The Tracking Club of Wisconsin is a Licensed Club of the American Kennel Club
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© 2004 Ed Presnall
The AKC Tracking Regulations (Chapter 4v Section 7) describe the start of the TDX track in the following manner:
Start. The start shall have one flag in an area which permits the direction of the track to begin in an arc of 180 degrees. The tracklayer will begin at least 30 yards from the starting flag, lining up with the starting flag and the next flag. The tracklayer will proceed along this line so there is no turn at the starting flag.
A graphic above better explains the concept of a 180 degree start. As the dog and handler approach the start flag the track may go anywhere within the red arc.
In order to prepare yourself and your dog for a TDX (or VST) start, you should start training for unknown direction starts as early as possible. I like to start one flag, unknown direction starts during the first few weeks of TD training.
As shown below, by bringing your dog into the start at a 45 to 90 degree angle from the track direction, downing, sitting or allowing your dog to stand at the start for a few moments before instructing your dog to "Track!"; you can easily and quickly teach your dog to find the correct direction of the track.
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