Before entering a Tracking Dog (TD) or Tracking Dog Urban (TDU) Test through the American Kennel Club, a dog and handler must be “certified” by an AKC tracking judge.

Tracking tests require a lot of planning and strategizing between judges, tracklayers, and other volunteers. They also don’t happen very often due to time and cost constraints on hosting clubs, and the number of tracks available per test is often lower than the amount of handlers looking to participate.

The certification process ensures that every available testing spot goes to a team that is truly prepared to tackle their first tracking test. This also gives new dog-handler teams the opportunity to work in front of a judge or experienced handler and get feedback prior to spending money on entry fees.

During the certification test, the evaluator will prepare a regulation Tracking Dog track. The team must successfully complete the track in order to pass.

After passing, the handler receives four certifications that they will send in with any entries they submit for a TD or TDU test. Certifications last one year, and dogs may only receive four per year.