Phase A: Tracking 100 points

The Judge or the person in charge of the tracking determines the pattern of the track, whereas the layout of the tracking field must be taken into consideration. Varying patterns must be used for the tracks. It is not permitted that the articles and corners on each track are placed at the same distance from each other. The start is to be marked clearly with a signpost. The marker is to be placed in the ground directly to the left of the scent pad.

The Judge will draw for starting positions.

The Handler (= tracklayer) must show the tracking articles to the Judge or person in charge of the tracking prior to laying the track. Only well-scented articles (at least 30 minutes old and scented by the Handler) may be used. The Handler (= tracklayer) remains for a brief moment on the scent pad and then proceeds at a normal pace in the direction prescribed by the Judge. The corners are likewise to be made at a normal pace. The first article is placed on the track after a minimum of 100 paces on the first or second leg. The second article is placed at the end of the last leg. The articles are to be laid on the track while the tracklayer is in motion. After placing the last article at the end of the last leg, the tracklayer must proceed to walk straight ahead for a few more paces. Different types of articles are to be used on the same track (materials: Leather, fabric, wood). The articles must have a size of about 10 cm in length, 2-3 cm in witdh and 0,5-1 cm in thickness. Their color may not stand out considerably from that of the terrain. The dog must remain out of sight while the track is laid.

While the dog is working out the track, the Judge and any accompanying persons are not permitted in the area of the track where the dog/Handler team has the right to track.

A. Verbal Command: "Such"

The verbal command "Such" is permitted at the start and after the first article.

B. Tracking Performance:

The Handler is preparing the dog for tracking. The dog may track off lead or on a 10 m tracking line. While tracking, the 10 m tracking line may be placed accross the back, on the side or between the front and/or hindquarters of the dog. The tracking line may be attached directly to the collar, dead ring, or to the ring on the tracking harness. (The following types of tracking harnesses are permitted: breast-harness or Bottger-harness without any additional straps). When called, the Handler will report to the Judge with the dog in a basic position. The Handler will advise the Judge wheter the dog will pick up or indicate the articles. Any forceful influence is to be avoided prior to tracking, at the start and during tracking.

On command of the Judge, the dog is taken slowly and calmly to the starting point and is set onto the track. The dog is to take the scent at the start calmly and intensely, with a deep nose. The dog must then proceed to track with a deep nose, maintaining a steady pace. The Handler follows his/her dog at a distance of 10 m at the end of the tracking line. When tracking off lead a distance of 10 m must be maintained as well. A certain amount of slack in the line is permissible, as long as the Handler keeps the tracking line in his/her hand. The dog must work out corners confidently. After working out a corner the dog must continue to track at his regular pace. As soon as the dog reaches an article, it must immediately pick up or indicate the article in a convincing manner, without help from the Handler. The dog is permitted to stand, sit or return to the Handler when picking up an article. Moving forward with the article or picking up the article while lying down is faulty. Indicating of the article may be done standing, sitting or lying down. It is permitted to alternate. As soon as the dog has indicate or picked up an article, the Handler must lay down the tracking line and go to his/her dog. By raising the arm with the article in his/her hand, the Handler shows that the dog has found the article. Then the Handler picks up the tracking line and continues to work out the track with his/her dog. Upon completion of the track, the Handler must show the articles that were found to the Judge.

C. Evaluation:

The speed with which the track is worked out is not a factor in the scoring, as long as the track is worked out intensely, evenly and convincingly and the dog shows a positive tracking attitude. A dog's checking to convince itself of the layout of the track is not faulty, as long as the dog does not leave the track. Aimless wandering, a high nose, urination/defecation, circling at the corners, continuous encouragement, leash-guidance or verbal help on the track or at the articles, faulty pick up/indication of the articles and indicating of a false object will cause point deductions. The tracking work is to be terminated if the Handler leaves the track by more than one line-lenght.

If the dog goes to leave the track and the Handler restrains him from doing so, the Judge will instruct the Handler to follow the dog. The tracking work is to be terminated if the Handler fails to follow the Judge's instructions. If the track is not cimpleted within 2 minutes from the time the dog was put on the track, the Judge will terminate the tracking work. The performance shown before the tracking work was terminated will be evaluated.

If the dog shows both options, in other words, if the dog indicates and picks up the articles, while working out the articles, this is faulty.

A rating is only given for articles that are indicated in the manner that was announced to the Judge when the Handler reported in. Faulty indication/picking up of an article flows into the evaluation of the corresponding leg.

No points are given for articles that are not indicated/picked up.

The distribution of points, for each individual leg, for maintaining the track has to reflect the lenght and the degree of difficulty. Each leg is evaluated in points and ratings. If the dog is not tracking (lingering in the same place and the dog is not tracking), the Judge may terminate the tracking work even the dog is still positioned on the track.