SCHUTZHUND 
TRACKING
OBEDIENCE
CHARACTER
SHOPPHASE A – TRACKING:
Requirements for SchH / VPG / IPO 1, 2, 3 / TR 1, 2, 3 / FH 1
1. SELECTION OF THE TRACKING FIELDS:
The selection of a suitable tracking field is the responsibility of the trial secretary. It is his/her responsibility to make arrangements with the property owner or manager. The trial secretary must see to it that the dogs are handled in such a way in the tracking fields that wildlife will not be disturbed. Tracking can be held on all natural terrains, including meadow grass, pasture land, ploughed or dirt fields and forest soil. The decision regarding the suitability of tracking land is the duty of the judge. Change of cover and terrain in SchH / IPO 1 through SchH / IPO 3 is possible and in the FH, it is absolutely required. At minimum, FH tracks must cross once over a hard, well-travelled street or gravel road. Holding an FH test on a continuous blanket of snow is not permitted. Visible tracks where sight tracking is possible are to be avoided.
2. TRACKING ARTICLES:
Within any one track, articles different from each other must be used. Their colour may not stand out considerably from that of the terrain and their size may not exceed 10 cm long by 2-3 cm wide and 0.5-1 cm thick. Size and material of the articles will be strictly enforced. Materials: Any reasonable material may be used as articles on the track, such as leather, wood or other biodegradable substances. In SchH / IPO 2, 3 and FH, the articles are to be turned over to the tracklayer that must wear them on his/her body for a minimum of 30 minutes before laying the tracks. In SchH / IPO 1, the handler uses his/her own articles. Attention should be paid to see that these articles are likewise well scented.
All articles may be marked with numbers. If so, the numbers on the articles must correspond with the numbers on the starting flags (markers). Before laying the SchH / IPO 1 track, the handler must show the articles to the judge. Only the articles described above or articles of the judge's discretion are to be used.
3. TRACK SHAPE AND LENGTH:
In regional events, qualifying trials and championships, shortened track lengths may be specified.
4. TRACK AGES:
5. CROSS TRACKS:
FH 1 - 30 minutes after finishing laying the track.
FH 2 - 30 minutes before starting to run the track.
6. LAYING THE TRACK:
The judge is responsible for determining the layout of the track and for instructing tracklayer(s).
In laying the track, the tracklayer must ensure that he/she uses a natural stride. In the FH tracks, strict attention is to be paid to ensure that the tracks are laid on varying cover. Any standardized
FH pattern is to be avoided. Tracklayers for FH 2 tracks must have experience in laying FH tracks. At Schutzhund Australia Inc. sanctioned local trials, tracklayers may reside in the same household as the handler.
7. THE STARTING PLACE:
SchH 1 / TR 1 - There will be a draw for tracks BEFORE tracks are laid.
SchH / IPO 2, 3 / TR 2, 3 / FH1, 2 - There is a draw for tracking order AFTER the tracks are laid.
SchH / IPO 1, 2, 3 / TR 1, 2, 3 / FH 1 - The starting point (scent pad) is marked with a tracking stake or flag which is placed in the ground directly to the left side of the start. The flag must remain in place throughout the tracking work. All articles are to be marked with numbers. The numbers on the articles must match the numbers on the starting flags (markers). The tracklayer pauses at the start. Light stepping on the starting place is not faulty. The handlers may not be present during the laying of the tracks for SchH 2, 3 / TR 2, 3 and FH. During the laying of the SchH 1 / TR 1 track, the dog must remain out of sight.
8. THE LEGS OF THE TRACK:
The tracklayer proceeds at a normal pace in the direction prescribed by the judge. Scraping or scuffing of feet or interruption in pace is not permitted.
9. THE CORNERS:
The corners (approximately 90 degrees) are also to be made at a normal pace. Care must be taken that a continuous working of the track to the next leg is possible for the dog. An interruption of the track may not occur. Heavy stomping of the corners is not allowed.
10. THE PLACEMENT OF ARTICLES:
The articles are to be laid on the track while the tracklayer is in motion.
Laying the articles on the change of cover, corner, or in their immediate vicinity is not allowed. They must be laid on the track, not next to it. After laying down the last article, the tracklayer continues straight ahead for an additional few paces.
DIAGRAM FOR FH1 TRACK
SchH 1 / TR 1:
The first article is placed a minimum of 100 paces on either the first or second leg. Second article at the end of the track.
SchH 2 / TR 2:
The first article a minimum of 100 paces on either the first or second leg. Second article at the end of the track.
SchH 3 / TR 3:
The first article a minimum of 100 paces on either the first or second leg. Second article at the judge's discretion. Third article at the end of the track.
FH 1:
First article a minimum of 250 paces away from the start, last article at the end of the track and the remaining articles placed at irregular intervals on the track. Total four (4) articles.
FH 2:
Same as the FH 1 except there are seven (7) articles and an identification article at the start.
11. VALUE OF THE ARTICLES:
12. VARIOUS HANDLING OPTIONS IN THE TRACKING WORK:
The following lead/handling options are permitted:
The collar:
The collar may not be used on the live ring. In attaching the line, it may be placed over the dog's back, along the side of the dog or between the front and/or the rear legs.
Tracking harness:
The following types of tracking harnesses are permitted:
• The chest harness;
• The Böttger tracking harness;
• The rope harness or other material.
Tracking line:
The tracking line must be at least 10 metres long. The handler must remain at the end of the tracking line even in the event that the line is longer than 10 metres. Examination of the line length, the collar and the harness by the judge may take place before the beginning of the trial.
Free tracking:
The distance of at least 10 metres between handler and dog must be maintained throughout the track.
WORKING AND JUDGING OF THE TRACK:
Reporting in of the handlers occurs in the basic position with the dog prepared to track and the tracking line laid out, although the handler may have his dog on the short heeling lead. At the reporting in, the judge must check the length of the tracking line. A point deduction because of incorrect reporting in may not occur. This is also valid if the tracking line is not the required 10 metres long. In this case, the tracking line is to be exchanged. If the judge fails to detect a tracking line that is not the correct length before the track commences, there will be no deduction of points. While the dog is tracking, the judge and any accompanying persons are not permitted in the area of the track where the dog and handler team has the right to track.
Value of the track:
Track legs 55 %
Corners 20 %
Articles 20 %
Start 5 %
Total 100 %
All percentages are approximate and have to be considered with the difficulty of the legs. Due to the variations and different terrains that may be encountered with FH tracks, these general percentage assessments will be made by the judge at the time of the actual test.
With the above point allocation, ratings for the elements are as follows:
2. THE START:
The dog is led calmly to the start. Any act of compulsion (such as downing the dog at the startflag) is not permitted. Any handling of the dog such as placing the dog in a sit or down or placing the line under the dog's leg must be done no closer than five (5) paces before the starting flag.
The start is done at the dog's location and not from a distance. The same is true for the restarts after finding the articles. A certain amount of free play in the line must be possible for the dog.
The start is not dependent on time (other than the prescribed maximum for the track itself). On the contrary, the judge must concentrate on the behaviour of the dog at the beginning of the first leg with regard to the intensity of the absorption of the scent.
The dog is to take the scent at the start calmly and intensively. The taking of the scent must occur without help from the handler (except for the voice command "such" / "seek"). Releasing the dog with the hand below the handler’s knee will be construed as handler help and points will be deducted accordingly. Once the dog has taken up the scent and is following it, the handler must remain at the starting point until the dog has reached the end of the tracking line, or until the required distance of 10 metres is reached. Following too early is faulty and will be penalized.
A new start, further into the course of the track is not allowed. A new start consists of the handler taking the dog at heel, by the collar or on a shortened line, and again setting the dog onto the track. So long as the handler holds the tracking line in his hands at the end and allows the dog to search freely, a restart does not occur, even if the dog passes the handler. The returning of the dog to the handler during the working out of the track and the independent resuming of the track also does not classify as a restart. A corresponding point deduction is to be made.
3. TRACKING PERFORMANCE:
The dog is to follow the course of the track evenly and intensely with a deep nose. Whether the dog tracks fast or slow is not a factor in the scoring, so long as the track is worked out intensely, uniformly and convincingly. The tracking line may sag as long as this does not result in substantial shortening of the distance between handler and dog. The line touching the ground is not faulty.
4. CORNERS:
The corners are to be worked out closely and confidently. A dog's checking at the comer, to convince him of the lay of the track, is not faulty so long as he does not leave the track. Close circling at the comer is definitely faulty. The handler may not influence the dog at the corner, for example, voice commands or lead handling. The corner is defined as 1.5 metres before and after the comer. After working out the comer, the dog must continue tracking at his regular pace. The dog that picks up speed after the corner is considered faulty.
5. FH 1 AND FH 2 CROSS TRACKS:
The dog may follow the cross track for up to one line-length (with point loss). The tracking will be terminated if the dog leaves the track by more than one line-length.
6. INDICATION AND PICK UP OF ARTICLES:
Indication of the articles must be done convincingly, in the direction of the track and right before the article. (Example: the dog lying down with the article between the legs and in front of the chest.) Minor crookedness of position is not faulty, but sideways indicating of the article or strong turning around toward the handler is faulty. The dog lying down with the article between the paws and in front of the chest and under the head is not faulty as long as the dog is calm in the position. Any restlessness or moving the article, however, would be considered faulty. Articles which are indicated or picked up with strong handler help are counted as not found. The indicating of articles may be done standing, sitting, lying down, or by alternating these positions. Indicating and picking up on the same track is faulty. If the dog picks up articles, he may then stand still, sit, or come to the handler. Moving forward with the picked-up article or picking it up while lying down is faulty. If the dog brings the article to the handler, the handler may not move toward the dog. The handler must take the article from the dog in the front position. One command for the release is permitted. The handler will give the tracking command after retrieving the article and the scoring of the track will continue from the point the article was found. The restart will be the same as with all other starts from an article. As soon as the dog has found an article, he must immediately pick it up or indicate it convincingly without influence from the handler. The handler must put the line down and immediately go to the dog. Found articles are to be shown to the judge by holding them in the hand and raising the arm up high. In picking up or removing the article, the handler may not stand in front of the dog, but must position himself next to the dog. The dog must remain calm in the indicating or picking-up position until his handler, standing beside him, restarts him.
HANDLER HELP:
Articles found with heavy handler help are considered overrun. This is the case when the dodges not indicate the article and, through handler influence with the help of the line or commands, is prevented from tracking further. In this instance, all the points for the article are lost.
FALSE INDICATIONS:
If the dog indicates a false object or interrupts his tracking work (i.e. by lying down, sitting or standing still), this is faulty and will cause point deduction. Lying down on the track by the dog does not have to be considered a false indication. If the dog, at the handler's command from a distance of 10 metres, continues to work, only two (2) points are deducted. This is not considered a false indication. If the handler approaches the dog, this is analogous to a false indication and up to four (4) points will be deducted.
Scoring for False Indication of Articles
7. LEAVING THE TRACK:
If the dog goes to leave the track and the handler restrains him from doing so, the judge will instruct the handler to follow the dog. The handler must obey this instruction. The tracking work is to be terminated if the dog leaves the track by more than one line length (or by more than 10 metres if the dog is free tracking), or if the handler fails to obey the judge's instruction to follow the dog. The judge is not permitted to advise the handler to drop the tracking line.
8. PRAISE:
At all trial levels, it is permissible to praise the dog once in a while but the handler may not be excessive in the praising of the dog. Praising at the article is permissible in the same position in which the dog indicated or picked up the article, before or after showing the found article to the judge. The verbal command "such” or “search" is only permitted at the start and after an article.
9. WILD GAME:
If, during the tracking work, wild game appears and the dog follows his hunting instinct, the handler may attempt to prevent the dog from following by giving the dog the command to “platz"/ "down." On the judge's signal, the tracking work will then continue. The scoring in this situation will result in a deduction of up to eight (8) points.
If the dog will not start tracking again, the tracking work is to be terminated and the dog will be awarded whatever points it earned up to the point it stopped tracking.
10. REPORTING OUT:
After completion of the tracking work, the articles found are to be shown to the judge. Playing with or feeding the dog after indication of the last article and before reporting out to the judge is not permitted. If the handler has food in his pockets, he has to be disqualified. Reporting out must be done with the dog in the basic position.
11. SCORING OF TRACKING WORK:
Faulty starting, aimless wandering, frequent circling on the corners, continuous encouragement, incorrect picking up or indicating and dropping of articles will be penalized up to four (4) points.
Repeated starting, strong wandering, tracking with a predominately high nose, hectic tracking, urinating/defecating, mouse-catching etc. are penalized up to eight (8) points.
If the dog indicates or picks up an article differently than announced by the handler (Ex. retrieves when the handler announced the dog would indicate), three (3) points are deducted.
If the dog indicates an article not placed on the track by the tracklayer or interrupts the track by lying, sitting or standing, this is incorrect. However, if the dog will continue working after an additional command given from a distance of 10 metres, two (2) points will be deducted.
If the dog picks up or indicates an article not placed on the track by the tracklayer and the handler goes to his dog, four (4) points will be deducted.
For articles not found, the prescribed article points will not be given.
TRACKING DOG - LEVEL 2 (FH 2): REQUIREMENTS FOR FH2
GENERAL:
Tracking Dog Level 2 (FH 2) is a test for sporting purposes only. Special claims, which might arise out of the realm of service dog achievements, are not to be made.
TRACKLAYERS:
It is mandatory that the tracklayers for this test be experienced and qualified. Tracklayers for FH2 tracks must have experience in laying FH tracks. As a rule, the trial judge for this type of test may not accompany the tracklayer while the track is being laid and tracking diagrams must be drawn by the tracklayer. The judge must make sure that the cross tracks are laid according to the rules: 30 minutes before starting to run the track.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Before a dog is eligible to take the FH 2 test, it must be at least 20 months old and must have earned an FH 1 title. If the dog has not earned the SchH 1 title, the FH 2 title will not constitute a “training title" for the purposes of a breed survey.
PERFORMANCE IN THE TRACKING WORK:
The dog must demonstrate his track-sureness on a stranger's track that is at least three (3) hours old and at least 1,800 paces long, with seven (7) corners that conform to the terrain. At least two (2) of the comers must be acute and one must be an arc (segment of a circle). The track will be crossed at least twice by a fresher stranger track at varying points separate from each other.
Along the track, at irregular distances, seven (7) articles that have been well scented by the tracklayer will be placed. The articles is to be found by the dog and either indicated or picked up.
Before the start of the track, the handler must report to the judge whether the dog picks up or indicates the articles. Doing both together (picking up and indicating), or doing both on the same track, is faulty. The handler may, at his/her option, track the dog free or on a tracking line. The tracking line may hang loose, so long as the handler does not let it out of his/her hand.
TRACKING ARTICLES:
As previously described.
THE PLACEMENT OF THE ARTICLES:
• Identification article inside the search area (departure point for the track);
• First article at the earliest after 250 paces;
• Second through sixth articles at the judge's command;
• Seventh article at the end of the track.
LAYING OF THE TRACK:
The tracklayer, who is a stranger to the dog, must prepare a terrain sketch for the judge. The course of the track is to be planned in advance with the judge or with the appointed tracking chairperson, utilizing natural landmarks such as lone-standing trees, power poles, sheds, cottages, outbuildings, etc. Before laying the track, the tracklayer will show the required tracking articles to the judge/tracking chairperson. The tracklayer must have carried the articles on their person for at least 30 minutes, in order to scent them well. The articles may not exceed the above-stated dimensions and they must not differ markedly in their colour from the surrounding terrain.
THE STARTING PLACE:
The start of the track is located within a "search area" of 20 x 20 metres in which only the tracklayer has stepped. Entry into this area by any third party is to be prevented. Inside this 20x 20 metre square, the tracklayer will place two marking stakes in the ground, 20 paces apart.
These two stakes form the “starting line." From anywhere on the starting line or from one of the two stakes, the tracklayer goes out and lays down an "identification article." This article marks the true start of the track. The identification article is of similar size and composition as the other articles on the track, but is not counted in the scoring. Once the tracklayer has laid down the identification article, he must remain standing on that spot for a brief period of time. From there on, the track will be laid at a normal pace. The articles are to be laid on the track at irregular distances. The first article must be placed at least 250 paces from the starting point. The seventh (and last) article is laid at the end of the track. Articles must not be laid at or near comers. They must not be laid next to the track, but actually on the track. The tracklayer will indicate on his track diagram by placing "X" marks in all of the places where he has laid the articles.
CROSS TRACKS:
Thirty minutes before the start time, a second tracklayer (also a stranger to the dog) will receive instructions from the judge to lay a cross track that intersects the primary track at least twice (but not on the first or last legs).
WORKING OF THE TRACK:
RANDOM SEARCHING FOR THE IDENTIFICATION ARTICLE & THE FH 2 START:
The "start line" marked by the tracklayer will be made known to the handler by the judge. But the start line itself does not necessarily establish the direction of the first leg of the track. From the location of the identification article, the track may proceed straight ahead, right, left or even at an angle. Notice should be taken of the fact that the first leg of the track may not cross the start line.
During the random search for the identification article, the handler is free to handle the dog either off lead or on the tracking line. The time allotted for the dog to locate the identification article, determine the direction of the track and begin working out the track is limited to three (3) minutes. The handler is free to choose the point on the start line at which he will start the dog searching for the identification article and may assist the dog by means of voice and/or hand signals. If the dog comes onto the first leg of the track beyond the identification article and picks up the leg confidently, the handler must follow the dog. In this case, the tracking work must continue in the same way the dog began (free or on the tracking line). If the dog finds the identification article, the handler goes immediately to him and starts him on the track. He may first, if necessary, attach a tracking line to the collar or harness.
Any form of compulsion is prohibited. The start (also at the restart after finding the article) must take place at the side of the dog. Free movement of the line must be possible for the dog.
The dog should be allowed to take up the scent thoroughly at the starting point. He should be so trained that with no influence from the handler, he will calmly and extensively take the scent at the starting point. Under no circumstances may the handler, with his hand, arouse in the dog the urge to charge ahead forward. No restarting is permitted. As soon as the dog begins to track, the handler must stand still and let the 10-metre tracking line glide through his hands. The handler may not cross over the starting line until the 10-metre tracking line has run out (or the free working dog has reached a distance of 10 metres away from the handler). The track should be worked out calmly, so that the handler can follow at a normal pace. The handler follows at a 10-metre distance, which must also be maintained if the dog is tracking free. When the dog comes upon an article, he must immediately pick it up or indicate it convincingly. When picking it up, the dog may stand still, sit or come to the handler. If he comes to the handler, the handler may not advance toward him. Proceeding forward with the picked-up article is faulty. Indicating may be done sitting, lying down, standing, or alternating among those positions. The handler must go to the dog immediately and take the article and then raise it into the air to show the judge. The handler may praise the dog and immediately let him continue tracking. If the dog, while on the track, comes upon an article that was not placed by the tracklayer, he may neither pick it up nor indicate it. Time allowed to complete the track is 45 minutes.
FH 2 CROSS TRACKS:
If the dog changes over from the primary track onto the cross track and follows it for more than one line length, the tracking work must be terminated. The dog may follow the cross track for up to one line length (with point loss).
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SUPPORT IN THE FH 2:
The judge is permitted to allow handler assistance if the dog cannot manage terrain-caused obstacles (for example, large puddles of water, trenches, etc.). No point deduction is made.
After consulting with the judge, the handler is allowed to interrupt tracking briefly if he believes that he or the dog needs a short break for health reasons and/or weather conditions (for example, extreme heat). Here, also, there is no point deduction. The restarting of the dog on the track will not be scored as a “restart" under the meaning prescribed as faulty in the Trial Rulebook. The time taken for such breaks, however, is counted in the total time available to the handler and dog for working out the track. The handler is allowed, during a "pause" or at an article, to clean up the dog’s head, eyes and nose. For this purpose, he may carry with him during the tracking work a wet cloth or sponge. These items are to be shown to the judge before the start of the tracking work. Further aids are not permitted. The handler must refrain from giving the dog any type of physical help. At all trial levels, it is permissible to praise the dog once in a while. The dog maybe praised at an article indication before or after the handler shows the article to the judge. The command "such" may only be given at the start and at any restarts off an article.
SCORING:
Max score: 100 points. Working of the Track = 80 points; seven articles (6 x 3, 1 x 2) = 20 points.
The maximum 100 points can only be given when a dog works out his track from beginning to end, at a walking pace throughout and picks up or indicates all seven articles. All the angles (comers) must be worked out confidently. The dog may not let himself be influenced by the cross tracks. On the first six (6) articles, articles not found will cost three (3) points and the last article, if not found, will cost two (2) points. Picking up in combination with or alternating with indicating the articles is faulty. For a falsely picked up or indicated article, 1.5 points will be deducted. For picking up or indicating any objects not placed there by the tracklayer, 1.5 points will be deducted. If the dog indicates an article not placed on the track by the tracklayer or interrupts the track by lying, sitting or standing, this is incorrect. However, if the dog will continue working after an additional command is given from a distance of 10 metres, one (1)point will be deducted. If the handler goes to his dog, 1.5 points will be deducted. If the handler prevents the dog from leaving the track, the judge will instruct the handler to follow the dog. The tracking work is terminated if the dog leaves the track by more than one line length (or by more than 10 metres if free tracking), or if the handler ignores the judge's instruction to follow the dog.
*Document taken from the Schutzhund Australia website.
