Jack Sappenfield, VCC Board Member, is a Tracking judge and teaches classes throughout the year in SC and NC.  Having put multiple titles on his Weims, Jack generously offered to instruct VCC members & friends on how to start tracking with our Vizslas!

 

The tracking seminar began as a classroom instructional period where the participants were introduced to equipment, the theory of scent and how dogs differ from humans in their olfactory skills, and chart examples of the types of tracks that are normally used in TD (Tracking Dog), TDX (Tracking Dog Excellent) and VST (Variable Surface Tracking) events. Each participant was given the opportunity to "experience" how a dog moves on a 40' lead by our instructor, Jack Sappenfield, so that when they got to the fields to practice, they were familiar with how a dog moves, and what the handler was supposed to do to be successful in following their tracking dog.

 

Each participant received a folder that contained an AKC Tracking Rules book, a comparison chart of the various tracking tests offered, an instructional guide of tracking practice sets, a personal record guide for tracking practice, and a cotton glove which is the reward for your hardworking and successful Vizsla at the end of the track.

 

The field practice proved to be a rewarding event as many red dogs were able to master the harness, and gradually proceed from straight tracks on the wonderful grassy surface, to numerous turns with the excitement of finding the glove at the end of the track. The "V" in Vizsla really means versatile!  The field that we used was perfect for working our dogs.  We also want to thank Nancy Wooten for allowing us to use her property, and to Mary McCammon for allowing us to use her facility. 

 

 

 The VCC would like to give a big thanks to: Ellen Wade who made a delicious soup for Saturday’s lunch;  the great Chile that Lynn Fortner made & donated for Sunday’s lunch; Carol Wynn for organizing the meals and grocery shopping; Rick Lewis, Tom & Ava Harris and Julia Williamson for helping move things, set things up and made sure the grounds were left the way we found them; and to Julia Williamson for helping in the field for the beginning runs!

Last but certainly not least, thank you Jack Sappenfield & Thecla Tyner for organizing this successful event!