Scent Tracking
A Uniquely Important Doberman Sport
Scent tracking is one of the oldest and most invaluable canine traits to mankind. Throughout the Doberman’s history of police and military work, his nose has been a valuable asset. Today we still benefit from their amazing ability. Not only is scent tracking an enjoyable spot, it also maintains a tradition of well trained scent tracking dog and handler teams. These teams are responsible for locating illegal drugs, explosives, and other contraband; more importantly, they also find lost, wounded, and missing people in situations where no other means of location is possible.
Unlike many dog sports, scent tracking is non-competitive. The Scent tracking community is known for its camaraderie. A failed trial is a loss to everyone and a pass, awarding a dog a new title, is a win for our entire society. Also unlike most dog sports where the dog follows instructions from the handler, in sent tracking the dog is in charge. Tracking requires a keen nose, a physic for endurance, and a take charge get-it-done attitude; all of which are on the Doberman’s list of attributes.
There are three levels at which a dog can title in AKC Scent Tracking trials: Tracking Dog (TD), Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX), and Variable Surface Tracker (VST). For the elite dogs that title in all three of these levels, the Champion Tracker (CT) title is available.
Tracking Dog (TD)
The TD trial is performed in an open field and is 440 to 500 yards in length with 3 to 5 direction changes. The trail is aged from
one half to two hours, with the beginning market with a flag and an additional flag 30 yards away marking the direction of the trail. At the end is an article, a glove or a wallet, the dog must indicate when found.
Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX)
The trial for earning the TDX title increases in complexity with an 800 to 1000 yard trail, 5 to 7 direction changes, and is aged from 3 to 5 hours. The trail is also crossed by two diversionary trails and the field has some obstacles such as ditches or trees. There is only one flag at the beginning of the trail, leaving the dog to determine its direction. The articles number four and are dissimilar, with one at the beginning of the trail.
Variable Surface Tracking (VST)
The VST trial is shorter that the TDX trial and is aged the same amount of time, but has 4 to 8 direction changes. The article must be of a material each of leather, cloth, plastic, and metal. The big difference is that in this trial, the trail runs over three different surface types, with one change in direction on a non-vegetated surface such as concrete, testing the dog’s utility in an urban environment.
Dobermans reaching this level are prepared for further training and certification for canine Search and Rescue (SAR). SAR is a very demanding activity for both dog and handler but is extremely rewarding. The Doberman is ideal for this high demand work. Dobermans have a temperament that allows them to ignore distraction and focus intently on their trail.
This intense dedication would be know as ‘stubbornness’ among those who neglect training their Doberman. Dobermans are also highly intelligent, able to learn quickly and apply knowledge learned to new situations.
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