is called a dead retrieve. The judges place a dead bird
about 30 to 35 yards away from the handler with only a general direction to where the bird is located. The dog must
be cast toward the bird by hand directions from the handler. The dog must retrieve the bird and place it in the
handlers hand. The third requirement is water work, the dog cannot be restrained by the handler. The dog must be
steady to shot .They will launch a bird about 30 to 35 yards into a lake or pond. Once the bird hits the water the
handler must wait for the judge to tell them to release the dog. Then the dog must enter the water and retrieve it.
Once it is retrieved the dog must return it to the handler's hand. To achieve a Senior Hunter title you must pass
four times.
Master Level is the hardest of all three. The dog does all of the requirements of the Junior and Senior hunt test
with an added water dead retrieve. This requires the dog to swim about 35 to 40 yard to a bird placed on the other
side of the pond or lake. Like the dead retrieve the only info about the bird is just the general location. The biggest
requirement for the dogs at this level is that they must be steady to wing and shot on the land and water. If the dog
breaks steadiness then they are disqualified. The Master hunter title is achieved when a dog passes these
requirements five times.
For more info about Spaniel hunt test click on the AKC logo on our Club Info page.
BY
TIM PINNERI
Purpose of Spaniel Hunting Test Program Spaniels are flushing breeds. Their purpose is to hunt, find game, flush
and retrieve birds in a pleasing and efficient manner. The objective of the hunting test program is to help the
hunter develop a useful hunting companion by providing a means to gauge a dog’s abilities against three
standards of accomplishment—Junior Hunter,Senior Hunter and Master Hunter.
Watching an E.C working in the field has been a great pleasure to watch over the last few years.
Junior Hunter is the lowest of the test. In order for a spaniel to qualify they must pass two requirements. First is
the land work in which the dog has to flush and retrieve two bird(which are usually chucker or pigeon), then if the
dog passes the land they will be called back to the water retrieve. For the water work, the dog can be restrained
lightly by the handler. They will launch a bird about 25 to 30 yards into a lake or pond. Once the bird hits the water
the handler must release the dog to enter the water and retrieve it. Once it is retrieved the dog must return it to
the handler. The handler may take one step to retrieve the bird. To achieve a Junior Hunter title you must pass
four times.
Senior Hunter is the next level. This level the dog must pass three requirements. First is the land work in which
the dog has to flush and retrieve two bird(which are usually chucker, pigeon, or pheasant),the dog must bring the
bird back to the hand of the handler. The next requirement is called a dead retrieve. The judges place a dead bird
about 30 to 35 yards away from the handler with only a general direction to where the bird is located. The dog must
be cast toward the bird by hand directions from the handler. The dog must retrieve the bird and place it in the
handlers hand. The third requirement is water work, the dog cannot be restrained by the handler. The dog must be
steady to shot .They will launch a bird about 30 to 35 yards into a lake or pond. Once the bird hits the water the
handler must wait for the judge to tell them to release the dog. Then the dog must enter the water and retrieve it.
Once it is retrieved the dog must return it to the handler's hand. To achieve a Senior Hunter title you must pass
four times.
Master Level is the hardest of all three. The dog does all of the requirements of the Junior and Senior hunt test
with an added water dead retrieve. This requires the dog to swim about 35 to 40 yard to a bird placed on the other
side of the pond or lake. Like the dead retrieve the only info about the bird is just the general location. The biggest
requirement for the dogs at this level is that they must be steady to wing and shot on the land and water. If the dog
breaks steadiness then they are disqualified. The Master hunter title is achieved when a dog passes these
requirements five times.
For more info about Spaniel hunt test click on the AKC logo on our Club Info page.
| CH MACH2 Cascade Carefree Citation JH NF WDX Boxcar Billy owned by Tim Pinneri And Susan Cascio |
Re the Working Dog Test, yes, there is a Hunt Test committee (vs. the Field Trial committee) and we are in the process
of re-writing the WD test requirements to clarify them.
English Cockers *by nature* should be biddable and *want* to hunt for the handler, have a high natural drive for birds,
should have the desire, skill, and persistence to seek them out, the boldness to put them to flight, to mark the fall and
the compulsion to pick game up gently and bring it back to the handler. These skills are part of what makes up the
character of the EC so are important to retain, and a dog that displays all the "right stuff" is truly a thing of beauty. The
WD test *requires* that these skills be in place to pass the test, given rather generous leniency for lack of, or minimal
training and experience. What differentiates the WD/X test from the JH is the level of competence, control, and
training that is displayed during the test. A dog that earns the WDX should easily be able to achieve a JH with some
training in the interest of control and efficiency.
I would like to caution here that many a dog has run in the WD without any prior training and passed it, but I do not feel
this is a wise thing to do for the simple reason that some things that occur in the test may cause a setback for the dog.
Startling from the gunshot and dealing with live birds, for instance, have left a bad impression on many a dog that
would have been fine if it had some earlier, controlled exposure to these things. If you want to get involved in doing
field work and are not sure of your dog's boldness and confidence, I highly recommend you get together with someone
who has experience and knows how to properly introduce the dog to birds and guns before running in a test.
I'd also like to recommend that any dog destined for the field have a fairly reliable recall. Runaways are rare, and many
dogs who will naturally pick up birds will more often also bring them *back* but having a recall (and ideally, a good
trained retrieve) will help improve the performance and make the experience more enjoyable.
The WD test is an excellent place to get your feet wet in field work and even those of us who are running at advanced
levels will still use the WD/WDX test as starting points for new dogs. I don't agree that it is obsolete or redundant,
though I confess I would like to see folks really use it as a step toward the AKC Hunt Tests :)
of re-writing the WD test requirements to clarify them.
English Cockers *by nature* should be biddable and *want* to hunt for the handler, have a high natural drive for birds,
should have the desire, skill, and persistence to seek them out, the boldness to put them to flight, to mark the fall and
the compulsion to pick game up gently and bring it back to the handler. These skills are part of what makes up the
character of the EC so are important to retain, and a dog that displays all the "right stuff" is truly a thing of beauty. The
WD test *requires* that these skills be in place to pass the test, given rather generous leniency for lack of, or minimal
training and experience. What differentiates the WD/X test from the JH is the level of competence, control, and
training that is displayed during the test. A dog that earns the WDX should easily be able to achieve a JH with some
training in the interest of control and efficiency.
I would like to caution here that many a dog has run in the WD without any prior training and passed it, but I do not feel
this is a wise thing to do for the simple reason that some things that occur in the test may cause a setback for the dog.
Startling from the gunshot and dealing with live birds, for instance, have left a bad impression on many a dog that
would have been fine if it had some earlier, controlled exposure to these things. If you want to get involved in doing
field work and are not sure of your dog's boldness and confidence, I highly recommend you get together with someone
who has experience and knows how to properly introduce the dog to birds and guns before running in a test.
I'd also like to recommend that any dog destined for the field have a fairly reliable recall. Runaways are rare, and many
dogs who will naturally pick up birds will more often also bring them *back* but having a recall (and ideally, a good
trained retrieve) will help improve the performance and make the experience more enjoyable.
The WD test is an excellent place to get your feet wet in field work and even those of us who are running at advanced
levels will still use the WD/WDX test as starting points for new dogs. I don't agree that it is obsolete or redundant,
though I confess I would like to see folks really use it as a step toward the AKC Hunt Tests :)
| WORKING DOG/ WORKING DOG EXCELLENT TEST BY KAREN FITZPATRICK |
| CH MACH2 Cascade Carefree Citation JH NF WDX Boxcar Billy owned by Tim Pinneri And Susan Cascio On October 19th. Billy passed his 3rd leg to coming a senior hunter.. |