WYSIWYG Tracking

WYSIWYG Welsh Terriers
Tracking

Tracking

An AKC tracking test evaluates the dog's natural
ability to follow a scent trail. A person the dog does
not know walks a trail, leaving his scent behind. The
length of the trail and the type of terrain covered
depend on the level of tracking competition. After a
certain length of time passes (which also depends
on the dog's level of experience), the dog is expected
to lead its handler along the same trail and locate a
glove left at the end.

It's fascinating to watch a dog eagerly follow this
(undetectable to humans) scent track across grass,
pavement, gravel and dirt, emerging with the leather
glove in mouth at the end of the trail. Tracking is
clearly fun and rewarding for the dogs who do it, and
interesting for the human handlers as well.

The AKC offers several levels of competition and titles.

Trailing and Locating

An activity sponsored by the Missouri Earthdogs at a
2003 fun day and at the Memorial Day Bash.

This event is a simulated hunting experience where
the dog (off-lead) follows a scent trail through the
woods to the quarry. The dog and handler work as a
team with the handler giving verbal direction if needed.

A judge monitors the progress and keeps the official
time. Each dog is timed beginning when the dog is
released at the starting point and ending when the
quarry is reached. The dog must make it to the
halfway point before going to the quarry or will be
disqualified. Penalty time is assessed whenever the
dog exceeds ten feet from the scent trail. The handler
must not touch the dog and must remain behind the
dog at all times.

The following Wysiwyg and Baileywyc Welsh terriers have
participated in tracking and/or trailing and locating:

Madoc
Gwin
Moose

Sky
Hogyn
Dazzle