SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE k-9 ASSOCIATION

Tracking/ Trailing

This test is designed to determine if the canine is capable of tracking an unknown subject in an unfamiliar area. This test is intended to be closely simulative of working situations. This is a test of the canine's ability and proficiency and the handler's control of the canine.

Handler

Handlers will equip themselves and canine as that would in an actual situation.

Suspects

The suspect will be unknown to the canine when possible. The suspect/track layer will receive instruction from the Certifying Official for the method and direction that the track is to be laid. The track will be laid as close to an actual situation as possible. Before the track is laid, the certifying official will inform the handler whether a suspect or a scent article from the suspect will be at the end of the track.

Track

The handler and canine will be secluded from the area of the track. When the test begins the certifying official will inform the handler of the approximate area to begin. The handler will not be told in which direction the track leads. There will be one (1) fresh cross track laid at fifteen (15) minutes after the original track is laid. The cross track will be laid by a second person to test the canines scent discrimination. The track must be at least one-quarter ¼  mile long yet no longer than one half 1/2 of a mile and have at least two (2) types of surfaces, which are, covered (dirt, concrete, woods, etc.). The track will be at least thirty (30) minutes old yet not older than 1 hour prior to beginning the test, and have at least three (3) turns no acute angle turns will be used in it. Due to climatic conditions the age of the track will be at the discretion of the certifying official.

All tests given the canine team will be on pass/fail basis. The certifying officials will determine if the team will be certified upon the completion of the test. The handler and canine will be considered as a team and it is the team who will be certified. If the canine changes handlers, a new team exists and the team will need to be certified.

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Last modified: 05/30/07