WEST VIRGINIA POLICE CANINE ASSOCIATION

K-9 TRACKING CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

 “TO UNITE AND ASSIST POLICE

SERVICE DOGS AND HANDLERS”

 Each K-9 team must demonstrate proficiency in the area of tracking to comply with the requirements for certification.

 An Instructor who is a qualified evaluator with WVPCA will conduct the evaluation.  The evaluator shall have no affiliation with the training school or department that has conducted the training of the canine team.

 If a team fails the examination, re-examination may be granted with the approval of all parties within a thirty- (30) day period.

TRACKING:                         Minimum length of track is ¼ mile with three turns.  Age of track will be a minimum of 20 minutes.

TIME LIMITS:                        There will be no time limit set as long as the evaluator sees the dog is continually working.

STARTING POINT:             The starting point can consist of either scent material or a scent pad with a known direction of travel.

FEMALE CANINES:           In season female canines are allowed to certify but they will be reserved to certify last in order to prevent contaminating the tracking area.