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Laying tracks for IGP trials Instructions for Tracklayers
And Tracking Supervisors Author: Frans Jansen Presented at the Canadian Working Dog Federation IPO-FH Championship, October 19, 2018
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(1 track per day with different tracklayer)
Different types of tracks 2 Track aging (minutes) Max Working Time # articles Points per article Holding the track Specific Cross-track IGP paces 60 20 3 7 - 79 Stranger track FH V paces Master track FH paces 180 30 4 5 6 - 30 Minutes before working the track - 2 crossings - Not in 1st or last leg - Not twice in the same leg FH 2 1800 paces 45 7 articles, each 3 points Can have change of cover, but not mandatory - 30 Minutes before working IGP FH 1800 paces 2 tracks on 2 days (1 track per day with different tracklayer)
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What is a track? 3 When walking, the soil, vegetation and small insects are “damaged“ by the tracklayer. Parts of this altered soil, vegetation and small insects also stick to the shoes/boots of the tracklayer and will be carried along every footstep of the track. At the same time, dust, skin particles, body odours, shoes particles will drop on the track, creating a specific scent path.
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What is a track? 4 On hard soil there will be less damage but more shoe/boot particles will be left on the ground. Sometimes a track is not visible at all. The single human footprints in a track are like a chain of prints in which chemical and biochemical reactions / convertions start right away.
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What is a track? 5 For instance: formation of gas, growth of bacteria/microbes or killed small insects, decomposition of vegetation. Scent is also changing under the influence of weather conditions (heat, wind, rain, etc)
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What is a track? 6 Because of these chemical reactions and external conditions, the smell of a track never stays the same. It varies with time, every minute and every hour.
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What is a track? 7 If you know what a track is and how the scent of the track is created, you will be able to better understand how the dog's nose work.
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What is a track? Keep this in mind during training!
8 After about minutes the typical scent will be developed in a way that is well recognizable for the dog. Keep this in mind during training!
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Important for the tracklayer
9 Weather conditions The weather conditions are important for the development and preservation of a track. Favourable Low humidity No wind Light rain Light snow Unfavourable Heavy rain High temperature and dryness Heavy snowfall on the layed track Storm
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Important for the tracklayer
10 Ground cover types Favourable Ploughed field Hay grass Woods Soft, untouched soil Unfavourable Hard packed dirt Stone Asphalt Concrete Roads Fields with recent heavy human traffic
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Important for the tracklayer
11 When laying tracks, it is VERY important to consider to the direction of the wind
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Trials / Championships
12 It is almost impossible to create the same track for every participant at a trial. Especially during big events, that take place over several days. Different tracking fields, weather variations, different tracklayers etc. will affect tracking performances.
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Trials / Championships
13 Well educated and trained tracklayers is a must.
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Trials / Championships
14 At a trial, every dog handler has the right to have a properly layed track, and similar difficulties for all competitors.
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Tracking Supervisor 15 Must be a Judge or a very experienced tracking dog trainer Must be mobile Must, for international events, be able to speak several languages
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Organizer Dog handler Judge Tracking supervisor Organization chart
16 Organizer Tracking supervisor Judge Tracklayer Dog handler
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Important for the tracklayer
17 Clear knowledge of the rules and regulations For IGP 3 tracks the 2nd article has to be placed on the judge’s instructions. Knowledge of how the articles have to be placed on the track and the possible variations.
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Important for the tracklayer
18 Knowledge of all track shapes Ability to make clear drawings of a track for the judge Laying the track, corners and articles according to the regulations and to the drawing
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Important for the tracklayer
19 No smoking during laying the tracks No discussions / talks before or after the start of the tracks (How the track is layed, articles, etc.) When problems arise, must involve the Judge or supervisor!!
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Important for the tracklayer
20 All tracklayers must wear similar shoes/boots Have paper and pen to make a proper drawing of the track and all specifics of the tracks Make sure track drawings are clear to the Judge A well “organised“ tracking phase, sets a good example during the whole event NO alcohol consumption during the tracklaying
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Important for the tracklayer
21 Lay tracks with the prescribed steps. Count the steps (according to the regulations) a week before the event Ensure correct time interval between the tracks Starting time for laying tracks must be logical and time saving
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Important for the tracklayer
22 Before starting to walk, mark the specifics of the terrain on the drawing. Walk straight Good laying of the articles on the track
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Important for the tracklayer
23 Laying Cross-tracks (FH 1, 2, IGP-FH) Follow instructions for the cross track Put the markers for the cross track on the right Lay the cross track as instructed Walk the tracks in normal steps
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Important for the tracklayer
24 Do not shuffle or stomp at corners or on the places where the articles are to be placed Distance between 2 steps about cm (20-24 inches) A time schedule is mandatory A contact person who is local and appointed by the organisation must be available at all times Daily drawing of the tracks
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Important for the championship organizer
25 Do not accept to much differences in tracking fields Take good care of Tracklayers and Judges Check regularly the Tracklayers, the tracking fields and the tracks drawings Have staff to guide handlers to the tracking fields, transport to the start of the tracks, etc.
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Important for the championship organizer
26 Inspect the tracking fields on a regular basis before the event Make a plan for all the tracks Give clear instructions to the tracklayers
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Important for the championship organizer
27 Have alternate tracklayer(s) available, in case a change is necessary Build a “Tracking Team“ and make someone responsible for it Every evening, the tracking supervisor has to check the tracks for the next day of the trial
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Possible layouts of IGP 3 tracks
28 road Note: The distance between 2 tracks must be at least 20 meters (60 feet)
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Important for the tracklayer
29 Tracks must be layed according to the current regulations Corners must be layed as closed angles. In wich way will the articles be put on the track?
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Important for the tracklayer
30 Steps at the start Stand still for a moment at the start Start flag should not be made of steel/iron. Placed at the left side of the track No shuffling/stomping at the start
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Important for the tracklayer
31 How to lay corners Closed angle
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Important for the tracklayer
32 How to lay articles Do not stand still Short step in between No shuffling/stomping
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Possible IGP 3 track shapes
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Thank you for your attention!
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