Variable Surface Tracking Test 2018

On Sunday, March 18th, we held our annual Variable Surface Tracking Test at Southwestern College in Chula Vista. Though it rained on Sat. during track plotting, we had gorgeous weather the day of the test! Our judges this year were Sally Nesbitt (Spring Valley, CA) and Kaye Hall (Napa). Our Apprentice Judge was Stuart Lease. Dorothy Skates was our Chair for this test... thank you Dorothy! And thank you club members Paula and Kermit Harcos, Rhonda Hensley and Sally Nesbitt for being there as committee members.

In a VST test, the dog must follow a human tracklayer’s scent between 600 –800 yards over at least 3 different surfaces (vegetation, asphalt, concrete, etc.). It also must find 4 different articles dropped by the tracklayer along the way. One must be leather, one cloth, one metal and one plastic. These tests are most often done at college campuses or other institutions. Most dogs entering VST tests have already passed their TD (Tracking Dog) and TDX (Tracking Dog Excellent) tests. Passing their VST makes them a CT (Champion Tracker)!

Though we had 11 entries for this test, we had only 5 tracks available. We had two Tervs entered this year (Belgian Tervuren preferred). Of our 5 dog/handler teams, we had two pass! This is *huge*, as the pass rate for VST is very low. Our congratulations go to Bobbie Sevier and her CT Banks (Golden), and to Linda Ivy handler/Mona Boord owner and CT Khaleesi (Rottie)!

We had wonderful support from the San Diego tracking community, several of whom acted as tracklayers for the test. And our tracking friend Karen Boyes was on hand to take these wonderful photos!

Teri

BTCSC Tracking Coor.

VST 3-18-18: Bobbie and Banks

Bobbie and Banks on the track