TRACKING

This Pembroke Welsh Corgi is demonstrating tracking across pavement, a requirement for the Variable Surface Tracking title.

Tracking is a sport in which dogs are taught to recognize and follow the scent of a human being. In AKC tracking tests the tracklayer walks a predetermined course at a normal pace and drops personal article(s) at designated place(s) along the way. Tracking is a cooperative, not a competitive, sport and the nationwide community of trackers is known for its camaraderie. The American Kennel Club offers three tracking titles. To earn the Tracking Dog (TD) title, the lowest level title, the dog and handler must successfully follow an unmarked track of 440 to 500 yards, created by a person walking in a grassy field 30 to 120 minutes earlier. For both the Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) title and the Variable Surface Tracking (VST) title, the tracks are longer, more complex and include cross tracks laid by other persons. Test tracks for these last two titles must be aged from 3 hours to 5 hours before the dog begins to follow them.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis generally make excellent tracking dogs. Being naturally curious and low to the ground, they easily put their noses to the track and follow the scent once instructed on the desired behavior. Also, they tend to be focused dogs who concentrate on the task at hand or return to it readily after a distraction.

Tracking is a sport that Corgis may enjoy at almost any age. They easily take to an activity in which they are permitted to lead a human around by their noses and in which training is almost always positive. Since only accuracy, not speed, is required in this sport, senior dogs have earned tracking titles and have continued to track for fun and exercise long after they have earned their last title. Puppies as young as four months (or as soon as their immunizations are completed) frequently track with great enthusiasm. Should you track a young puppy, please remember to keep tracks short, within the puppy's physical capacities and attention span.

For the handler the benefits of training a dog to track include an enhanced relationship with your dog, a chance to observe and learn how your dog solves scenting problems, and the outdoor exercise provided while having fun. Frequently tracking takes you to magnificent scenery, too!

While some successful tracking teams have taught themselves the sport from one of several good tracking manuals now accessible, it is helpful to begin with a series of tracking classes if they are available in your area. A local obedience club may be able to direct you to a tracking class or group. If classes aren't readily available, see if you can find an experienced tracker who may help you get started in exchange for laying tracks for his or her dog.

Happy tracking to you and your Corgi!

For further information about tracking, you might try find much more information on the AKC website