The Grading System
Various aspects are assessed during the grading process. These aspects relate directly to practical situations the tracking handler and K9 team are faced with during a real-life tactical tracking follow up operations.
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Distance
Distance is used to test the team’s fitness and stamina.
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Age
Age of is used as a factor to test concentration and drive within the team
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Dog and Handler
The handler and K9 are both tested during these assessments as in a real follow up situation both would work together as a team to complete the track.
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Surface
Surfaces or commonly known as terrain is varied to ascertain whether the team can work in various situations. This is classified into productive, less productive and hard surface areas.
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Real Simulations
There are a number of technical aspects added to the track which simulate real situations. Aspects such as turns on the track, road crossings, scent pools, backtracking and proximity alerts are tested.
Levels
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Level 1
Known start
Length of track 5 kilometres (3.1miles)
Age of track 1 hour old
Surfaces (terrain) majority of track productive surfaces (terrain) including portions of less productive surfaces (terrain)
Basic turns (min 1 with a max of 4)
Basic crossings (min 1 with a max of 4)
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Level 2
Tactical Start
Length of track 5 kilometres (3.1miles)
Age of track 4 hour old
Surfaces (terrain) majority of track productive surfaces (terrain) including portions of less productive surfaces (terrain)
Basic turns (min 1 with a max of 4)
Advanced turns (min 1 with a max of 4)
Basic crossings (min 1 with a max of 4)
Advanced road crossings (min 1 with a max of 4)
Back track
Scent pool (min 1 with a max of 4)
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Level 3
Known Start
Length of track 5 kilometres (3.1miles)
Age of track 12-14 hours old (Overnight track)
Surfaces (terrain) majority of track productive surfaces (terrain) including portions of less productive surfaces (terrain)
Basic turns (min 1 with a max of 4)
Advanced turns (min 1 with a max of 4)
Basic crossings (min 1 with a max of 4)
Advanced crossings (min 1 with a max of 4)
Back track
Scent pool (min 1 with a max of 4)
Age transition to fresh (1-2 hours)
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Level 4
This level consists of day and night components and assessment is completed over a multi-day period. At least 1 and maximum of 2 attempts is allowed per day and night component
