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2018 NOTC MTG – ATTACHMENT 6g

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL KENNEL COUNCIL LTD

Rules for the conduct of

Tracking Trials

(Effective from 1st January, 2014)

Approved by theAustralian National Kennel Council Ltd

23 September 1981

Amended1988199319992002200520082013


Adopted by the Member Bodies of theAustralian National Kennel Council Ltd

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORYDogs ACTPO Box 815DICKSON ACT 2602Phone: (02) 6241 4404 Fax: (02) 6241 1129Email: [email protected]

WESTERN AUSTRALIACanine Association of Western Australia IncPO Box 1404CANNING VALE WA 6970Phone: (08) 9455 1188 Fax: (08) 9455 1190Email: [email protected]

QUEENSLANDCanine Control Council (Queensland)PO Box 1136MT. OMMANEY QLD 4074Phone: (07) 3252 2661 Fax: (07) 3252 3864Email: [email protected]

NORTHERN TERRITORYDogs NTPO Box 37521WINNELLIE NT 0821Phone: (08) 8984 3570 Fax: (08) 8984 3409Email: [email protected]

NEW SOUTH WALESDogs NSWPO Box 632ST MARYS NSW 1790Phone: (02) 9834 3022 Fax: (02) 9834 3872Email: [email protected]

SOUTH AUSTRALIADogs SAPO Box 844PROSPECT EAST SA 5082Phone: (08) 8349 4797 Fax: (08) 8262 5751Email: [email protected]

TASMANIATasmanian Canine Association IncPO Box 116GLENORCHY TAS 7010Phone: (03) 6272 9443 Fax: (03) 6273 0844Email: [email protected]

VICTORIADogs VictoriaLocked Bag K9CRANBOURNE VIC 3977Phone: (03) 9788 2500 Fax: (03) 9788 2599Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]









2TABLE OF CONTENTS

Subject Page No.

Introduction 4

Decisions 4

Removal of the Dog 4

Withdrawal of Dog 4

Disqualification 4

Eligibility 4

Titles 5

Equipment 5

Exhibits 6

Inspection 6

Judges 6

Tracklayer 6

General 7

Change of Direction 10

Grading 11

Notes for Affiliates 11

Tracking Dog (T.D.)Test 1 – Known Person 11Test 2 – Known Person 11Test 3 – Unknown Person 12

Tracking Dog Excellent (T.D.X.)Test 4 – Unknown Person 12Test 5 – Unknown Person 12Test 6 – Unknown Person 12

Tracking Champion (T.Ch.)Test 7 – Unknown Person 13Test 8 – Unknown Person 13


(VIC) Proposed Change:TABLE OF CONTENTS

The changes described in the first part of 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 Rule Book for Tracking.

NB In the case of some very minor alterations, underlining is used to help identify the suggested change. Such underlining is only to identify changes and should not be included in the Rule Book.

p. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTSTracking Dog (T.D.) Change to: Tracking Dog (TD)Tracking Dog Excellent (T.D.X.) Change to: Tracking Dog

Excellent (TDX)

(VIC) Rationale: acronyms and related abbreviations are conventionally written without full stops eg. BHP, NAB, USA, KPMG. Dog owners and any others who are unsure about how to abbreviate a particular title may turn to the Rule Book as an authoritative source so it is desirable that the Rule Book show the abbreviations in the same form as they should appear in Certified Pedigrees.

Also, ANKC Regulations Part 6 The Register and Registration (Amended October 2016) includes Section 7 Title endorsements including Title Endorsements on Registration Certificates. These regulations are consistent with the changes outlined above in that Reg. 7.1 states:

“Dogs awarded O.C. – “OCH” will appear before the dog’s name.”

Interestingly, Reg. 7.2 is: “Dogs awarded T.Ch. – the title will appear before the dog’s name”. Accordingly, it is suggested that T.Ch. should continue to be used as the abbreviation for Tracking Champion but, consistent with the official use of OCH, abbreviations such as TD and TDX should appear without any full stops.

3

RULES FOR THE CONDUCTOF TRACKING TRIALS

INTRODUCTIONThe idea of Tracking Trials is to encourage dogs to make use of their strongest faculty by emulating as closely as possible, the seeking and finding of a missing person while acknowledging that in the interests of a fair assessment, the tracks cannot be aimless wanderings more likely to characterise the trail of a lost person nor include the possible machinations of one deliberately trying to deceive any following dog. In all other ways sight should never be lost that it is a person being followed and every aspect of the track must relate to a person and, in the case of articles, must be items of personal possession.

Where referred to in the Rules the words, Canine Control, shall mean the Controlling Body in each State or Territory of Australia. Interpretation of these Rules should not be necessary, however should there be a need for individuals to seek clarification; application must be made by the Canine Control to the appropriate Committee of the ANKC, whose decision shall be binding.

DECISIONSDecisions of the Committee of the Affiliate conducting a trial shall be subject to appeal to the Canine Control in the State or Territory in which the trial is conducted.

The Rules of the Canine Control shall apply to all Tracking Trials and to any Affiliate conducting the Tracking Trials and, in the event of inconsistency; the rules of the Canine Control shall prevail.

Any one taking part in a trial who openly impugns the actions or decisions of the Judge shall render himself liable to be debarred from further participation in the trial and may be ordered from the grounds and further dealt with at the discretion of the Canine Control.

REMOVAL OF A DOGThe Judge must 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.

The Judge may order the removal from competition any dog which does not obey its Handler, any Handler who interferes wilfully with another competitor or a competitor’s dog or whose behaviour is objectionable and must exclude from competition any dog which the Judge considers unfit to compete.

WITHDRAWAL OF DOGA dog may be withdrawn before or during judging with the consent of the Judge and must not take any further part in that Tracking Test.

DISQUALIFICATIONNo rating given. The dog is disqualified from all Trial Competition on the day and the Judge must provide a written report to the Canine Control within 14 days.

ELIGIBILITYA dog must be a minimum of six (6) months of age to enter in a Tracking Trial.

4


TITLES

To qualify for the Tracking Titles of T.D. (Tracking Dog), T.D.X (Tracking Dog Excellent) and T.Ch (Tracking Champion) a dog must pass each of the following tests once:

Tracking Dog (T.D.) Test 1 (Known Person)Test 2 (Known Person)Test 3 (Unknown Person)

Tracking Dog Test 4 (Unknown Person)Excellent (T.D.X.) Test 5 (Unknown Person)

Test 6 (Unknown Person)

Tracking Champion (T. Ch.) Test 7 (Unknown Person)Test 8 (Unknown Person)

(TAS) Change: (subject to ratification for addition of a Test 9 in the Tracking Champion leg per submission on pages 4-5 of this document or other submission).

Tracking Champion (T. Ch.) Test 7 (Unknown Person)Test 8 (Unknown Person)Test 9 (Unknown Person)

Tracking/Track & Search Grand Champion (T. TS. Grand Ch.)The dog that has attained both its Tracking Champion and Track & Search Champion shall be automatically granted the Title of Tracking/Track & Search Grand Champion upon application for both Champion titles to the Canine Control concerned.

(TAS) Rationale:All other Titled canine disciplines, with the exception of an Endurance Test, require a minimum of three (3) tests at their highest levels for Championship titles.

A Champion title assumes the highest standard of work and ability to perform consistently under varying field conditions and a requirement to qualify in three (3) tests under at least two (2) different judges offers better opportunity to demonstrate such a standard.

An additional advantage may be provided for Affiliates who conduct smaller trials in which only one Judge is contracted and track-ons are offered, in that a dog eligible for a track-on on that day is not precluded from the opportunity as it would with only two tests in that class level.

In line with suggested changes to Track and Search rules, there would be no requirement to complete Tracking Champion prior to entering Track and Search trials, however, both Champion levels must have been completed and applications lodged for both Champion levels in order to be granted the Grand Champion title.

(VIC) Proposal:Repeat the above changes where T.D. and T.D.X. appear in this section (4 each)

(A) A maximum of two different tests, within a title, may be worked on the same day by the same dog, subject to the approval of the Canine Council and the availability of additional tracks.

(B) Dogs must complete, in order, Test 1, through to Test 8

(TAS) Change:(B) Dogs must complete, in order, Test 1, through to Test 9.

(TAS) Rationale:See above Titles for addition of a Track 9 test. Continuity.


(C) The dog must qualify under a minimum of two different Judges for the T.D., T.D.X. and Tracking Champion (T.Ch.) Titles to be granted.

(D) An Exhibit, which has gained sufficient awards to qualify for a Tracking Title, shall not be eligible to compete for a higher title at a Tracking Trial until such time as the owner/s have lodged an application for recognition of the title with the Canine Control in the State or Territory in which the registered owner/s reside.

(E) The T.D. (Tracking Dog), T.D.X. (Tracking Dog Excellent) and T.Ch (Tracking Champion) Certificates may be granted on application to the Canine Control concerned.

(F) After qualifying for the T.Ch. (Tracking Champion) Certificate a dog is not eligible for further entry in Tracking Trials. No further qualifying Certificates can be awarded once these titles have been gained.

(VIC) Proposal:Change to: No further Qualifying Certificates can be awarded once this title has been gained.

(VIC) Rationale:The previous sentence only refers to the T.Ch. title so should be singular not plural.

EQUIPMENT

(A) All Tracking tests must be conducted with the dog in a suitable harness and a lead of a minimum length of ten (10) metres. The lead must be connected to the harness.

(QLD) Proposed rule:(A) All Tracking tests must be conducted with the dog in a suitable harness and a lead of a

minimum length of ten (10) metres. The lead must be connected to the harness. harness suitable for tracking that does not restrict the dog’s breathing nor impede shoulder movement. The lead must be a minimum length of ten (10) metres and connected to the harness

(QLD) Rationale:Suitable’ does not provide any guidance to a judge or new handler on what style of harness is acceptable for tracking. When this rule was written, there was very little choice in harness. Today, there are many attractive, well-made harnesses on the market but they are mostly designed for other sports or activities like walking, flyball, agility, nosework, sledding etc . They are not always ‘suitable’ for tracking. It is often under-estimated how much effort it takes for a dog to complete a long, complicated higher level track, sometimes in warm conditions. Therefore, for the well-being of the dog the tracking harness must be well-fitted and not restrict the dog’s breathing nor impede the movement of the shoulders.

(NSW) Proposed rule:(A) All Tracking tests must be conducted with the dog in a suitable harness and a lead of a

minimum length of ten (10) metres. The lead must be connected to the harness. A suitable harness must allow the dog to move freely and not restrict the dog's posture or freedom of movement in any way.

(NSW) Rationale:Rather than simply referring to a "suitable harness', we believe the rules should define what makes a harness suitable or unsuitable. This still leaves a great deal of choice in design and material that the harness is made from but would eliminate any style of


harness that forces the dog into a particular posture or which can be used to cause discomfort to the dog. It would also avoid the risk of a competitor coming to an event with an unsuitable harness because the rules don't specify what is deemed to be a suitable harness.

It appears that some states ban the use of the IPO style tracking harness (which attaches under the dog's chest with the lead passing between the legs). As the ANKC Tracking Rules apply to all states, it would be helpful to have this rule clarified.

VIC Proposed:Change to read:All Tracking tests must be conducted with the dog in a suitable harness and a lead of a minimum length to ten (10) metres. The lead must be connected to the harness and should be held by the Handler while the dog is tracking. Dropping the lead temporarily is acceptable, provided that the dog remains under control.

(VIC) Rationale: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.

(B) All articles used must be articles of clothing, must belong to the Tracklayer, must not be larger than a work sock with the exception of the optional Finish Article, must be inconspicuous in colour and acceptable to the Judge.

(QLD) Proposed rule:(B) All articles used must be an item or piece of clothing. The article must not be larger than approximately 20cm x 20cm, with the exception of the optional Finish Article, must be inconspicuous in colour and acceptable to the Judge.

(QLD) Rationale:In south-east Queensland, since tracking began, denim articles have been used. The denim represents a piece of torn clothing. Denim holds the scent and dogs are not averse to picking it up.

Dogs should be trained to indicate more than one type of cloth article and not expect that the track article will always be a sock.

(NSW) Proposed rule:(B)All articles used must be articles of clothing or fabric, must belong to the Tracklayer, must not be larger than a work sock or handkerchief (fabric/handkerchief not to exceed 200 mm x 200 mm) with the exception of the optional Finish Article, must be inconspicuous in colour and acceptable to the Judge.

(NSW) Rationale:The Introduction to the Tracking Rules states: "... every aspect of the track must relate to a person and, in the case of articles, must be items of personal possession."

In spite of this, the rule referring to articles states that the article "must not be larger than a work sock" and therefore socks tend to be used as articles almost exclusively in tracking trials. In reality, a lost person would be more likely to lose a piece of torn clothing than a sock, so the specific inclusion of handkerchiefs/fabric into the rules would encourage a wider variety of articles to be used.


(TAS) Change:(B) All articles used must be articles of clothing, must belong to the Tracklayer, must not be

larger than nor smaller than an adult-sized work sock or glove with the exception of the optional Finish Article and must be inconspicuous in colour, according to the terrain. All articles shall have been sighted by and deemed acceptable to the Judge or their delegate prior to despatching of the tracklayers.

(TAS) Rationale:In the interest of a fair and equitable assessment and grading of all Handlers and dogs, this clarification will serve to bring uniformity to the articles used by all Tracklayers as currently there has been disparity in the sizes and colours of articles on the tracks.

Terrain at any given location on any given day can vary in colour and some colours of articles used on some terrain would not be inconspicuous in other terrain

(C) The Finish Article, if used in place of the Tracklayer must not be larger than a normal sized T-shirt, and folded twice. It must be inconspicuous in colour and acceptable to the Judge.

(TAS) Change:(C)The Finish Article, if used in place of the Tracklayer must not be larger than nor smaller than a normal adult-sized T-shirt, and folded twice. It must be inconspicuous in colour according to the terrain and have been sighted by and deemed acceptable to the Judge or their delegate prior to despatching of the tracklayers.

(TAS) Rationale:If accepting the previous change under (B), the wording maintains continuity for article description.

(D) There must be a starting flag at the beginning of each track, except Test 7 and Test 8 where the starting line shall be indicated by 2 flags approximately twenty (20) metres apart.

(E) The starting flag/s must be a minimum of thirty (30) metres from roads, fences, rivers or other permanent barriers.

(F) The suitability of all tracking equipment shall be left to the discretion of the Judge.

(NSW) Proposed rule:(F) The suitability of all tracking equipment and rewards shall be left to the discretion of the Judge.

(NSW) Rationale:Including rewards under the section requiring judge’s approval, allows for rewards to be inspected for suitability at the same time equipment is presented to the judge for approval prior to the running of the test. It enables the judge to check food rewards are effectively sealed and that both food and/or other rewards are able to be fully concealed.

(G) No markers or equipment indicating the Track shall remain in place during the testing of a dog.

(H) The Handler may not offer food or utilise training aids during the running of a Track and water may only be offered with the Judge’s permission.

(QLD) Proposed rule:(H) The Handler may not offer food or utilise training aids during the running of a Track until the Judge indicates ‘Test complete’. Water may only be offered with the Judge’s permission.

(QLD) Rationale:


For handlers’ clarification. Some new handlers are getting the food out before the dog has actually reached the hide, or before the judge catches up.

EXHIBITS

(A) Bitches in oestrum or showing a coloured discharge of any sort shall not be permitted to compete in Trials, nor remain within the precincts of a Trial.

(NSW) Proposal:A) Vetting of all bitches prior to competition will mean that bitches in season MAY be

eligible, and must be positioned to compete at the end of the day, also be camped in a different area.

(NSW) Rationale:Bitches in season are eligible to compete at Championship Shows and in Herding Trials.

Both are sports where dogs and bitches are in close proximity to each other, and use the same grounds and areas. Tracking Trials are held in rural areas where dogs are rarely (if ever) required to come in contact with another dog, and all tracks must have a minimum of 100m between them. At a Tracking Trial if a bitch in season is confined away from other competitors and away from the test areas, their presence won’t be disruptive to the other dogs.

Also, the Tracking Season is very short, and it seems unfair that a bitch misses out because she is in season.

(NSW) Proposal:(A) Vetting of all bitches prior to competition will mean that bitches in season shall

be eligible, and must be positioned to compete at the end of the day.

(NSW) Rationale:Bitches in season are eligible to compete at Championship Shows and in Herding Trials. Both are sports where dogs and bitches are in close proximity to each other, and use the same grounds and/or areas. (It is not uncommon for an entire male to be crated alongside a bitch in season at a breed show). Tracking Trials are held in rural areas where dogs are rarely (if ever) required to come in contact with another dog, and all tracks must have a minimum of 100m between them. At a Tracking Trial if a bitch in season is confined away from other competitors and away from the test areas, their presence is far less disruptive than those at Championship Shows and Herding Trials.

(NSW) Proposal:Proposed rule(A) All entire bitches must be vetted prior to competition and any bitch in season must run at the end of the day on which they compete. In the event that the trial is held over more than one day, all entire bitches must be vetted prior to the start of competition on each day they are present at the Tracking Trial. If the Tracking Trial is run over multiple days any bitch in season or showing a coloured discharge must either be run at the end of the final day of the Trial, or be run at the end of any other day on ground that will not be used again by another dog at that trial.

Bitches in season are not otherwise permitted on the trial grounds, but are permitted to be kept confined either in the handler's vehicle or campsite in the trial camping area. Bitches in season must be exercised in an area designated by the Trial Secretary and which is not used for exercise or competition by other dogs.

(NSW) Rationale:As bitches in season can be shown in conformation shows and in herding trials, they should also be permitted to trial at a tracking trial under similar rules to those of herding trials which state:


"Vetting of all bitches prior to competition will mean that bitches in season shall be eligible and must run at the end of the day in Tests and Trials."

In addition, competitors often travel long distances to attend Tracking Trials in rural areas and are required to help set out tracks, lay tracks and steward as well as compete with their own dogs. It is therefore not feasible for competitors to remove a bitch from a trial if she comes in season during the trial without causing significant disruption to the trial as the competitor would then be unable to fulfil the other duties expected of them at that trial. This is especially true if a competitor must leave the trial to return an in-season bitch home when the competitor lives several hours drive away from the trial.

At a multiple day event, competitors who arrive to help set out tracks for the first day ofcompetition, get to run their own dogs on the second day or third day. If their bitch comes in season once at the trial, the competitor may well have assisted with setting out tracks, tracklaying and stewarding and then not be able to track their own dog.

Bitches that come into season unexpectedly during the running of a multi-day trial are unlikely to be a distraction to an entire male dog. Entire male dogs only become interested when bitches become fertile, so it is only a few days of a 3 week season that bitches in season pose a distraction to an entire male dog. The precautions we have suggested (running an in-season bitch at the end of the trial or on ground which will not be used by another dog during the event) ensure in-season bitches at any stage of their cycle do not disadvantage any entire male dog that is also competing at the event.

(TAS) Change:Bitches in OestrumBitches in oestrum or showing a coloured discharge of any sort shall be removed at least 500 meters from the base camp or any tracks within the precincts of the Trial and shall be permitted to track after all other tracks have completed on the day, and, in the event of a multi-day trial, provided it is the final day of the multi-day trial.

If not the final day of a multi-day trial, a bitch in oestrum may be moved to the final day of the trial only upon approval of the Trial Secretary, the Judge/s and depending on availability of tracks.

In the event a bitch is known to be in oestrum prior to the first day of a multi-day trial, the Handler may consult with the Trial Secretary and be provided, if at all possible, an opportunity to track on the final day of the multi-day trial.

(TAS) Rationale:Similar to Herding, Tracking represents dogs emulating as realistically as possible real life field work. Bitches in oestrum at a Herding trial are permitted to trial at the end of the day after all other dogs and bitches have had their runs.

The discipline of Tracking entry fees are one of the highest and a great deal of expense and effort is required by many of the Handlers to attend trials. These Handlers should not be penalised if an alternative solution can be offered.

NB Bitches in season in other international canine competition organisations are permitted to trial on the day after all other dogs have completed their trials/tests.

(B) A dog may wear protective clothing in a Trial.

(C) The order of judging must be decided prior to commencement of the Trial.


INSPECTION

An examination of all bitches in the Trial is necessary. A member of the Affiliate conducting the Trial may do this examination.

(QLD) Proposed rule:An examination of all entire bitches should be conducted on each day of the trial. in the Trial isnecessary. A member of the Affiliate conducting the Trial may do this examination.

(QLD) Rationale:This captures the bitches coming into oestrus during trials conducted over more than one day, which may be missed in an examination only on the first day of arrival.

JUDGES

(A) Judges must be licensed with the Canine Control in their respective State or Territory to judge Tracking Trials.

(B) The maximum number of dogs to be judged by a Judge on any one-day will be:

10 x T.D or 7 x T.D.X. or 7 x T Ch

Note: Points are allotted for the type of tracks to be tested.

T.D. 2 points for each track (Maximum 20)T.D.X. 3 points for each track (Maximum 21)T.CH 3 points for each track (Maximum 21)

A combination of T.D., T.D.X. and/or T.CH Tracks must not exceed 27 points for any Judge on one day. Judges may specify on their contracts how many points they are willing to judge.

(C) In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the Judge may, in rare cases and at his own discretion, re-judge a dog on another track.

(D) A dog which commences a track and fails at the start shall be deemed to have trialled and the points allotted for the track for that Judge must stand, except in the case of a re-run.

(E) The Judge must sign a Qualifying Certificate for each qualifying dog, denoting the type of track passed.

(F) A signed copy of the Judge’s Report is to be forwarded to the Secretary of the Canine Control concerned within 7days of the Trial.

(VIC) Proposal:Change to: …within 7 days of the Trial. ie insert space after “7”

(VIC) Rationale:Correction of typo.

(VIC) Proposal:

JUDGES Change T.D. and T.D.X. to TD and TDX respectively as on p. 3. Also, note that new abbreviations for Tracking Champion are introduced on this page, namely T Ch and T.CH compared to the previous T.Ch. As discussed above, T.Ch. should be used consistently throughout the Rule Book.


TRACKLAYER

(A) The Tracklayer shall be a person approved by the Judge.

(1) A known person shall be any person known to the dog and nominated by the Handler.

(2) An unknown person shall be any person who does not qualify as a known person and whose identity must be unknown to the Handler prior to the test. The unknown person must not have previously laid a track for that dog within the preceding four (4) months, in competition.

It shall be the responsibility of the Affiliate conducting the Trial to make a genuine effort to ensure that only unknown tracklayers are used.

(B) Before starting the Track, the Tracklayer must show the Judge all the articles to be used. These articles are to be with the Tracklayer for a minimum thirty (30) minutes prior to laying the Track so that his scent may be imparted to them.

(TAS) Change:The articles to be used by the Tracklayer are to be with the Tracklayer for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes prior to laying the Track so that his scent may be imparted to them.

(TAS) Rationale:The Judge sighting and approving the articles has already been addressed (if ratified) under Equipment (B). No need for redundancy.

(C) Except for the Start Article for Test 7 and Test 8, the Tracklayer must place the articles on the Track at the places nominated by the Judge, one article to be at the commencement of each Track in addition to the other articles required. For Test 7 and Test 8, the Tracklayer will place one (1) of his scented articles in a clean sealable bag. He may place this bag in a clean, unscented, individual air-tight container supplied by the Judge or his nominee. Each airtight container may only be used once per day and must be washed or aired after each use.

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.

(QLD) Proposed rule:C) Except for the Start Article for Test 7 and Test 8, the Tracklayer must place the

articles on the Track at the places nominated by the Judge, one article to be at the commencement of each Track in addition to the other articles required. For Test 7 and Test 8, the Tracklayer will place one (1) of his scented articles in a clean, unscented, sealable bag. He may place this bag in a clean, unscented, individual air tight container supplied by the Judge or his nominee. Each airtight container sealable bag may only be used once per day and must be washed or aired after each use.

The Judge will, when the track has aged sufficiently, take the Handler and dog to approximately thirty (30) metres from the starting line, and give the bag to the Handler. open the container, if used, and the scented article is removed by the Handler, who is then free to start tracking.

(QLD ) Rationale:For new handlers. The wording of this rule is confusing. It is not clear about how the article comes from the bag, and from the container. The above changes are also needed in the description of Tests 7 & 8.


(TAS) Change:Except for the Start Article for Test 7, Test 8 and Test 9, the Tracklayer must place the articles on the Track at the places nominated by the Judge, one article to be at the commencement of each Track in addition to the other articles required. For Test 7, Test 8 and Test 9, the Tracklayer will place one (1) of his scented articles in a clean sealable bag. He may place this bag in a clean, unscented, individual air-tight container supplied by the Judge or his nominee. Each airtight container may only be used once per day and must be washed or aired after each use.

(TAS) Rationale:See above Titles for addition of a Track 9 test. Continuity.

(VIC) Proposal:(C) second paragraph …take the Handler and Dog…Change to: …take the Handler and dog…

(VIC) Rationale:To be consistent with the rest of the Rule Book where dog is used throughout, (except in this case and where the same sentence is used in the current descriptions of Tests 7 and 8).

(D) All articles must be placed on the Track but not on a turn nor within a minimum of thirty (30) metres before or after a turn.

(E) The Tracklayer will walk at a normal pace and must not scratch the ground or stop unnecessarily while laying the Track.

(QLD) Additional rule:(E) At the end of each Track the Tracklayer;(1) Must make themselves as inconspicuous as possible and remain still and silent. The Tracklayer need not remain at the end of the Track, subject to the approval of the Canine control, but must be in place when the Handler completes the Track.

(QLD)PROPOSAL If a tracklayer leaves the hide an article must be left in place.

(QLD) Rationale:This would ensure that there is a pool of scent created as would be the case if the tracklayer stayed in the hide and also, in the case of the tracklayer, being unable to return to the hide there is a Finish Article for the dog to find. There should also be a marked track for the tracklayer to use to leave the hide which must be removed either as the tracklayer leaves or when the tracklayer returns whichever is the case.

(F) The Tracklayer must follow the Track, which has been marked out earlier, collecting all flags on the way with the exception of one at the start of the track.

(G) At the end of each Track the Tracklayer;

(1) Must make themselves as inconspicuous as possible and remain still and silent. The Tracklayer need not remain at the end of the Track, subject to the approval of the Canine control, but must be in place when the Handler completes the Track.

OR

(2) Must place the Finish Article in the position indicated by a marker on the map so it cannot be seen by the Handler as they approach the Finish. After placing the Finish Article, the Tracklayer removes the marker and continues on for a minimum of thirty (30) metres past the Finish before leaving on the walking out route.


GENERAL

(A) There is no time limit, provided the dog is working.

(TAS) Change:There is no time limit, provided the dog is working. Judges should position themselves so that they may properly evaluate the dog's performance and to ensure that the dog is given adequate time and distance to work out scenting problems.

(TAS) RationaleHelps to clarify for the handler that judges have latitude to assess the dog that is tracking and/or attempting to work though particularly challenging components of any given track.

(B) A dog that is working too fast, on instructions from the Judge, must be gently restrained by the Handler but any leading or guiding of the dog constitutes grounds for calling the dog off and marking it failed.

Failure to obey the Judge's instruction for restraint will render the dog liable to disqualification.

(C) To hear the Handler the Judge must remain within hearing distance at all times.

(D) The dog must be worked at the length of leash suitable to the terrain.

(VIC) Proposed:Change to read:(D) The dog must be worked at a length of lead suitable to the terrain.

(VIC) Rationale: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 terminology “lead”.

(E) The test is completed when the Tracklayer or Finish Article is found, or in the event of failure, when the Handler is redirected to the correct Track.

(F) No person other than the Tracklayer shall be permitted within a minimum of thirty (30) metres of the Track.

(G) The Handler must not be given any assistance by the Judge or any other person.

(H) If a dog is not tracking it must not be marked "Pass" even though it may have foundthe Tracklayer.

(I) It is desirable that the Judge be involved in the setting out of the Track.

(J) If the Track is set out by a Steward, it is desirable that the Steward who accompanies the Judge should be the person who set out the Track.

(K) The minimum distance of the Track to any fence or defined boundary shall be five (5) metres.

(L) No Track shall cross a permanent body of water, such as a dam, lake or river.

(M) The minimum distance between any parallel legs of any parts of the same or separate Tracks must be one hundred (100) metres


(N) The minimum time lapse between the Tracks being used a second time on the same ground must be twelve hours, except in the event of an aborted Track where a Track may be used after a minimum time of six (6) hours.

NOTE: A decision as to whether a Track is classed as an aborted Track can only be made by the Judge.

(VIC) Proposed:Change to read(N) The minimum time lapse between the Tracks being used a second time on the same

ground must be four hours after the Track has initially been used and finalised, except in the case of Test One where the Track may not be used again on the same day.

(VIC) Rationale:Better use of land. Experience with TSD has shown that dogs can successfully follow the most recent scent when tracks are re-laid three hours after being used. Given that a Test 1 track is much shorter than other tracks, any site that is suitable for trials should be sufficiently large that there is no need to use Test 1 tracks more than once per day.

(O) The minimum time lapse between the Steward setting out the Track and the Tracklayer walking it must be six (6) hours.

(P) At the Handler’s option, the dog may be given the scent during the Track. Except for extenuating circumstances the Judge will penalise such instances accordingly and the dog that is constantly given the scent must fail.

(Q) Handlers may speak to their dogs during the Track. The Judge may penalise if he considered such talk excessive.

(R) Reprimands either physical or verbal will not be tolerated. Reprimands will be severely penalised up to and including disqualification. Disqualification shall be reported to the Canine Control within fourteen (14) days.

(S) Spectators will not be permitted to approach closer than forty (40) metres to the Judge when the dog is working.

(TAS) Change:(S) Spectators may be permitted to follow a track only with the permission of both the

Judge and the Handler and shall not be permitted to approach closer than forty (40) metres to the Judge when the dog is working.

(TAS) Rationale:In the interest of fair and equitable assessment and grading of all Handlers and dogs, it should be the Handler's choice whether to have spectators follow or not. Respect and courtesy should be given Handlers who may, for whatever reason, not wish to have a gallery following.

There could be safety reasons why a Judge may not want spectators to follow or may wish to limit the number of spectators.

While it is encouraged and can be educational for spectators to follow as many tracks as practical, it should ultimately be the Handler's choice to allow this for their track.

(T) The Cross Track must not cross the Track within thirty (30) metres of a turn. The Cross Track must be at approximately 90 degrees to the Track for a distance of approximately thirty (30) metres but not less than twenty (20) metres either side of the Track and the walking in and walking out routes of the Cross Track should be approximately thirty (30) metres but not less than twenty (20) metres from the Track.


(TAS) Insert new item here as (T) and re-order clauses as appropriate:Spectators shall follow instruction or direction by the Judge or the designated Steward and shall not impede, nor guide, nor influence in any manner the Handler or dog. Spectators who do not follow direction of the Judge or the designated Steward may be directed to cease following the track.

(TAS) Rationale:In the interest of fair and equitable assessment and grading of all Handlers and dogs, all spectators should respect and follow direction from the Judge or the Steward which includes maintaining the minimum distance of 40 meters behind the Judge and/or Steward and refraining from talking loudly or making other distracting noises. The Judge may instruct the Steward on direction to give the spectators and the Steward should receive the same respect and courtesy that the Judge expects.

(TAS) Insert as a new item and re-order clauses as appropriate:All judges shall have a Steward in attendance during the judging of a track and the Steward shall receive and follow instruction from the Judge.

(TAS) Rationale:For primarily safety reasons and, in the interest of fair and equitable assessment and grading of all Handlers and dogs, a Judge should be accompanied at all times by a Steward.

In the event of an accident/injury to the judge or to the handler, the steward may render assistance or go for help without leaving a person on their own.

(VIC) Proposed:(T) Delete the entire section.

(VIC) Rationale:Removal of all cross tracks from Tests five (5) to eight (8). The question is what they achieve.The rule was created to ‘test’ a dog’s ability to maintain contact with the original track, if the dog took the Cross Track to a far distance point – this resulted in failure. The rule was also created when dog tracking was not as popular as it is now in the 2000’s and many people are now preparing their dogs for tracking on all forms of public domains, such as parks /football ovals and other open spaces where unintentional cross tracks are consistently performed by ‘innocent’ members of the public and their dog/s. Members living in country locations do not have such large numbers of ‘innocent’ public members as metropolitan members have, however they have regularly indicated that their cross tracks are performed by wild animals – either running/jumping or crawling over their original tracks, and that wild animal cross tracks are more distracting than human and domestic dog cross tracks.

Cross Tracks are achieving nothing for our sport and are a waste of our valuable time. CONSEQUENTIAL CHANGES The following shows the removal of the Cross Tracks from Test5to Test 8 plus the increasing of difficulty via additional changes of direction and time delays at the various Tests.

(U) Thirty (30) Day Suspension;Dogs, which have failed on two consecutive occasions, may be subject to a 30-day suspension from competing at a Tracking Trial. The thirty (30) day suspension will only take effect if the Affiliate conducting the Tracking Trial has to ballot for the Tests available. Affiliates which do not have to ballot for available tests, must not invoke the thirty (30) day rule under any circumstances.

Suspensions will not be carried over a calendar year.It is the responsibility of the Handler to advise the Affiliate of two consecutive fails. Failure to do so will result in a report to the Canine Control.


(QLD) Proposed ruleDogs, which have failed on two consecutive occasions; may be subject to a thirty (30) day suspension from competing at a Tracking Trial. The thirty (30) day suspension period for any trial is the thirty (30) days up to and including the closing date for entries. Any passes after the closing date for entries do not affect the thirty (30) day suspension. The thirty (30) day suspension will only take effect if the Affiliate conducting the Trial has to ballot for the Tests available. Affiliates which do not have to ballot for available tests, must not invoke the thirty (30) day rule under any circumstances.

(QLD) Rationale:It is necessary to clarify the period for the 30-day suspension, particularly when there may be several trials within 30 days of the Affiliate’s Trial


10

90º

45º

90º

45º

Diagram 3 Diagram 4

Shows left changes in directionfrom the previous leg

Shows right changes in directionfrom the previous leg

90º

150º

90º

150º

Shows left changes in directionfrom the previous leg

Shows right changes in directionfrom the previous leg

Diagram 1 Diagram 2

CHANGE OF DIRECTION

W hen walk ing in the d irection of the arrow , the shaded area in the d iagram s below show s the new d irections of track between 90 degrees and 150 degrees from the previous leg.

W hen walk ing in the d irection of the arrow , the shaded area in the d iagram s below show s the new d irections of track between 45 degrees and 90 degrees from the previous leg.

0º

180º 180º

0º

180º 180º

0º 0º

Shows left changes in direction from previous leg


(VIC) Proposal:CHANGE OF DIRECTION The method used to describe the angles involved in changes of direction is unconventional and counter intuitive.

Current version: When walking in the direction of the arrow, the shaded area in the diagrams below shows the new directions of track between 90 degrees and 150 degrees from the previous leg.

(VIC)Change to: When walking in the direction of the arrow, the shaded area in the diagrams below shows the new directions of track between 30 degrees and 90 degrees from the previous heading.

(VIC) Rationale:For a person walking a track the shallowest allowable turn involves a change in direction of 30 degrees. To refer to this as 150 degrees is counter intuitive and inconsistent with established practice in surveying and navigation.

Note: if the approach used to describe angles is changed as suggested here, it will be necessary to revise Diagrams 1 to 4 and to revise the descriptions of changes of direction in the details of each of the tests on pp. 11 to 13.

Suggest inserting the heading “ACUTE TURNS” or “ACUTE CHANGES OF DIRECTION” above Diagrams 3 and 4 to distinguish them from Diagrams 1 and 2.

GRADINGS

The following evaluation will be given for:

Pass FailPass A dog that failsGood will be marked “Fail”.Very Good Excellent

A. A dog must be marked "fail" if it does not find or indicate the required number of articles in each test, notwithstanding that it may have found the Tracklayer or Finish Article.

B The dog must positively indicate the articles by either sitting, standing, downing, picking up or at least pausing (i.e. stationary) to the satisfaction of the judge to obtain a Pass.

(QLD) Proposed rule:The dog must positively indicate the articles by either sitting, standing, downing, picking up, deviating from the line of travel to the article or at least pausing (i.e. stationary) to the satisfaction of the judge to obtain a Pass.

(QLD) Rationale:To make “deviation” part of the official criteria. If a dog changes its direction of travel and moves sideways to where the article is and then keeps moving forwards this should be sufficient to accept as an ‘indication’ even if the dog does not actually stop on the article. The dog has ‘stopped’ its direction of travel to move to the article.


C A dog that does not indicate an article on any test will receive a downgrading in their result.

(VIC) Proposal:Change to: A dog that does not indicate an article on any test will receive a downgrading in its result.

(VIC) Rationale:“their” is appropriate when referring to a possession of a person, but not of an animal.

NOTES FOR AFFILIATES

At Tracking Trials an area should be allotted where competitors and their dogs must remain until called by an official. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

TRACKING DOG (T.D.)

Test 1 – Known Person

The dog is required to track a known person for approximately 400 metres, and the exhibitor shall nominate the Tracklayer.

The Track will have two changes of direction of between approximately 90 and 150 degrees, (refer diagrams 1 and 2), the first change of direction to be a minimum of 100 metres after the start.

One article will be placed on the Track, as nominated by the Judge; this article does not have to be indicated to gain a Pass.

The minimum time for the commencement of the track must be 20 minutes and the maximum 45 minutes, from the time the Track is laid.

The Tracklayer or final article must be found at the end of the Track for the dog to obtain a Pass.

(QLD) Proposed rule:The Tracklayer or final Finish Article must be found at the end of the Track for the dog to obtain a Pass.

(QLD) Rationale:For consistency. The descriptions for the other 7 Test levels say ‘Finish’ Article.

(VIC) Proposal:Change to: The Tracklayer or Finish Article of the known person must be found at the end of the Track for the dog to obtain a Pass.

(VIC) Rationale:To be consistent with the wording used for Test 2 where the requirement is the same but the article is referred to differently.

Test 2 - Known Person

The dog is required to track a known person for approximately 800 metres, and the exhibitor shall nominate the Tracklayer.

The Track will have a minimum of 2 changes of direction of between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2). Two articles must be placed on the Track.


The minimum time for the commencement of the Track must be 30 minutes and the maximum 60 minutes, from the time the Track is laid.

A minimum of one article must be indicated by the dog to obtain a Pass

The Tracklayer or Finish Article of the known person must be found at the end of the Track for a dog to obtain a Pass.

(QLD) Proposed rule:The dog is required to track a known person for approximately 800 metres, and the exhibitor shall nominate the Tracklayer.

The Track will have a minimum of 2 changes of direction of between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2). Two three (3) articles must be placed on the Track.

The minimum time for the commencement of the Track must be 30 minutes and the maximum 60 minutes, from the time the Track is laid.

A minimum of one article must be indicated by the dog to obtain a Pass

The Tracklayer or Finish Article of the known person must be found at the end of the Track for a dog to obtain a Pass.

(QLD) Rationale: Test 2 has inexperienced dogs and possibly inexperienced handlers. 800 metres spread over only 3 legs usually means each of the legs are quite long and with only having 2 articles on the track this means that there is (usually) considerable distances between articles. More so than in the higher test levels. Inexperienced dogs and handlers would benefit greatly from having that extra article to find. Dogs would still only be required to indicate 1 article to pass.This would also assist tracklayers as all track levels would then require the same number of articles.

(VIC) Proposal:Last sentence current version: …for a dog to obtain a Pass.

Change to: for the dog to obtain a Pass.

Note: The same change is also needed in the descriptions of Tests 3, 4, 7 and 8.

(VIC) Rationale:It is the dog being tested that is relevant, not any other dog so it should be referred to as the dog.

Test 3 - Unknown Person

The dog is required to track an unknown person for approximately 800 metres.

The Track will have a minimum of 2 changes of direction of between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2). Two articles must be placed on the Track.

Time lapse for Track must be the same as Test 2.

A minimum of one article must be indicated by the dog to obtain a Pass.

The Tracklayer or Finish Article must be found at the end of the Track for a dog to obtain a Pass.

(QLD) Proposed rule:Three articles must be placed on the Track.


Test 3 - Unknown PersonThe dog is required to track an unknown person for approximately 800 metres.The Track will have a minimum of 2 changes of direction of between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2). TwoThree (3) articles must be placed on the Track.

Time lapse for Track must be the same as Test 2.

A minimum of one article must be indicated by the dog to obtain a Pass.


(QLD) Rationale: Test 3 has inexperienced dogs and possibly inexperienced handlers. 800 metres spread over only 3 legs usually means each of the legs are quite long and with only having 2 articles on the track this means that there is, usually, considerable distances between articles. More so than in the higher test levels. Inexperienced dogs and handlers would benefit greatly from having that extra article to find. Dogs would still only be required to indicate 1 article to pass.

This would also assist tracklayers as all track levels would then require the same number of articles.

TRACKING DOG EXCELLENT (T.D.X.)


The dog is required to track an unknown person for approximately 1,000 metres.

The Track will have a minimum of 4 changes of direction of between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2). Three articles must be placed on the Track.

The minimum time lapse for the commencement of this Track must be 60 minutes and the maximum 120 minutes, from the time the Track is laid.

A minimum of two articles must be indicated by the dog to obtain a Pass.


DOGS NSW:It is proposed That an Acute Turn MAY be included in TDX Tracks 4 & 5.(8) Existing RULE AS OF 2014:

(NSW) BE AMENDED TO READ:

TRACKING DOG EXCELLENT (T.D.X.) Test 4 - Unknown Person.The dog is required to track an unknown person for approximately 1,000 metres.

The Track will have a minimum of 4 changes of directions: one of these MAY be between 45 degrees and 90 degrees (refer diagrams 3 and 4) the other changes of directions will be between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2). Three articles must be placed on the Track.





(NSW) Rationale:As some Clubs are struggling to find decent grounds an Acute Turn MAY be used depending on the terrain and size of the tracking ground.


This will be similar to Test. 4 except that the Track must be crossed twice by Cross Tracks and one or two unknown persons may lay these.

The Cross Track/s should be laid approximately 30 minutes after the original Tracklayer has passed.


(VIC) ProposalFirst sentence: This will be similar to Test. 4 except that…Change to: This will be similar to Test 4 except that…

Second sentence The Cross Track/s should be…Change to: The Cross Tracks should be…

(VIC)Rationale:Correction of typosAfter the existing description of the test, insert the sentence: The Tracklayer or Finish Article must be found at the end of the Track for the dog to obtain a Pass.

Rationale:Correction of an apparent oversight: the descriptions of all other Tests conclude with this sentence but it is not included in the description of Test 5

(VIC) ProposalChange to read:The dog is required to track an unknown person for approximately 1,000 metres.

The Track will have a minimum of 5 (Five) changes of direction of between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2). Three articles must be placed on the Track.


A minimum of two articles must be indicated by the dog to obtain a Pass.The Tracklayer or Finish Article must be found at the end of the Track for a dog to obtain aPass.

(VIC) Rationale:Increasing the number of changes of direction (C.O.D.) to five (5). This extra C.O.D. creates another obstacle for the dog / team; ensures there is a clear difference between Tests Four (4) and Five (5) and is appropriate ‘compensation’ for the removal of the ‘Cross Track’




The Track will have a minimum of 5 changes of directions: one of these must be between 45 degrees and 90 degrees (refer diagrams 3 and 4) the other changes of directions will be between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2).

The first change of direction will be in accordance with diagrams 1 or 2. Three articles must be placed on the Track.

The Track shall be crossed twice by Cross Tracks and one or two unknown persons may lay these.

The Cross Tracks must be laid approximately 30 minutes after the original Tracklayer has passed.

The minimum time lapse for the commencement of the Track must be 60 minutes and the maximum 180 minutes, from the time the Track was laid.


The Tracklayer or Finish Article must be found at the end of the Track for the dog to obtain a Pass.

(VIC) Proposal:Change to read:The dog is required to track an unknown person for approximately 1,200 metres.

The Track will have a minimum of Six (6) changes of directions : one of these must be between 45 degrees and 90 degrees (refer diagrams 3 and 4) the other changes of directions will be between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2).

The minimum time lapse for the commencement of the Track must be 60 minutes and the maximum 180 minutes, from the time the Track was laid.

The first change of direction will be in accordance with diagrams 1 or 2. Three articles must be placed on the Track. A minimum of two articles must be indicated by the dog to obtain a Pass.

The Tracklayer or Finish Article must be found at the end of the Track for the dog to obtain a Pass.

(VIC) Rationale:As per rationale for Test Five (5) above. There is clear difference between Tests Five (5) and Six (6) due by the increase in C.O.D. and one (1) acute C.O.D.

TRACKING CHAMPION TEST

Test 7 – Unknown person

(VIC) Proposal:Change to: TRACKING CHAMPION

(VIC) Rationale:The corresponding headings on pp. 11-12 do not contain the word “TEST


(VIC) Proposal:Change to: Test 7 – Unknown Person

(VIC) Rationale:To be consistent with the headings for Tests 1 to 6.


The Track will have a minimum of six changes of direction; two of these will be between approximately 45 degrees and 90 degrees (refer diagrams 3 and 4), all other changes of directions will be between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2), the first change of direction to be no less than one hundred (100) metres from the start.

Three articles must be placed on the Track; a minimum of two articles must be indicated by the dog to obtain a Pass

(VIC) Proposal:Change to: Three articles….to obtain a Pass.

(VIC) Rationale:Full stop required at end of sentence.

The start must be a minimum of thirty (30) metres from roads, fences, rivers or other permanent barriers. There will be a small marking flag where the Tracklayer will start from to enable them to line up with the next flag on the Track. The Tracklayer will take this marker flag with them. The starting line flags will remain.

A minimum of 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 a clean, unscented, 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 to 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.

(VIC) Proposal:take the Handler and Dog to…Change to: ….take the Handler and dog to…

(VIC) Rationale:To be consistent with the rest of the Rule Book where dog is used throughout, (except in these cases and where the same sentence is used in (C) second paragraph on page 7).

There will be two Cross Tracks that may be laid by one or two unknown persons. Cross tracks will be laid according to the Judge’s direction.


The minimum time lapse for the commencement of the Track must be 90 minutes and the maximum 180 minutes, from the time the original Tracklayer crosses the starting line.



The Track will have a minimum of seven changes of direction; two of these will be between approximately 45 degrees and 90 degrees (refer diagrams 3 and 4), all other changes of


directions will be between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2), the first change of direction to be no less than one hundred (100) metres from the start.




The minimum time lapse for the commencement of the Track must be 60 minutes and the maximum 180 minutes, from the time the original Tracklayer crosses the starting line. The Tracklayer or Finish Article must be found at the end of the Track for a dog to obtain a Pass.

(VIC) Rationale:As per rationale for Test Six (6) above. There are clear difference between Tests Six (6) and Seven (7) due by the increase in C.O.D. and two (2) acute C.O.D. Reducing the minimum time lapse to coincide with the Test Six (6) is to compensate for the increase in the number of turns but also to allow a clear difference between Test Seven (7) and Test Eight (

Test 8 – Unknown person

(VIC) Proposal:Change to: Test 8 – Unknown Person

(VIC) Rationale:To be consistent with the headings for Tests 1 to 6.


(QLD) Proposed rule:Test 8 – Unknown person



Three articles must be placed on the Track; a minimum of two articles must be indicated by the dog to obtain a Pass.


A minimum of 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 a clean, unscented, 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 to 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.





(QLD) Rationale:Test 8 should be different from Test 7 and more difficult. The length of the track should be shortened from 1200 metres to 1000 metres. This would tighten up the distance between legs of the track and the time lapse should be increased from a minimum of 90 minutes and a maximum of 180 minutes to a minimum of 120 minutes and a maximum of 180 minutes.


(VIC) Proposal:The Track will have a minimum of eight changes of direction; two of these will be between approximately 45 degrees and 90 degrees (refer diagrams 3 and 4), all other changes of directions will be between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2), the first change of direction to be no less than one hundred (100) metres from the start.

(VIC) Rationale:There are clear differences between Tests Seven (7) and Eight (8) due to the change in time lapse and the removal of the ‘Cross Track’ as described in paragraphs four (4) to nine (9) and the increase in C.O.D.


(VIC) Proposal:Change to: Three articles….to obtain a Pass.

(VIC) Rationale:Full stop required at end of sentence.


(WA) Proposal:The start must be a minimum of thirty (30) metres from roads, fences, rivers or other permanent barriers. There will be a small marking start flag where the Tracklayer will start from to enable them to line up with the next flag on the Track. The Tracklayer will take this start flag with them. The starting line flags will remain.


(WA) Proposed addition : 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.

(WA) Rationale:A higher degree of difficulty to achieve Tracking Champion.


(VIC) Proposal:take the Handler and Dog to…Change to: ….take the Handler and dog to…

(VIC) Rationale:To be consistent with the rest of the Rule Book where dog is used throughout, (except in these cases and where the same sentence is used in (C) second paragraph on page 7).




(WA) Proposal:The minimum time lapse for the commencement of the Track must be 90 120 minutes and the maximum 180 minutes, from the time the original Tracklayer crosses the starting line.

(WA) Rationale:A higher degree of difficulty to achieve Tracking Champion.


(SA) Proposal:Applying to Track T Ch 8 Time lapse Change from 1 ½ hr to 3 hrs increasing to a minimum of 2 hours to a maximum of 3 ½ hrs

(SA) Rationale:This makes tracks 7 and 8 slightly different from each other as no other two tracks are identical and steps up the level of difficulty from the T Ch 7 track.

(TAS) Change:The minimum time lapse for the commencement of the Track must be 120 minutes and the maximum 210 minutes, from the time the original Tracklayer crosses the starting line.

(TAS) Rationale:In the TD and TDX levels of the Tracking discipline, each test represents an additional challenge whether increased aging time of track or other challenging components. The


Champion level tests should also present increasing levels of challenge as the dog progresses through this level.


The Track will have a minimum of eight changes of direction; two of these will be between approximately 45 degrees and 90 degrees (refer diagrams 3 and 4), all other changes of directions will be between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and 2), the first change of direction to be no less than one hundred (100) metres from the start.

Three articles must be placed on the Track; a minimum of two articles must be indicated by the dog to obtain a Pass. The start must be a minimum of thirty (30) metres from roads, fences, rivers or other permanent barriers. There will be a small marking flag where the Tracklayer will start from to enable them to line up with the next flag on the Track. The Tracklayer will take this marker flag with them. The starting line flags will remain.

A minimum of thirty (30) metres before the starting line, the Tracklayer will place one of his scented articles in a clean sealable bag. They may place this bag in a clean, unscented, 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 to 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.



(VIC) Rationale:There are clear differences between Tests Seven (7) and Eight (8) due to the change in time lapse and the removal of the ‘Cross Track’ as described in paragraphs four (4) to nine (9) and the increase in C.O.D.

(TAS) Insert new item:Test 9 - Unknown person


The Track will have a minimum of six changes of direction; two of these will be between approximately 45 degrees and 90 degrees (refer diagrams 3 and 4), all other changes of directions will be between approximately 90 degrees and 150 degrees (refer diagrams 1 and2), the first change of direction to be no less than one hundred (100) metres from the start.

Three articles must be placed on the Track; a minimum of two articles must be indicated by the dog to obtain a Pass.


A minimum of 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 a clean, unscented, 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 to 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.





(TAS) Rationale:As explained in Titles: All other Titled canine disciplines, with the exception of an Endurance Test, require a minimum of three (3) tests at their highest levels for Championship titles.

A Champion title assumes the highest standard of work and ability to perform consistently under varying field conditions and a requirement to qualify in three (3) tests under at least two (2) different judges offers better opportunity to demonstrate such a standard.

An additional advantage may be provided for Affiliates who conduct smaller trials in which only one Judge is contracted and track-ons are offered, in that a dog eligible for a track-on on that day is not precluded from the opportunity as it would with only two tests in that class level.

(NSW) PROPOSED NEW RULE:REWARDSAn end of track reward may be carried by the handler and given to the dog at the completion of the track. Rewards may be either food, a toy or other object that is rewarding to the dog. The reward must be carried by the handler and be small enough to be fully concealed on the handler's person during the running of the track. In the case of a food reward, it must first be placed in a sealed container before being concealed on the handler's person. Rewards must not emit noise to alert the dog to the presence of the reward whilst being carried by the handler.

(NSW) Rationale:The use of end of track rewards for the dog is not mentioned in the rules. In the past this was interpreted to mean that rewards could not be used. However, now it is interpreted to mean that rewards can be used as there is no rule stating that they can't be used. As a result, different states have adopted different protocols in respect of rewards. We believe it is now time to replace these various protocols with a rule that clearly defines what can be used as a reward (type and size of reward), and who carries that reward on the track.

Different states have differing views on who should carry the rewards. Should it be the Tracklayer, the Steward, or the Handler? There are reasons for and against all of these. We believe that the decision to reward the dog at the completion of the track rests with the handler and the responsibility for carrying and providing that reward should also remain with the handler. However, this would not preclude the handler requesting the tracklayer to give the reward to the dog at the completion of the track if the tracklayer was agreeable to this.


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