Sky's Tracking Certification Map

Today Grayhart Lightfoot Early Morning Rain JH, Sky, was certified to be able to enter an AKC Tracking Test. Our friend and tracking judge Dolores Brigham braved the 26 degree weather to lay a track for us at Vance Memorial in Weaverville, NC. Spots in tracking tests are very limited so to be able to enter a dog and handler team must first pass a track laid by an AKC tracking judge to show that they have the training and ability to pass an actual test. I've included a copy of the track that Dolores laid for us this morning. A Tracking Dog test (TD) is 440 - 500 yds long, with 3 to 5 turns. There is an article at the start flag and an ending glove which the tracklayer leaves. Except for a 2nd flag at 30 yds to show the direction of the track, there are no other marks or flags to indicate the direction or turns. Sky ran her 35 minute old track this morning in 7 minutes. She worked the 2nd turn to verify the direction by checking all around after losing scent, then took off again and never looked back until she pawed at the glove at the end. My sister Pam from Colorado was with me this morning and always brings good Karma. Dolores has certified 3 of my dogs now for tracking and is also a good luck charm for me. I thank them both for being there! Now to enter a tracking test!