TRACKER DOG 1
Maximum marks 200
Minimum qualifying marks 160
Eligibility. Must have qualified in Companion Dog.
Dogs which have been awarded three (3) qualifying certificates in this grade or which have been awarded a qualifying certificate in a higher grade are no longer eligible to compete in the Tracker Dog Grade 1.
Group 1 - Control
Group marks 50
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 35
Heel Free (10 marks)
The handler will present himself at the place indicated by the Judge with his dog off lead in a “Heel” position. From the start of the exercise the handler will move with his dog as directed by the Judge or Steward.
The object of the exercise is to test the dog’s ability to remain naturally at the handler’s working side while moving at normal, fast and slow paces, around obstacles and people, moving or stationary. The exercise will be held in the open and while performing this exercise the handler will be expected to execute left, right, about turns and halts.
Send Away (15 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade except that the dog is to be sent forward a distance of approximately 30m.
Retrieve a Dumbbell (10 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
Down Stay - Ten Minutes (10 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
Steadiness to Gunshot (5 marks) (this is not a qualifying exercise)
Dogs are to be tested with gunshots, either individually or in small groups, off lead while either:
a) walking at “Heel” or
b) stationary in a “Sit” or “Down” position alongside their handlers.
The gun must be a minimum of 20m from the dogs. The calibre of the gun must be between 6mm and 9mm only. A suitable starter’s pistol may be used as an alternative to a gun.
Group II - Agility
Group marks 20
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 14
“Once Judging for Group II has commenced, the handler may not touch any of the obstacles. Should the handler do so, all marks for the obstacle(s) will be deducted.” If the dog runs past any of the obstacles, it shall lose all marks for that obstacle.
“A” Frame (10 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
Clear Jump (5 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
Long Jump (5 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
Group III - Nosework
Group marks 130
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 91
Search (30 marks)
Using an area of foiled ground 25m x 25m, which is clearly defined, the handler is to send his dog to find and retrieve four (4) articles with Judge’s/Steward’s scent placed in the area unseen by the dog and handler. Time allowed for the exercise is five (5) minutes with dog finding a minimum of two (2) articles to qualify. Handler may not enter the defined area. Six (6) marks will be awarded for each of the four (4) articles retrieved and six (6) marks for Control.
Leash Track (100 marks)
90 marks for Track
10 marks for recognition of article by dog
The track is to be approximately 600m long and approximately thirty (30) minutes old. A marker at the tracklayer’s scent pad will indicate the start of the track and another marker will be placed by the tracklayer 30m from the start to indicate the direction of the first leg. The track shall include a maximum of four (4) turns and not more than one (1) turn shall be less than 90 degrees. A single article will be placed at the end of the track.
If a dog, having begun to track, loses the track the Judge, at his discretion, may direct the handler to return the dog to a specific point on the track where the dog has already been on track and to recommence tracking from that point. A dog shall not be given the second attempt if it has reached the last turn or beyond when it loses the track and it shall not be given such an attempt more than once on a track.
When the Judge directs a second attempt at a track he shall penalise the dog five (5) marks for every leg of the track which the dog had not completed when the second attempt was ordered.
TRACKER DOG II
Maximum marks: 250
Minimum qualifying marks: 200
Eligibility: Must have qualified in TDI
Dogs which have been awarded three (3) qualifying certificates in this grade are no longer eligible to compete in the Tracker Dog Grade II.
Group 1 - Control
Group marks: 50
Minimum qualifying marks for Group: 35
4.4.1
Heel Free, 10 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Tracker Dog Grade 1.
4.4 .2
Send Away, 15 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade except that the dog is to be sent forward a distance of approximately 40m.
4.4.3
Retrieve a Dumbbell, 10 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
4.4.4
Down Stay - Ten minutes, 10 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
4.4.5
Steadiness to Gunshot, 5 marks (this is not a qualifying exercise)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Tracker Dog Grade 1.
Group II - Agility
Group marks: 20
Minimum qualifying marks for Group: 14
4.4.6
“A” Frame (10 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
4.4.7
Clear Jump (5 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
4.4.8
Long Jump (5 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
Group III - Nosework
Group marks: 180
Minimum qualifying marks for Group: 126
4.4.9
Controlled Search (30 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Tracker Dog Grade 1.
4.4.10
Leash Track:
120 marks for track
15 marks for recognition of each article (2) by dog. (Total 30 marks).
TOTAL MARKS 150
The track is to be approximately 800m long and approximately ninety (90) minutes old. A single marker will indicate the start of the track. Two (2) different kinds of article will be dropped on the track, the second being at the end of the track. The dog must find at least one (1) article to qualify. No recast permitted. The track should be more difficult than the Track er Dog Grade I track. Turns may be less than 90 degrees.
TRACKER DOG III
Maximum marks: 315
Minimum qualifying marks: 252
Group I - Control
Group marks: 50
Minimum qualifying marks for group: 35
4.5.1
Heel Free, 10 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Tracker Dog Grade I.
4.5.2
Send away and Redirection, 25 marks
On orders from the Judge the handler will send his dog forward from the “Heel” position to an object at a distance of approximately 50m in a direction indicated by the Judge. When the dog has reached the required distance he must be stopped and redirected by the handler, in a direction (left or right) previously indicated by
the Judge, to an object at a distance of approximately 20m. The exercise ends when the dog has reached the second location or, if the dog fails to do so, on orders from the Judge. The handler will not move from his place throughout the exercise without the Judge’s approval.
4.5.3
Down Stay -
Ten minutes, 10 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
4.5.4
Steadiness to Gunshot, 5 marks (this is not a qualifying exercise)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Tracker Dog Grade I.
Group II - Nosework
Group marks: 265
Minimum qualifying marks for group: 186
4.5.5
Controlled Search, 35 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Tracker Dog Grade I. Search marks 7 for each article (four (4) articles): 7 control. Total 35.
4.5 .6
SEARCH & IDENTIFY ARTICLE (35 marks) (article MUST be found to qualify). The object of this exercise is for the dog to find the article.
Search (20 marks)
Finding article (10 marks)
Barking (5 marks)
Article must be placed no less than 30m forward from the base line. A well-defined area of natural ground, approximately 100m by 100m will be used for this exercise which has been foiled, by being walked over by a group of handlers and dogs, A dog must be able to move and scent freely over the ground. In this area, at a place chosen by the Judge, an article will be suitably placed. The article will be a large object, not easily retrievable. The article will be so placed among natural cover as to be not readily visible to the handler or dog except at close range e.g. 3m.The article will not be buried or totally concealed.
The Judge will indicate the boundaries of the area to the handler and will indicate from which side of the area he is to begin the exercise. The handler must remain approximately on the centre line running through the area from the starting point. It is permissible for the handler to direct the dog to ensure a thorough search but excessive commands not obeyed will be penalised (by a maximum of 2 marks for the whole exercise); the Judge using his discretion according to prevailing conditions. When the dog finds the article it must bark to attract the handler. The dog must not bite or worry the article. A maximum of 5 marks will be deducted for biting or worrying the article. The article may not contain food or carry the scent of food. The article may not consist predominantly of metal. A maximum time of ten (10) minutes is allowed. Once the handler has reached the base line on the far side of the area he may turn round and come back on the centre line and continue the search with the dog if time allows. Dogs are not to be penalized for indicating incorrect articles and must be allowed to continue until such time as the dog finds the article or time elapses.
4.5.7
Leash Track
150 marks for track
15 marks for recognition of each article (3) by dog. (Total 45 marks).
TOTAL MARKS 195
The track is to be approximately 800m long and approximately three (3) hours old. NO TRACK may have more than 11 LEGS. One (1) marker or a small marked area will be used to indicate the start of the track, at the discretion of the Judge. If an area is used it must be clearly defined and must not be larger than 5m by 5m. Three (3) different kinds of article will be dropped on the track, the third being at the end of the track. The dog must find at least two (2) articles to qualify. No recast permitted. A cross track may be permitted at the discretion of the Judge. A dog can become a Champion through his successes in completing these exercises and the track must be of sufficient complexity to warrant this status.
Maximum marks 200
Minimum qualifying marks 160
Eligibility. Must have qualified in Companion Dog.
Dogs which have been awarded three (3) qualifying certificates in this grade or which have been awarded a qualifying certificate in a higher grade are no longer eligible to compete in the Tracker Dog Grade 1.
Group 1 - Control
Group marks 50
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 35
Heel Free (10 marks)
The handler will present himself at the place indicated by the Judge with his dog off lead in a “Heel” position. From the start of the exercise the handler will move with his dog as directed by the Judge or Steward.
The object of the exercise is to test the dog’s ability to remain naturally at the handler’s working side while moving at normal, fast and slow paces, around obstacles and people, moving or stationary. The exercise will be held in the open and while performing this exercise the handler will be expected to execute left, right, about turns and halts.
Send Away (15 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade except that the dog is to be sent forward a distance of approximately 30m.
Retrieve a Dumbbell (10 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
Down Stay - Ten Minutes (10 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
Steadiness to Gunshot (5 marks) (this is not a qualifying exercise)
Dogs are to be tested with gunshots, either individually or in small groups, off lead while either:
a) walking at “Heel” or
b) stationary in a “Sit” or “Down” position alongside their handlers.
The gun must be a minimum of 20m from the dogs. The calibre of the gun must be between 6mm and 9mm only. A suitable starter’s pistol may be used as an alternative to a gun.
Group II - Agility
Group marks 20
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 14
“Once Judging for Group II has commenced, the handler may not touch any of the obstacles. Should the handler do so, all marks for the obstacle(s) will be deducted.” If the dog runs past any of the obstacles, it shall lose all marks for that obstacle.
“A” Frame (10 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
Clear Jump (5 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
Long Jump (5 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
Group III - Nosework
Group marks 130
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 91
Search (30 marks)
Using an area of foiled ground 25m x 25m, which is clearly defined, the handler is to send his dog to find and retrieve four (4) articles with Judge’s/Steward’s scent placed in the area unseen by the dog and handler. Time allowed for the exercise is five (5) minutes with dog finding a minimum of two (2) articles to qualify. Handler may not enter the defined area. Six (6) marks will be awarded for each of the four (4) articles retrieved and six (6) marks for Control.
Leash Track (100 marks)
90 marks for Track
10 marks for recognition of article by dog
The track is to be approximately 600m long and approximately thirty (30) minutes old. A marker at the tracklayer’s scent pad will indicate the start of the track and another marker will be placed by the tracklayer 30m from the start to indicate the direction of the first leg. The track shall include a maximum of four (4) turns and not more than one (1) turn shall be less than 90 degrees. A single article will be placed at the end of the track.
If a dog, having begun to track, loses the track the Judge, at his discretion, may direct the handler to return the dog to a specific point on the track where the dog has already been on track and to recommence tracking from that point. A dog shall not be given the second attempt if it has reached the last turn or beyond when it loses the track and it shall not be given such an attempt more than once on a track.
When the Judge directs a second attempt at a track he shall penalise the dog five (5) marks for every leg of the track which the dog had not completed when the second attempt was ordered.
TRACKER DOG II
Maximum marks: 250
Minimum qualifying marks: 200
Eligibility: Must have qualified in TDI
Dogs which have been awarded three (3) qualifying certificates in this grade are no longer eligible to compete in the Tracker Dog Grade II.
Group 1 - Control
Group marks: 50
Minimum qualifying marks for Group: 35
4.4.1
Heel Free, 10 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Tracker Dog Grade 1.
4.4 .2
Send Away, 15 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade except that the dog is to be sent forward a distance of approximately 40m.
4.4.3
Retrieve a Dumbbell, 10 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
4.4.4
Down Stay - Ten minutes, 10 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
4.4.5
Steadiness to Gunshot, 5 marks (this is not a qualifying exercise)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Tracker Dog Grade 1.
Group II - Agility
Group marks: 20
Minimum qualifying marks for Group: 14
4.4.6
“A” Frame (10 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
4.4.7
Clear Jump (5 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
4.4.8
Long Jump (5 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
Group III - Nosework
Group marks: 180
Minimum qualifying marks for Group: 126
4.4.9
Controlled Search (30 marks)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Tracker Dog Grade 1.
4.4.10
Leash Track:
120 marks for track
15 marks for recognition of each article (2) by dog. (Total 30 marks).
TOTAL MARKS 150
The track is to be approximately 800m long and approximately ninety (90) minutes old. A single marker will indicate the start of the track. Two (2) different kinds of article will be dropped on the track, the second being at the end of the track. The dog must find at least one (1) article to qualify. No recast permitted. The track should be more difficult than the Track er Dog Grade I track. Turns may be less than 90 degrees.
TRACKER DOG III
Maximum marks: 315
Minimum qualifying marks: 252
Group I - Control
Group marks: 50
Minimum qualifying marks for group: 35
4.5.1
Heel Free, 10 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Tracker Dog Grade I.
4.5.2
Send away and Redirection, 25 marks
On orders from the Judge the handler will send his dog forward from the “Heel” position to an object at a distance of approximately 50m in a direction indicated by the Judge. When the dog has reached the required distance he must be stopped and redirected by the handler, in a direction (left or right) previously indicated by
the Judge, to an object at a distance of approximately 20m. The exercise ends when the dog has reached the second location or, if the dog fails to do so, on orders from the Judge. The handler will not move from his place throughout the exercise without the Judge’s approval.
4.5.3
Down Stay -
Ten minutes, 10 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Companion Dog Grade.
4.5.4
Steadiness to Gunshot, 5 marks (this is not a qualifying exercise)
This exercise will be carried out as for the Tracker Dog Grade I.
Group II - Nosework
Group marks: 265
Minimum qualifying marks for group: 186
4.5.5
Controlled Search, 35 marks
This exercise will be carried out as for the Tracker Dog Grade I. Search marks 7 for each article (four (4) articles): 7 control. Total 35.
4.5 .6
SEARCH & IDENTIFY ARTICLE (35 marks) (article MUST be found to qualify). The object of this exercise is for the dog to find the article.
Search (20 marks)
Finding article (10 marks)
Barking (5 marks)
Article must be placed no less than 30m forward from the base line. A well-defined area of natural ground, approximately 100m by 100m will be used for this exercise which has been foiled, by being walked over by a group of handlers and dogs, A dog must be able to move and scent freely over the ground. In this area, at a place chosen by the Judge, an article will be suitably placed. The article will be a large object, not easily retrievable. The article will be so placed among natural cover as to be not readily visible to the handler or dog except at close range e.g. 3m.The article will not be buried or totally concealed.
The Judge will indicate the boundaries of the area to the handler and will indicate from which side of the area he is to begin the exercise. The handler must remain approximately on the centre line running through the area from the starting point. It is permissible for the handler to direct the dog to ensure a thorough search but excessive commands not obeyed will be penalised (by a maximum of 2 marks for the whole exercise); the Judge using his discretion according to prevailing conditions. When the dog finds the article it must bark to attract the handler. The dog must not bite or worry the article. A maximum of 5 marks will be deducted for biting or worrying the article. The article may not contain food or carry the scent of food. The article may not consist predominantly of metal. A maximum time of ten (10) minutes is allowed. Once the handler has reached the base line on the far side of the area he may turn round and come back on the centre line and continue the search with the dog if time allows. Dogs are not to be penalized for indicating incorrect articles and must be allowed to continue until such time as the dog finds the article or time elapses.
4.5.7
Leash Track
150 marks for track
15 marks for recognition of each article (3) by dog. (Total 45 marks).
TOTAL MARKS 195
The track is to be approximately 800m long and approximately three (3) hours old. NO TRACK may have more than 11 LEGS. One (1) marker or a small marked area will be used to indicate the start of the track, at the discretion of the Judge. If an area is used it must be clearly defined and must not be larger than 5m by 5m. Three (3) different kinds of article will be dropped on the track, the third being at the end of the track. The dog must find at least two (2) articles to qualify. No recast permitted. A cross track may be permitted at the discretion of the Judge. A dog can become a Champion through his successes in completing these exercises and the track must be of sufficient complexity to warrant this status.