News and updates

The National Obedience & Tracking Committee Chairperson, Raelee Hedger has confirmed the committee has identified an error in the Rules & Guidelines for the conduct of Track & Search Dog Trials which were effective from 1 January 2024.

The error occurred in dot point (g) under Safety where the word “may” should read “must” to be consistent with paragraph 2 under Safety.

Currently reads:

SAFETY
The safety of competitors, tracklayers, officials, other persons, and dogs at a trial is of paramount concern. As track and search tests are conducted in urban environments where there are likely to be hazards including moving vehicles and uneven surfaces all reasonable steps to protect safety must be taken.  

A competitor who does not comply with safety requirements must be disqualified.  Before commencing judging a test the judge must check that the dog and handler have on the necessary equipment. A judge may abort or suspend a track at any time if they consider it necessary to do so for safety.
 
(g) The Judge may disqualify any Handler who does not comply with safety requirements.

Amended to read:

(g) The Judge must disqualify any Handler who does not comply with safety requirements.

Please note the updated Rules & Guidelines for the conduct of Track & Search Dog Trials are now available from the Dogs Australia website under Tracking. Click here to view.