TRACKING - FUN FOR THE OWNER AND THE DOG

The German Pinscher is not only an unusually intelligent companion, he is also a very impressive tracking dog.

To earn the beginning level AKC Tracking Title, Tracking Dog, TD, a dog has to follow a track that is laid by a stranger (to the dog), through a vegetated area for about 450-500 yards. The track is 30 minutes to two hours old and will usually have about 4 turns. There will be a glove or wallet of the tracklayer at the end of the track which the dog must find.

The AKC Tracking Dog Excellent Title (TDX) is about twice the length, has many more turns, will cross creeks, fences, roads, and have other obstacles. The track is two to five hours old, there are four articles to find and there are also crosstracks which are newer than the original track. This is very demanding on both the dog and handler, but the training for it is so much fun!

Tracking is an excellent activity for dogs of all ages. The enthusiasm of young dogs is great fun, but the concentration found in the older dogs certainly has it's merits!

Lankers A Black Wind Rising CD TD (Mariah) was the first German Pinscher AKC Tracking titlist. She completed her track in less than 10 minutes and qualified on her first attempt. The top picture is of Mariah working the track.

This second picture is Kaiserlich I Have A Dream TD at 9 months. Dreamer earned her TD on March 20, 2005.

Her track was 445 yards with 4 turns and she did it in the rain with 15 to 20 mph winds with gusts of 25-30 mph. She was in a muddy corn field and completed her run in only 8 minutes!
Her owner and handler, Elizabeth White, is very proud of her performance the day she got her TD. Dreamer was one of only 3 out of 10 to pass that day.

CH Windamir Salsa Des Charmettes TD AX MXJ (Attie) and handler Dave Spilis earned their TD title on their first attempt on Feb. 18, 2007. They completed their 460 yard track with 4 turns in less than eight minutes braving 13 degree temperatures with winds blowing in excess of 20 MPH.

CH Blue Banners High Noon VCD1 RE AXP AJP (Shooter) earned his TD title on April 6, 2008 with breeder/owner Betsy Spilis handling. He completed his 445 yard, 4 turn track in 6 minutes despite tracking in a cold rain.