Tracking Test (updated
01/01/2025)
This certification is designed to show that the canine
is capable of tracking an unknown person in an unfamiliar area. The
certification is meant to be similar to real life working conditions
that a team would encounter. This certification is a test of the canine and
handler’s ability to work as a team and the handler’s ability to read their
canine.
Handlers
Handlers may use tracking lines and harnesses, leather
collars, and or training collars while tracking. Handlers will
not use spiked collars, whistles or e-collars while tracking.
Suspect/Track Layer
When possible the suspect (also known as the track layer)
will be unknown to the testing team. The track layer will receive instructions
from the Master Trainer on the details of the track. The track layer will
not change the instructions, given by the Master Trainer, during the
track. Before the track is run by the testing team, they will be
informed by the Master Trainer, if the track layer or an article will be
at the end of the track.
Track
When the track is being laid, the testing team will
not be in the area. The Master Trainer will notify the testing
team when the track is ready and where the general area for the start
of the track is located. The track will be a minimum of 300 yards
long and a minimum of twenty (20) minutes old.
The track will have at least three (3) turns two
left and a right, or two rights and a left and one (1) scented
article along the track. The track must include change of surface to
include a hard surface segment. There must be one (1) cross
track laid by a second track layer, within ten (10) minutes of the
beginning of the track to show the teams ability to track their suspect
and read a cross track. The cross track will not be laid near any
turns or during a change in vegetation.
It is the Master Trainers discretion if the track needs
to be run at a different time due to climate or age of the track or
other circumstances deemed important to the Master Trainer.
All certifications are either pass or
fail. The Master Trainer will have the final say if the team
will be certified at the end of the testing track.
This certification will remain in effect for two (2) years
as long as the team is in good standing with NAPCH and the Team remains intact.