Gibson County EMA K-9
Tracking and Trailing Standards
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This test is designed to determine if the K-9 team is capable of tracking/trailing an unknown subject in an unfamiliar area. This test is intended to be closely simulative of working situations. This is a test of the dog's ability and proficiency and the handler's control of the dog.
Three (3) classifications will be available: Level I, Level II and Level III. Upon the first application the handler may designate the level of classification for which he/she wishes testing. Failure of the first test will require a team to be tested at Level I before being allowed to apply for Level II or Level III evaluation.
In each test the handler and canine will be hidden from view prior to the test start. When the test begins the Training Officer will inform the handler of the approximate area to begin. The handler will not be told in which direction the track leads. The evaluators will follow the handler and in no way interfere with or distract the canine. In the event the team loses the trail and the handler is made aware of the same, or if the handler is informed by the evaluators that the team has lost the trail, he/she will be given five (5) minutes by the evaluators to recover the trail and continue. The evaluators will advise the handler when the five (5) minutes have elapsed and will notify the team that they have failed the test. The evaluators may, due to weather or other conditions, elect to have the victim leave a scent article at the end of the trail instead of remaining in place until found. The evaluators will inform the handler prior to the start of the whether a victim or a scent article is at the end of the trail.
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Handlers
Handlers may use leads, tracking ropes, harnesses, correction collars or leather/nylon collars while tracking. The handler may encourage his/her dog as needed with commands and praise.
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Victim
The victim will be unknown to the dog when possible. The victim will receive instruction from the Training Officer for the method and direction that the track is to be laid. The victim will provide a suitable scent article to be made available to the team being evaluated.
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Level I
The trail must be at least one-half mile long and surface cover will be vegetation. The trail will be at least thirty (30) minutes old prior to beginning the test, and have at least two (2) turns in it. The victim making the trail will remain at the end of the trail until found, unless otherwise directed by the evaluators.
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Level II
The trail must be at least one mile long. Starting surface cover will be vegetation, but must include at least two (2) other surface types (dirt, grass, concrete, asphalt, gravel, woods, etc.). There will be one (1) fresh cross track laid at least thirty (30) minutes after the original trail is laid. The cross track will be laid by a second person to test the dogs scent discrimination. The trail will be at least four (4) hours old prior to beginning the test, and have at least two (2) turns in it. The victim making the trail will remain at the end of the trail until found, unless otherwise directed by the evaluators.
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Level III
The trail must be at least one mile long. Surface cover at the start of the trail will be vegetation but will run at least 500 feet on pavement, and cross a stream if available. There will be one (1) fresh cross track laid at least one (1) hour after the original track is laid. The cross track will be laid by a second person to test the dogs scent discrimination. At a time designated by the evaluators, the handler will be instructed to place the K-9 in a down stay for 5 minutes, and will then be instructed to continue the trail. The track will be at least eight (8) hours old prior to beginning the test, and have at least three (3) turns in it. The victim making the trail will remain at the end of the trail until found, unless otherwise directed by the evaluators.
All tests given the K-9 team will be on a pass/fail basis, and will be evaluated by a team of evaluators, the Training Officer and the K-9 Director. The evaluators will determine if the team will be certified upon the completion of the test and make any recommendations to the Training Officer and the K-9 Director. The handler and dog will be considered as a team and it is the team who will be certified. If the dog changes handlers, a new team exists and the team will need to be certified. This certification will be valid for one (2) years from the date of issue.