RDOC Tracking Update

Tests:

Our January Variable Surface Tracking test (VST) will be held on Sunday January 3 at Hampden-Sydney College, Farmville VA.  Our chair is Mary Ann Massie; our secretary is Ralph Hattox.  Our judges are Gretchen Stephenson and Sue Ammerman.  The premium is under development.  There are many opportunities for volunteers – please send Mary Ann an email with your interest in helping! (slipknotfarm@aol.com)

Our March Tracking Dog – Tracking Dog Excellent test (TD-TDX) will be held on Sunday March 7 in Beaverdam VA.  Our judges are Judi Edwards, Tom Harding and Ellen Griffin. We are looking for a volunteer to chair the event and a volunteer to be the secretary. Please send Mary Ann an email with your interest in helping! (slipknotfarm@aol.com)

Training opportunities:

We are offering FIVE one-day seminars this fall and winter.  These one-day seminars will be in lieu of bi-weekly classes.  Instructors for the seminars include Judi Edwards, Mary Ann Massie, Jen Jordan & Anne Morris.  The seminars will be held on agricultural fields in Beaverdam VA.

Upcoming seminars:

Intro to Tracking Dog will be offered on Saturday October 10.  Working spots limited to 15.  Auditors unlimited. Morning session will be an introduction to TD including track laying and the rotation of training exercises. Target audience is handlers new to tracking or experienced handlers with a new dog. Working spots and audit spots will be filled via RDOC online registration, first come first served.

Tracking Dog with emphasis on Starts & Turns & Articles will be offered Sunday October 25.  Working spots limited to 15. Auditors unlimited.  Target audience is handlers with a dog that can accurately follow a straight line track. A video of your dog tracking a straight line may be requested to help us divide the working students into smaller groups.  Working spots and audit spots will be filled via RDOC online registration, first come first served.

Intro to Tracking Dog Excellent with emphasis on problem solving will be offered on Saturday November 21. Working spots limited to 10 dog and handler teams with a TD title. Morning session will be an introduction to TDX including the rotation of training exercises. Prior to the seminar, each handler submits ONE skill they need help with. Unlimited auditors. Working spots and audit spots will be filled via RDOC online registration, first come first served.

Tracking Dog with emphasis on Starts & Turns & Articles will be offered on Saturday December 12. Working spots limited to 15. Auditors unlimited.  Target audience is handlers with a dog that can accurately follow a straight line track.  A video of your dog tracking a straight line may be requested to help us divide the working students into smaller groups.  Working spots and audit spots will be filled via RDOC online registration, first come first served.

Tracking Dog Excellent with emphasis on problem solving will be offered on Saturday January 23. Working spots limited to 10 dog and handler teams with a TD title. Prior to the seminar, each handler submits ONE skill they need help with. Unlimited auditors. Working spots and audit spots will be filled via RDOC online registration, first come first served.

All five seminars will be posted on the RDOC website for registration – the opening date for registration for all five seminars will be Tuesday September 8 beginning at noon.  Questions should be directed to Anne Morris, 22ttmorris@gmail.com

Other important info….

Tracking is an active sport. You will be on your feet and walking all day, sometimes over rough terrain (and those in TDX, through woods, other obstacles, etc). Dress accordingly and plan to keep your feet dry (water proof footwear, extra socks, etc). It is important to bring water for you and your dog. Have some way to easily, quickly water your dog while it is working a track.

Blaze orange is required for November and December seminars.

Sunday October 25 and Saturday December 12 have identical curriculum.

One dog per handler.

No e-collars. No harsh corrections. Dogs on leash and under control at all times. Be prepared to pick up your dog’s waste.

TD title required for working spots in the two TDX seminars.

A harness for your dog is suggested (not an anti-pulling harness), six foot leash is required. We will have long lines IF you need one.  Bring two kinds of treats – a lower level treat and a super high value treat. Bring water for your dog. It could be warm in October so plan for shade for your dog. Dogs will be left unattended on the private farm that we use so please plan to crate your dog or secure your dog inside your vehicle.  The farms are safe, no one will steal your dog.  But you will be out of sight laying tracks for others, following along while others track their dogs, etc.  You will not be hanging out at the parking area with your dog. Please plan ahead so your dog is comfortable and relaxed.

Arrive at 8 a.m., instruction from 8:30 to 11:30, roundtable discussion over 30 minute lunch break, bring your own lunch/refreshments, instruction continues from noon to 3:30. A porta john will be onsite.

All 5 seminars ‘open’ for registration on Tuesday September 8 beginning at noon – please see table below for staggered registration times and ‘closing’ dates.

Seminar title & date	Registration opens	Registration closes
Intro TD, Sat Oct 10	Tues Sept 8 @12noon	Mon Sept 28
TD Starts/Turns, Sun Oct 25	Tues Sept 8 @12:15pm	Mon Oct 12
Intro TDX, Sat Nov 21	Tues Sept 8 @12:30pm	Mon Nov 9
TD Starts/Turns, Sat Dec 12	Tues Sept 8 @12:45pm	Mon Nov 30
TDX Problems, Sat Jan 23	Tues Sept 8 @1pm	Mon Jan 11

Please add Saturday January 30 AND Saturday February 6 to your planning calendar. These two days will be held as make up dates in the event of inclement weather.

Working spots are $125; audit spots are $75. As a reminder, RDOC ‘member points’ are not eligible for use when registering for a seminar (RDOC Standing Rules, section 5-B).

Happy tracking!

Judi, Mary Ann, Anne & Jen