WHAT IS TRACKING?

Tracking is an AKC recognized canine sport that demonstrates a dog's ability to identify and follow a scent. This skill, instinctive to dogs, serves as the foundation for all advanced search and rescue work. Every dog has the ability to track; any breed, any size. In this sport, the dog is always the one in charge - not the handler. The dog's job is to follow a scent in order to find articles which have been left for him along a track. Tracks can be on any surface and can be aged for various amounts of time. For many dog owners, the greatest pleasure of tracking is to spend with your canine companion, working outside, learning to trust him while challenging his abilities.

ARE THERE LOCAL TRACKING TRIALS?

BOTC first held a tracking test in 2004 when there was a resurgence of interest in tracking among club members. Today, BOTC hosts a Tracking Dog (first level) and Tracking Dog Excellent (intermediate level) combined test each year in May on fields in South Hero, Vermont (2011 Premium). BOTC also hosts an annual Variable Surface Tracking test in June on the beautiful campus of the University of Vermont. If you were amazed at a dog's ability to successfully follow a track in the fields and woods, come witness dogs track through a heavily traveled urban maze. This is the ultimate test for a handler/owner in terms of having to implicitly trust the dog and his ability to identify the direction of the track! The VST level is the highest tracking level recognized by AKC and is the most difficult. When a dog successfully completes his VST track, he will have earned a VST title and has the honor of becoming a Champion Tracker and adding the CT prefix to his name. Come and join us to experience how you and your dog can be a part of this very rewarding, non-competitive outdoor sport.

CAN I PRACTICE TRACKING WITH OTHERS LOCALLY?

BOTC has a tracking representative on its Training Council. This person is responsible for setting up times and places for membership to meet and practice tracking skills. Please check our calendar on this website for dates of tracking events and practice sessions.