Tracking trials: ten tests, track ages, articles and titles

Key facts

Test 1

Approx. 400m; age 20–45min; known person; articles 0/1

Test 2

Approx. 800m; age 30–60min; known person; articles 1/2

Test 3

Approx. 800m; age 30–60min; unknown person; articles 1/2

Test 4

Approx. 1,000m; age 60–120min; unknown person; articles 2/3

Test 5

Approx. 1,000m; age 60–120min; unknown person; articles 2/3

Test 6

Approx. 1,200m; age 60–180min; unknown person; articles 2/3

Test 7

Approx. 1,200m; age 90–180min; unknown person; articles 2/3

Test 8

Approx. 1,200m; age 120–180min; unknown person; articles 2/3

Test 9

Approx. 1,200m; age 150–210min; unknown person; articles 3/4

Test 10

Approx. 1,200m; age 180–240min; unknown person; articles 3/4

Read the test summary correctly

Lengths are approximate; articles means required indications/number laid. Read the complete provisions for the test, including its finish.

Use the summary to identify the test you are studying, then read its complete description. Two tests can have similar length and age while asking different work. Keep a training note about an article separate from a note about completing the route; this makes it easier to discuss the precise exercise with an instructor.

What the dog and handler do

Dogs Australia’s practical introduction describes following a person’s trail and locating articles left along it. The dog leads the scent work while the handler manages the line and follows. It describes a suitable tracking harness and a lead of at least ten metres, rather than attaching the working line to a collar.

Ask an instructor to demonstrate line management before practising on uneven ground. Note how you keep the line clear, respond when the dog changes direction and recognise an article indication. The record should describe what happened on that track rather than assuming every stop or turn has the same meaning.

The title progression

Tests 1–3 lead to Tracking Dog (TD), 4–6 to Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX), 7–8 to Tracking Champion (T Ch) and 9–10 to Tracking Grand Champion (T Gr Ch). Tests are sequential, with at least two judges required for each title. The lower-title application must be lodged before competing towards a higher title.

Maintain a progression sheet containing the event, date, test, judge, official result and title-application status. Keep the certificate or original result beside it. Before a new entry, compare that record with the schedule instead of relying on a title abbreviation in a social post or an incomplete online profile.

Track age, conditions and readiness

Use the current numbered test provisions for assessment conditions. When checking an introductory summary, compare its range with the particular test you intend to enter. Keep the rules edition with your preparation notes.

For training, record the tracklayer, laying time, working time, surface, weather and what was observed. Compare sessions with those conditions in view. Do not increase distance and age simply to match a higher test number; discuss readiness and the specific next exercise with a suitable instructor.

Articles and result records

Preserve the judge’s result and the original assessment wording. Keep article observations connected to the rest of the track rather than using an isolated find to reconstruct an official result.

Record the article indication as described by the judge or training observer, with the test and context. Avoid retroactively assigning a pass from a video clip or a handler’s recollection alone. If a published result is incomplete, retain the uncertainty and seek the original record rather than filling in a missing grade.

Plan an entry and protect the working area

Check the advertised tests, registration and membership requirements, closing date and any ballot arrangements with the organiser. Ask how attendance and waiting areas are managed, what equipment to bring and whether a spectator can accompany a working party. Confirm the location through the current event notice.

Before filming or walking near a laid track, ask where you may go. Keep other dogs and unplanned foot traffic away from the working area. Save only the route information the organiser permits to be shared, particularly while other teams still have work to complete. A respectful viewing position also helps preserve the context of what you observe.

Tracking, Track and Search and operational work

Dogs Australia publishes a separate Track and Search rulebook. Keep its activity and title records separate from these Tracking Tests. The tracking-versus-air-scenting guide provides terminology context, while the qualifying-results guide helps organise original sporting evidence.

A tracking sport title records achievement within that sport. It does not by itself establish selection, training or accreditation for an operational missing-person team. If employment or volunteering is your interest, investigate the actual organisation’s role requirements as a separate pathway. For a first sporting step, use the national introduction’s state-body club links to find suitable training.

Common questions

Sources & further reading

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