AKC tracking titles?

[bocron]

I was wondering if anyone here can help me regarding the AKC titles. I have been looking into it mostly for my Lancashire Heeler, but if I can figure this whole thing out will title my current GSD as well since we are working toward her SchH1 as well.
So I think that you have to take your dog to be evaluated before you can even enter for a TD, correct? Every trial I've tried to attend around here has been cancelled, the one time they went through with the trial was the weekend of my nephew's wedding.
There is also a cool tracking course I found through pawmark, but it says you have to have the TD in order to attend. (That baffled me). I would love to give this a try as my LH is a great tracker and absolutely loves it. I just can't seem to get past the obstacles to get going.
There are not many tracking judges in my area (2 within a 3-4 hour distance) so getting my dog evaluated before I can even see what might be expected is really throwing me off.
Sorry this is kind of rambling, just not sure where to go.

[Whiteshepherds]

Will this help?
http://www.akc.org/pdfs/rulebooks/RU9999.pdf

[bocron]

Thanks, I have that book. My question is in regards to the book, here is the section I'm referring to:
Certification. A written statement must accompany each entry for a licensed or member tracking test for any dog that has not previously passed an AKC TD test. This statement must be dated within one year of the date the test is to be held, signed by a person approved to judge tracking tests, and must certify that the dog has satisfactorily performed a certification test.
The certification test will be of a complexity equivalent to the TD test and will take place under conditions similar to such a test.

So basically, you have to find a qualified judge (the nearest to me is I think about 1 1/2 hours away) and that person has to agree to meet with you and your dog and basically you have to pass the TD exam before you can enter a trial to get a TD?!!! See where my confusion lies? They are really making it difficult for people to participate in the sport. I know there are some areas where there are quite a few certified judges, but for some reason there aren't that many around here. Of the 3 I found, only one responded to my email and was too busy at other events to fit my dog in before the only trial in my area. Sigh...

[Samba]

Yes. You need a judge to certify you. The judge will lay a regulation track and test you as in competition.

It is a good idea. Tracking tests are expensive to put on. It is often difficult to find suitable tracts of land that will accomadate the long AKC tracks.

You will get 4 slips of paper saying you certified. They are good for one year. You send one with entry. Get it back if you don't get in. There is often a draw for entry in my area.

Even dogs who are certified do not pass at test time sometimes. But,it is important that those trying really do have the ability. The certification helps with that. Even with that, the TD has about a 50% pass rate.

I am glad that there is certification. Difficult enough to put on a test or get in one. It is best the handler does not decide on their own that they are ready!

I don't know if your area ever has a Camp Jigsaw nearby? It is great and beginners are welcome.

[bocron]

No Camp Jigsaw that I can find around here. Such a bummer. I understand how difficult tracking set ups are as we have to scramble for fields when our club hosts a Schutzhund trial. Will persevere .

[Samba]

You are right that it takes some effort. I was 100 miles from a judge and from any instruction. Sometimes drove 200 miles a week to get to classes and support. But, I came to really like AKC tracking.

No cert required for TDX or VST.

[gagsd]

Annette,
Try contacting on of these three to set up the certification:
American Kennel Club - Searchable Judges Directory

[gagsd]

That didn't work. Here.....

Mary Mahaffey D.V.M. Click here for Group/Breed Detail Dates
Judge's Number: 21835 Judge Type: Tracking
Address: 1611 Cedar Rd
Watkinsville, GA 30677-3102
Home Telephone: (706) 769-5057
Fax Telephone: (706) 769-5057
Email: mbmahaffey@bellsouth.net
Breed/Group/Class Status
Tracking Approved - Dec, 05 2005


Click here for Past Judging Assignments
Click here for Future Judging Assignments
New Search: Name | Conformation | Junior Showmanship | Agility/Obedience/Tracking/Rally | Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ms. Lynda McKee Click here for Group/Breed Detail Dates
Judge's Number: 18976 Judge Type: Tracking, Tracking Excellent, Variable Surface Tracking
Address: 43 Thornbush Court
Hiram, GA 30141
Home Telephone: (770) 943-0995
CEL Telephone: (404) 293-5305
Email: TifflynLDM@aol.com
Breed/Group/Class Status
Tracking Approved - Mar, 14 2003
Tracking Excellent Approved - Mar, 07 2006
Variable Surface Tracking Provisional - Apr, 11 2006


Click here for Past Judging Assignments
Click here for Future Judging Assignments
New Search: Name | Conformation | Junior Showmanship | Agility/Obedience/Tracking/Rally | Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Herb Morrison Click here for Group/Breed Detail Dates
Judge's Number: 1569 Judge Type: Tracking, Tracking Excellent, Variable Surface Tracking
Address: 110 Fitzpatrick Rd.
Athens, GA 30607-2308
Home Telephone: (706) 549-5029
Fax Telephone: (706) 543-5029
CEL Telephone: (706) 202-2320
Email: whmorrison1@bellsouth.net
Breed/Group/Class Status
Tracking Approved
Tracking Excellent Approved
Variable Surface Tracking Approved - Nov, 13 2000


Click here for Past Judging Assignments
Click here for Future Judging Assignments

[bocron]

Originally Posted by bocron

Of the 3 I found, only one responded to my email and was too busy at other events to fit my dog in before the only trial in my area. Sigh...

Mary, those are the 3 I contacted originally and the only one who responded was the last guy. He was not available to certify my dog prior to the test I was hoping to enter.

I guess I'll start over.

[gagsd]

The Augusta Obedience Club sometimes does seminars with, I THINK, Mary. One of our local club members attempted a certification with her last year.

If I decide to, I may just go to Kentucky

Good luck.