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2018 NOTC MTG – ATTACHMENT 7g

DOGS VICTORIA SUBMISSION FOR CHANGES TO THE ANKC RULES FOR TRACK & SEARCH

June 2017

Part 1

The changes described in this document are editorial in nature and are not intended to constitute changes to the substance of the rules. The primary motivation for these proposed changes is to improve the ANKC Rules and Guidelines for the conduct of Track and Search Dog Trials. While some care has been exercised in identifying the changes that are recommended below, it is inevitable that some errors and inconsistencies will have been missed. Accordingly, implementation of the recommended changes cannot be expected to produce a Rule Book that is error-free and should not be regarded as an adequate substitute for careful proof-reading of the revised book.

p. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Track and Search Dog (T.S.D.) Change to read: Track & Search Dog (TSD)

Track and Search Dog Excellent (T.S.D.X.) Change to read: Track & Search Dog Excellent (TSDX)

Track & Search Champion (T.S.Ch.) Change to read: Track & Search Champion (TS Ch.)

Track & Search Grand Champion (T.S. Grand Ch.)

Change to read: Track & Search Grand Champion (TS Grand Ch.)

Rationale: acronyms and related abbreviations are conventionally written without full stops e.g. BHP, NAB, USA, KPMG

p. 4 REMOVAL OF DOG

Currently reads:

The Judge may order the removal and disqualification from all Trial Competition on the day any dog that attacks, and must lodge a report with the Canine Control.

Change to read:

The Judge may order the removal and disqualification from all Trial Competition on the day, any dog that attacks and must lodge a report with the Canine Control.

Rationale: relocation of comma to a more appropriate place. A comma before “and” is redundant.

DOGS VICTORIA SUBMISSION FOR CHANGES TO THE ANKC RULES FOR TRACK & SEARCH - June 2017


p. 4 WITHDRAWAL OF DOG

Currently reads:

A dog may be withdrawn before or during judging with the consent of the Judge and must not take any further part in that Track & Search Dog Test.

Change to read:

A dog may be withdrawn before or during judging with the consent of the Judge and must not take any further part in that Track & Search Dog Trial.

Rationale: correct an anomaly in the current wording.

p. 5 TITLES Delete full stops in abbreviations as per changes outlined above.

P. 5 EQUIPMENT

Currently reads:

(b) …that an average child or adult might carry and drop; i.e. Wallet, purse….

Change to read:

(b)…that a typical child or adult might carry and drop: e.g. Wallet, purse…

Rationale: The intention is that the articles should be items that might be carried by a person who is “normal” or representative of the general population. Hence typical is a more appropriate adjective than average. Since every individual is unique it is debateable whether there is any such thing as “the average person”. Also, the items listed are examples of suitable articles rather than an exhaustive list so i.e. is incorrect.

p. 6 JUDGES (b) Delete full stops in abbreviations of titles as per changes outlined above.

NEW SECTION – USE OF CAPITALS

pp. 6-15 The authors of the Rule Book clearly intended to follow the convention that proper nouns should begin with a capital letter while common nouns should not. There are however, several instances where this convention has not been observed. The changes that have been identified as necessary to conform to the convention are as follows:

Change “handler” to “Handler”:

p. 5 ELIGIBILITY, 5th line

p. 6 (g)

p.6 & 7 TRACKLAYER, (a) (c) and (g)



p. 8 GENERAL SAFETY, first line, (f) first two sentences (twice) and (j) end of first sentence.

p. 10 Test 1, 6th paragraph

p. 11 Second line and Test 3, 7th paragraph.

p. 11 Test 4, second paragraph and 4th paragraph on page 12.,

p.12 Test 5, fourth paragraph

p. 13 Test 6, fourth paragraph.

Change “judge” to “Judge”:

p. 6 JUDGES (b) (e) and (h)

p. 8 GENERAL (r) point 2.

p. 8 (g) and (i)

p. 9 GRADINGS (a) and (c)

p. 14 Test 8, Second paragraph., fourth line.

Change “tracklayer” to “Tracklayer”

p. 5 EQUIPMENT (b)

p. 7 TRACKLAYER (f)

p. 7 GENERAL (i) (q) and (r),

p.8 GENERAL SAFETY First line and last line. Also (b) (c) (e) (i) and (k)

Change “Judge” to “judge”

p. 6 JUDGES (a) (verb)

should read:

Judges must be licensed with the Canine Control in their respective State or Territory to judge Track and Search Dog Trials.

Change “finish article” to “Finish Article”

p. 9 GRADINGS (d)



OTHER CHANGES

p. 7 GENERAL

Currently reads:

(p) Tests T.S.D. 1 to T.S.D.X. 4 should,…

Change to read:

(p) Tests 1 to 4 should,…

RATIONALE:

The abbreviations are redundant and can be deleted without loss of meaning.

TRACK HEADINGS

pp. 10-15 All track headings include the abbreviations T.S.D. etc.

Change to remove all full stops should be deleted as outlined above.

p. 12 Test 5, 4th para: i.e. a residential gateway, front door or car door.

Change to read: i.e. to e.g.

RATIONALE

The items mentioned are examples, not an exhaustive list, so e.g. is appropriate

Note: the same change is required in the descriptions of Tests 6, 7 and 8 but not Tests 9 and 10 where e.g. is already used.

pp. 13-14 Headings currently read: Track and Search Championship Track (T.S. Ch.)

Change to read: Track and Search Championship (TS Ch.)

RATIONALE

To be consistent with the headings for Tests 1 to 6.

Note: if this change is accepted, corresponding revision of the Table of Contents (p.3) will be required.



p. 13-14 Descriptions of Test 7 and Test 8, third paragraph:

Currently reads:

There will be a min of 5 turns. 4 turns shall be on non-vegetated surfaces.

Change to read:

There will be a minimum of 5 turns, 4 of which shall be on non-vegetated surfaces.

RATIONALE

Improve expression.

pp. 14-15 Headings currently read: Track and Search Grand Championship Tests (T.S. Grand Ch.)

Change to read: Track and Search Grand Championship (TS Grand Ch.)

RATIONALE

To be consistent with the headings for Tests 1 to 6.

Note corresponding revision of the Table of Contents (p. 3)

Part 2

ELIGIBILITY

Currently reads:

A dog must have attained the title of Tracking Champion prior to being eligible for entry into Track and Search Dog Trials.

A dog must be a minimum of twelve (12) months of age to enter in a Track and Search Trial.

Whilst there is no formal obedience assessment, it is understood that because of the possibility of livestock, pedestrians and vehicle traffic, the handler must be confident that they have complete control over the dog.

Change to read:

A dog must be a minimum of six (6) months of age to enter in a Track and Search Trial.

A dog that has not attained the title of Tracking Champion may enter Track and Search trials but shall not be eligible to participate in Track and Search Tests 9 and 10.

Whilst there is no formal obedience assessment, it is understood that because of the possibility of other animals, pedestrians and vehicle traffic, the handler must be confident that they have complete control over the dog.



RATIONALE

Changing the word livestock to ‘other animals’ better describes what is more likely to be encountered on a TSD test.

Removing the prerequisite to have gained a Tracking Champion Title prior to being eligible to compete in TSD trials will enable Handlers to choose which of the disciplines they wish to participate in.

The skills required to complete in TSD are not necessarily identical to those required for success in Tracking so Handlers who wish to enter a dog in TSD Trials without first attaining the title of Tracking Champion should be allowed to do so.

There should be no difference between the minimum age for Tracking and the minimum age for Track and Search should Handlers be given the choice of which to enter intitally.

Restrict dogs to just being able to compete in the first 8 tests in TSD will mean that a dog must become a Tracking Champion in order to attain the TS Grand Champion Title.

NEW ADDITION

If the separation of Tracking and Track & Search is supported then the following needs to be inserted into the TSD Rule Books under TITLES:

The Member Body will receive applications for the title of “Dual Champion” in connection with each dog which, having gained titles of Conformation Champion and Track & Search Champion (TS Ch.)

TITLES

Delete (unknown person) from beside each Test Number

Change to read:

To qualify for the title of Track & Search Dog (TSD) , Track & Search Dog Excellent (TSDX), Track & Search Champion (TS Ch.) and Track & Search Grand Champion (TS Grand Ch.) a dog must pass each of the following tests once.

The Tracklayer of each of the tests is to be an unknown person to the dog:

Track & Search Dog (TSD) Test 1 Test 2 Test 3

Track & Search Dog Excellent (TSDX) Test 4 Test 5 Test 6



Track & Search Champion (TS Ch.) Test 7 Test 8

Track & Search Grand Champion (TS Grand Ch.) Test 9 Test 10

RATIONALE

To remove the repetition of the term “(unknown person)” following each Test in the table.

EQUIPMENT

Item (a) Second sentence currently reads:

All Track and Search Dog tests must be conducted with the dog in a suitable harness. For tests 1-4 the minimum length of lead should be ten (10) metres and for tests 5-10 the lead should be a minimum of five (5) metres and no longer than ten (10) metres.

Change to read:

All Track and Search Dog tests must be conducted with the dog in a suitable harness. For tests 1-4 the minimum length of lead should be ten (10) metres and for tests 5-10 the lead should be a minimum of five (5) metres and no longer than six(6) metres.

RATIONALE

For urban tests, many Handlers work the dog on only a short length of lead so having several metres of lead trailing on the ground or footpath behind them can be a trip hazard for the judge and steward.

Item (a) Third & fourth sentences currently reads:

The dog must be worked at the length of leash suitable to the terrain, environment and in accordance with government requirements. Unless specified in the description of the test, the lead must be connected to the harness.

Change to read:

The dog must be worked at a length of lead suitable to the terrain, environment and in accordance with government requirements. Unless specified in the description of the test, the lead must be connected to the harness and should be held by the Handler while the dog is tracking or searching. Dropping the lead temporarily is acceptable provided that the dog remains under control .

RATIONALE

Part 1 - The wording “the length…” implies that there is some unique length of lead that is most suitable for any given terrain. Of course, this is not so and individuals will inevitably differ in their opinions about what length of lead is most suitable. Hence “a length…” is better wording. Also, this is the only place where the term “leash” appears in the current Rule Book instead of the more usual “lead”.



Part 2 - It is implicit in the Rules that the lead should be held by the Handler but there may be times when the lead is dropped for short periods. For example, a handler may drop the lead in order to praise their dog for finding an article. Also, if the lead becomes jammed in an object or wrapped around a tree it may be necessary to drop the lead momentarily so that it can be grasped at a different point in order to free it. Hence it is desirable to make the requirement explicit, while allowing for the possibility that the lead may be dropped for short periods without penalty.

Item (b) currently reads:

All articles used on the track must belong to the tracklayer, be approved by the judge and should represent articles made of substances used in everyday life that an average child or adult might carry and drop; i.e. Wallet, purse, mobile phone, sunglasses, notebook, bunch of keys, soft toy, shoe or cap etc.

Change to read:

All articles used on the track must belong to the tracklayer, be approved by the judge and should represent articles made of substances used in everyday life that a typical child or adult might carry and drop; e.g. Wallet, purse, mobile phone, sunglasses, notebook, bunch of keys, soft toy, shoe or cap etc. All articles must be small enough to fit into a normal size pocket.

RATIONALE

The use of articles that are too large to fit in the pocket of a normal garment is outside the spirit of the rules and should not be permitted.

GENERAL

New clause for inclusion

Inset after clause (t)

(u) For urban tests the distance from the start to the finish, measured in a straight line, should be no less than 50% of the stated length of the track.

RATIONALE

Urban settings may provide many opportunities for a dog to depart from the track but still find the Tracklayer. For example, a dog may overshoot a turn, then travel along the next street parallel to the track, pick up the next leg of the track and then follow the rest of the track to its conclusion. The shorter the distance between the start and the finish of the track, the higher is the probability that the dog may find the Tracklayer through sheer luck, possibly without following any more than the first part of the track. Ensuring that the track is laid out so that the finish is a significant distance from the start will give judges greater confidence that a dog has succeeded through skill rather than luck.



GENERAL SAFETY

Item (f) currently reads:

A “safety steward” at the Judge’s direction shall position themselves in the vicinity of thehandler while working the urban and night tracks. Their responsibility is to alert the handler ofany impending hazards, i.e. vehicles, cyclists, stray dogs, pedestrians so that if required, evasive action can be taken. The dog may be stopped to allow traffic/pedestrians etc. to passby calling the dog to heel or shortening the lead to have complete control.

Change to read:

A “safety steward” must position themselves in the vicinity of the Handler while working urban tracks or any other track required by the Judge. Their responsibility is to alert the Handler of any impending hazards such as vehicles, cyclists, stray dogs, pedestrians so that if required, evasive action can be taken. The dog may be stopped to allow traffic/pedestrians etc. to pass by calling the dog to heel or shortening the lead to have complete control.

RATIONALE

The existing wording allows the Judge to direct the safety steward as to their location and could be taken to mean that the steward can be directed not to follow some parts of a track. The presence of a safety steward in close proximity to the Handler is an essential safety requirement for urban tests either day or night as well as any other tests the Judge thinks requires safety steward/s so they should be present at all times.

TESTS

Track and Search Dog (T.S.D.)Test 1Currently reads:

Description:The dog is required to track an unknown person over a trail of approximately 800 metres of variedsurfaces which may include, but is not limited to, vegetation, sand, gravel, limestone or similar.

The Track will have 4 changes of direction.

The main Tracklayer shall follow the track accompanied by the diversion Tracklayer. Thediversion Tracklayer will accompany the main Tracklayer for not less than thirty (30) metres fromthe start and leave no closer than thirty (30) metres from the first change of direction while themain Tracklayer continues on the track.

The start flags will be removed by the main Tracklayer. The starting line flags will remain.At least thirty (30) metres before the starting line, the Tracklayer will place one of his scentedarticles in a clean sealable bag. He may place this bag in an individual air-tight container suppliedby the Judge or his Nominee. The Judge will, when the track has aged sufficiently, take theHandler and Dog approximately thirty (30) metres from the starting line, open the container, ifused, and the scented article is removed by the Handler, who is then free to start tracking.



The dog will be in harness and must search for the track by free quartering off-lead or searchingin harness with lead attached. When the dog has indicated to the handler that it has located thetrack, the dog, if free quartering, must be stopped sufficiently to allow the tracking lead to befastened onto the harness. The dog must then follow the track to its conclusion.

The dog shall be started 60 to 90 minutes after the main track has been laid.There will be 2 articles placed on the track. The Tracklayer or Finish Article must be found at theend of the track to obtain a Pass.

Change to read:

Track and Search Dog (TSD)Test 1Description:The dog is required to track and search for and locate an unknown person who has walked a trail of approximately 800 metres of varied surfaces which may include, but are not limited to, vegetation, sand, gravel, limestone or similar.

The Track will have four (4) changes of direction.

The main Tracklayer shall follow the track accompanied by the diversion Tracklayer. The diversion Tracklayer will accompany the main Tracklayer for not less than thirty (30) metres from the start and leave no closer than thirty (30) metres from the first change of direction while the main Tracklayer continues on the track.The start flags will be removed by the main Tracklayer. The starting line flags will remain.

At least thirty (30) metres before the starting line, the Tracklayer will place one of his scented articles in a clean sealable bag. He may place this bag in an individual air-tight container supplied by the Judge or his Nominee. The Judge will, when the track has aged sufficiently, take the Handler and dog approximately thirty (30) metres from the starting line, open the container, if used, and the scented article is removed by the Handler, who is then free to start tracking.

The dog will be in harness and must search for the track by free quartering off-lead or searching in harness with lead attached. When the dog has indicated to the handler that it has located the track, the dog, if free quartering, must be stopped sufficiently to allow the tracking lead to be fastened onto the harness. The dog must then track and search for and locate the lost person or their Finish Article .

The dog shall be started 60 to 90 minutes after the main track has been laid.

There will be 2 articles placed on the track. The Tracklayer or Finish Article must be found at theend of the track to obtain a Pass.

RATIONALE

Revising the description to place more emphasis on the dog’s ability to search rather than track is consistent with the practice of most judges.

Note: if these changes are accepted, corresponding changes should be made to the descriptions of all other Track and Search Tests.



TRACK AND SEARCH DOG EXCELLENT (T.S.D.X.)

Test 5 [Urban Track]Currently reads:

Description:The dog is required to track an unknown person over a trail of approximately 800 metres of variedsurfaces including, but is not limited to, tar-sealed roads, pavements, grass and foot trails. It should include distractions such as parked cars, light vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

The Track should be laid utilising any and all structures on site to ensure that dogs are able tohandle the diffusion of scent created by these structures. Tracks may be laid in close proximity tobuildings and fences.

There should be no more than 5 turns and at least 3 turns shall be on non-vegetated surfaces.

The exact start point of the track should be known to the handler i.e. a residential gateway, frontdoor or car door. The track should not cross a main road.

Every care should be taken when working the dog in traffic and to shorten the lead if necessary,ensuring the safety of the dog should it attempt to cross a busy road.

The dog should work regardless of any distractions.

At least thirty (30) metres before the starting point; the Tracklayer will place one of his scentedarticles in a clean sealable bag. He may place this bag in an individual air-tight container suppliedby the Judge or his Nominee. The Judge will, when the track has aged sufficiently, take the Handler and Dog approximately thirty (30) metres from the starting point, open the container, if used, and the scented article is removed by the Handler, who is then free to start tracking.

The dog in harness with lead attached; will search for the track. When the dog has indicated tothe Handler that it has located the track, the dog must then follow the track to its conclusion.

The minimum time for the commencement of the track must be is 120 minutes and the maximum240 minutes from the time the track is laid.

There will be no articles on this track. The Tracklayer or Finish Article must be found at the end ofthe track to obtain a Pass.

Change to read:

TRACK AND SEARCH DOG EXCELLENT (TSDX)

Test 5 [Urban Track]

Description:The dog is required to track and search for and locate an unknown person who has walked a trail of approximately 800 metres of varied surfaces, at least 80% of which will be, but not limited to, concrete, bitumen/tar or other sealed surfaces. It should include distractions such as parked cars, light vehicles and pedestrian traffic.



The Track should be laid utilising any and all structures on site to ensure that dogs are able to handle the diffusion of scent created by these structures. Tracks may be laid in close proximity tobuildings and fences.

There should be four to six turns and at least three turns shall be on non-vegetated surfaces.

The exact start point of the track should be known to the handler e.g. a residential gateway, frontdoor or car door. The track should not cross a main road.



At least thirty (30) metres before the starting point; the Tracklayer will place one of his scentedarticles in a clean sealable bag. He may place this bag in an individual air-tight container suppliedby the Judge or his Nominee. The Judge will, when the track has aged sufficiently, take theHandler and dog approximately thirty (30) metres from the starting point, open the container, ifused, and the scented article is removed by the Handler, who is then free to start tracking.

The dog in harness with lead attached; will search for the track. When the dog has indicated tothe Handler that it has located the track, the dog must then track and search for and locate the lost person or his Finish Article.



RATIONALE

The change in the number of turns gives the Judge more flexibility for setting out tests. The dog should be both tracking and searching on these tests.

Re 80 % hard surface: Urban tracks are usually conducted in residential areas on concrete or bitumen footpaths so the rules should reflect this.

This rationale is carried through for the rest of the tracks.

Test 6 [Urban Evening/Night Track]Currently reads:

Description:The dog is required to track an unknown person over a trail of approximately 800 metres of variedsurfaces including, but is not limited to, tar-sealed roads, pavements, grass and foot trails. It should include distractions such as parked cars, light vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

The Track should be laid utilising any and all structures on site to ensure that dogs are able to



handle the diffusion of scent created by these structures. Tracks may be laid in close proximity tobuildings and fences.

There should be no more than 5 turns and at least 3 turns shall be on non-vegetated surfaces.

The exact start point of the track should be known to the handler i.e. a residential gateway, frontdoor or car door. The track should not cross a main road.



At least thirty (30) metres before the starting point; the Tracklayer will place one of his scentedarticles in a clean sealable bag. He may place this bag in an individual air-tight container suppliedby the Judge or his Nominee. The Judge will, when the track has aged sufficiently, take the Handler and Dog approximately thirty (30) metres from the starting point, open the container, if used, and the scented article is removed by the Handler, who is then free to start tracking.




Change to read:

TRACK AND SEARCH DOG EXCELLENT (TSDX)


Description:The dog is required to track and search for and locate an unknown person who has walked a trail of approximately 800 metres of varied surfaces, at least 80% of which will be, but not limited to, concrete, bitumen/tar or other sealed surfaces. It should include distractions such as parked cars, light vehicles and pedestrian traffic.The Track should be laid utilising any and all structures on site to ensure that dogs are able to handle the diffusion of scent created by these structures. Tracks may be laid in close proximity tobuildings and fences.

There should be four to six turns and at least three turns shall be on non-vegetated surfaces.

The exact start point of the track should be known to the handler e.g. a residential gateway, frontdoor or car door. The track should not cross a main road.

Every care should be taken when working the dog in traffic and to shorten the lead if necessary,



ensuring the safety of the dog should it attempt to cross a busy road.




The minimum time for the commencement of the track must be 3 hours and the maximum 4 hours from the time the track is laid.


RATIONALE

It is a natural progression in training for Track and Search to initially train the dog during the day, followed by training at night, as training for night tracking is more complex. The current structure of alternating day and night tracks for the last 5 tests is not consistent with this natural progression. All tracks should be day tracks up until Test 6 with Tests 7 & 8 – Track and Search Champion and Tests 9 & 10 – Track and Search Grand Champion being night tracks.

This rationale is carried through for the rest of the tracks.

Re 80 % hard surface: Urban tracks are usually conducted in residential areas on concrete or bitumen footpaths so the rules should reflect this. This rationale is carried through for the rest of the tracks.

Re turns: The minimum and maximum number of turns now reflects the extra degree of difficulty over Test 5.

Re times: Using hours to describe longer time periods is clearer than using minutes and is consistent with normal practice. The longer time delay increases the difficulty of the test relative to Test 5.




Currently reads:

Description:

The dog is required to track an unknown person over a trail of approximately 1000 metres of varied surfaced including, but not limited to, tar-sealed roads, pavements, grass and foot trails. It should include distractions such as parked cars, light vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

At a point selected by the Judge the dog will halt and wait for approximately two (2) minutes,During this time the Judge will approach and speak briefly to the Handler. This will be between five hundred (500) and seven hundred (700) metres from the start and not within thirty (30) metres of a turn. The Judge will indicate to the Handler when to recommence, The Handler may re-scent the dog but this will result in a downgrading.

There will be a min of 5 turns. 4 turns shall be on non-vegetated surfaces,

The exact start point of the track should be known to the Handler i.e. a residential gateway, frontdoor or car door. The track should not cross a main road.

Every care should be taken when working the dog in traffic, shortening the lead if necessary toensure the safety of the dog should it attempt to cross a busy road.


At least thirty (30) metres before the starting point; the Tracklayer will place one of his scentedarticles in a clean sealable bag. He may place this bag in an individual air-tight container suppliedby the Judge or his Nominee. The Judge will, when the track has aged sufficiently, take theHandler and Dog approximately thirty (30) metres from the starting point, open the container, ifused, and the scented article is removed by the Handler, who is then free to start tracking.


The minimum time for the commencement of the track must be 240 minutes and the maximum300 minutes form the time the track is laid.


Change to read:

Test 7 (Urban Evening/Night Track)Description:

The dog is required to track and search for and locate an unknown person who has walked a trail of approximately 1000 metres of varied surfaces, at least 80% of which will be, but not limited to, concrete, bitumen/tar or other sealed surfaces. It should include distractions such as parked cars, light vehicles and pedestrian traffic.



At a point selected by the Judge the dog will halt and wait for approximately two (2) minutes,During this time the Judge will approach and speak briefly to the Handler. This will be betweenfive hundred (500) and seven hundred (700) metres from the start and not within thirty (30)metres of a turn. The Judge will indicate to the Handler when to recommence. The Handler mayre-scent the dog but this will result in a downgrading.

There will be five to seven turns of which at least four shall be on non-vegetated surfaces.

The exact start point of the track should be known to the Handler e.g. a residential gateway, frontdoor or car door. The track should not cross a main road.

Every care should be taken when working the dog in traffic, shortening the lead if necessary to ensure the safety of the dog should it attempt to cross a busy road.






RATIONALE

Night track increases the difficulty over Test 6.Turns: increases flexibility for judges to set out tracks in some suburbs. The proposed time delay is also longer than for Test 6.

Test 8 [Urban Evening/Night Track]

Currently reads:

Description:The dog is required to track an unknown person over a trail of approximately 1000 metres ofvaried surfaced including, but not limited to, tar-sealed roads, pavements, grass and foot trails. Itshould include distractions such as parked cars, light vehicle and pedestrian traffic.



At a point selected by the Judge the dog will halt and wait for approximately two (2) minutes,During this time the Judge will approach and speak briefly to the Handler. This will be betweenfive hundred (500) and seven hundred (700) metres from the start and not within thirty (30)metres of a turn. The judge will indicate to the Handler when to recommence, The Handler mayre-scent the dog but this will result in a downgrading.

There will be a min of 5 turns. 4 turns shall be on non-vegetated surfaces.

The exact start point of the track should be known to the Handler i.e. a residential gateway, frontdoor or car door. The track should not cross a main road.



At least thirty (30) metres before the starting point, the Tracklayer will place one of his scentedarticles in a clean sealable bag. He may place this bag in an individual air-tight container suppliedby the Judge or his Nominee. The Judge will, when the track has aged sufficiently, take theHandler and Dog approximately thirty (30) metres from the starting point, open the container, ifused, and the scented article is removed by the Handler, who is then free to start tracking.


The minimum time for the commencement of the track must be 240 minutes and the maximum300 minutes form the time the track is laid.


Change to read:

Change to: Test 8 (Urban Evening/Night Track)Description:

The dog is required to track and search for and locate an unknown person who has walked a trail of approximately 1000 metres of varied surfaces, at least 80% of which will be, but not limited to, concrete, bitumen/tar or other sealed surfaces. It should include distractions such as parked cars, light vehicles and pedestrian traffic.

At a point selected by the Judge the dog will halt and wait for approximately two (2) minutes.During this time the Judge will approach and speak briefly to the Handler. This will be betweenfive hundred (500) and seven hundred (700) metres from the start and not within thirty (30)metres of a turn. The Judge will indicate to the Handler when to recommence. The Handler mayre-scent the dog but this will result in a downgrading.

There will be five to seven turns of which at least four shall be on non-vegetated surfaces.










RATIONALE

Test 8 as proposed above is the same as the revised Test 7 except for the increased time delay which increases the difficulty relative to Test 7.

Test 9 (Urban Track)Currently reads:

Description

The dog is required to track an unknown person over a trail of approximately 1,000 metres ofvaried surfaces at least 80% of which will be, but not limited to, concrete, bitumen/tar or othersealed surfaces. It should include distractions such as parked cars, light vehicles and pedestriantraffic.

The Track should be laid utilizing any and all structures on site to ensure that dogs are able tohandle the diffusion of scent created by these structures. Tracks may be laid fin close proximity tobuildings and fences.

There will be 7 turns with a minimum of 4 turns on non-vegetated surfaces.

The Tracklayer will commence walking the trail and at some point after the first turn the Tracklayer will be picked up and travel in a motor vehicle with the windows open, for a distance of approximately two hundred (200) metres. This portion of the track must include one turn and one cross street. Following this the Tracklayer will leave the vehicle and complete the trail on foot tothe designated end.








The minimum time for the commencement of the track must be 180 minutes and the maximum240 minutes.


Change to read:

Test 9 (Urban Evening/Night Track)

Description

The dog is required to track and search for and locate an unknown person who has walked a trail of approximately 1,200 metres of varied surfaces at least 80% of which will be, but not limited to, concrete, bitumen/tar or other sealed surfaces. It should include distractions such as parked cars, light vehicles and pedestrian traffic.

The Track should be laid utilizing any and all structures on site to ensure that dogs are able tohandle the diffusion of scent created by these structures. Tracks may be laid in close proximity tobuildings and fences.

There will be six to eight turns.

The Tracklayer will commence walking the trail and at some point after the first turn theTracklayer will be picked up and travel in a motor vehicle with the windows open, for a distance ofapproximately two hundred (200) metres. This portion of the track must include one turn and onecross street. Following this the Tracklayer will leave the vehicle and complete the trail on foot tothe designated end.







The dog in harness with lead attached; will track and search for the track. When the dog has indicated to the Handler that it has located the track, the dog must then track and search for and locate the lost person or his Finish Article.

The minimum time for the commencement of the track must be 6 hours and the maximum8 hours from the time the track is laid.


RATIONALE

The increased distance together with the time delay and making it an evening/night test reflects the higher degree of difficulty of this track as it has been proven that the car section of this track has not been a huge challenge for the dogs. Experience has also shown that in many suburban locations it can be very difficult to set out 1000 metre tracks that include the 7 turns required under the current rules. Increasing the distance to 1200 metres and allowing either 6 to 8 turns will provide greater flexibility in setting out tracks.


Currently reads:

Description

The dog is required to track an unknown person over a trail of approximately 1,000 metres ofvaried surfaces at least 80% of which will be, but not limited to, concrete, bitumen/tar or othersealed surfaces. It should include distractions such as parked cars, light vehicles and pedestriantraffic.

The Track should be laid utilizing any and all structures on site to ensure that dogs are able tohandle the diffusion of scent created by these structures. Tracks may be laid fin close proximity tobuildings and fences.



There will be 7 turns with a minimum of 4 turns on non-vegetated surfaces.

The Tracklayer will commence walking the trail and at some point after the first turn theTracklayer will be picked up and travel in a motor vehicle with the windows open, for a distance ofapproximately two hundred (200) metres. This portion of the track must include one turn and onecross street. Following this the Tracklayer will leave the vehicle and complete the trail on foot tothe designated end.






The minimum time for the commencement of the track must be 180 minutes and the maximum240 minutes.


Change to read:


Description

The dog is required to track and search for and locate an unknown person who has walked a trail of approximately 1,200 metres of varied surfaces at least 80% of which will be, but not limited to, concrete, bitumen/tar or other sealed surfaces. It should include distractions such as parked cars, light vehicles and pedestrian traffic.

The Track should be laid utilizing any and all structures on site to ensure that dogs are able tohandle the diffusion of scent created by these structures. Tracks may be laid in close proximity tobuildings and fences.

There will be six to eight turns.

The Tracklayer will commence walking the trail and at some point after the first turn theTracklayer will be picked up and travel in a motor vehicle with the windows open, for a distance of



approximately three hundred (300) metres. This portion of the track must include two turns. Following this the Tracklayer will leave the vehicle and complete the trail on foot to the designated end.The exact start point of the track should be known to the Handler e.g. a residential gateway, frontdoor or car door. The track should not cross a main road.





The minimum time for the commencement of the track must be 6 hours and the maximum8 hours from the time the track is laid.


RATIONALE

As noted for Test 9, experience has shown that in many suburban locations it can be very difficult to set out 1000 metre tracks that include the 7 turns required under the current rules. Increasing the distance to 1200 metres will provide greater flexibility in setting out tracks. Test 10 as proposed above is the same as the revised Test 9 except for the following differences which can provide additional degrees of difficulty: The car section is 100 metres longer and includes 1 additional turn from Test 9.



SUMMARY

The major features of the urban tracks that we propose are summarised in the following table which is provided for explanatory purposes only and is not intended to be part of the rules.

Summary of TSD Tests 5 to 10 progressive changes

Test Day/Night Length (m) Turns Other Challenges Time delay (hours)

5 D 800 4 to 6 2 to 36 D 800 4 to 6 3 to 47 N 1000 5 to 7 Pause for 2

minutes4 to 5

8 N 1000 5 to 7 Pause for 2 minutes

5 to 6

9 N 1200 6 or 8 Car 200m 1 turn 6 to 810 N 1200 6 to 8 Car 300m 2 turns 6 to 8

Lynn Klecka

Victoria Delegate & Deputy Chair

ANKC National Obedience, Tracking and Endurance Committee


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