Welcome to the World's Oldest Club dedicated Exclusively to the Working Bouvier!

 

Tracking Trials allow dogs to demonstrate their natural ability to recognize and follow human scent. This vigorous outdoor activity is great for canine athletes. Unlike obedience events that require a dog to qualify 3 times, a dog must successfully complete only one track to earn his title.

Sam tracking with Silvia Dierauer
 

Tracking Dog: To earn a TD, a dog must follow a track laid by a human over a 440 to 500 yard track. The track will usually age from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Tracking Dog Excellent: A TDX is earned by following an "older" (3 to 5 hours), longer (800 to 1,000 yard) track with more turns and cross tracks.

Photo of Sam tracking courtesy of Silvia Dierauer

Variable Surface Tracking: A VST dog has demonstrated this ability by following a 3 to 5 hours-old track that may take him down a street, through a building and other areas devoid of vegetation.

Schutzhund Tracking

 Schutzhund organizations, such as the DVG, offer tracking titles of TR I, II, and III as well as the advanced titles of FH I and FH II. These are the same tests that is required of schutzhund titles. You must score 70 out of 100 to pass. Below are diagrams that show the tracking patterns and the differences between the levels.

For more information about Schutzhund tracking, have a look at:

DVG America

Sunny DeYoung and WTCH Briarlea Lark of High Rolls TD CD PT

Schutzhund tracking pattern etc reprinted with permission from the DVG website