A TDX test is a difficult challenge for the dog and handler team. Your dog must have the stamina and perseverance to navigate a long track plotted through a variety of terrain types. Your dog must also be able to follow the tracklayer's scent while disregarding cross-tracks.
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Your dog must have already received its TD or TDU title in order to participate in a TDX test.
If you've made it to the TDX test, you already know what to expect at a tracking test, but TDX test requirements are complex. Click here to read the official AKC rule book.
The following is a simple overview of the TDX test requirements:
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A TDX track is plotted to represent the challenges of tracking in a realistic terrain.
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A TDX track is between 800 and 1000 yards in length.
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The scent on a TDX track is between 3 and 5 hours old.
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A TDX track has 5 to 7 turns and includes at least three 90-degree turns, both left and right. No acute angle turns are used except in unusual circumstances where the terrain leaves no other option. The first turn will be in an open area.
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Each leg of a TDX track is at least 50 yards long.
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There is no second flag in a TDX test that will determine the direction of the first leg.​
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Cross-tracks are plotted to intersect the TDX track on two of the legs. Cross-track layers walk side-by-side approximately four feet apart and intersect the track at a 90-degree angle. If a dog follows a cross-track for more than 50-yards, it will be failed.
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You will encounter two obstacles in a TDX test. Obstacles may be natural, such as woods, gullies, and streams or they may be man-made, such as fences, bridges, or roads. It is acceptable to physically assist the dog at obstacles, if necessary
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There are four dissimilar articles used on a TDX track. One article is located at the start flag, two are located at wide intervals on the track, and one is located at the end of the track. The end article is either a glove or a wallet.
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CLICK HERE TO SEE A SAMPLE TDX TRACK
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TDX TITLE
TRACKING DOG EXCELLENT (TDX)