Denver Foothills Tracking Association (DFTA) is incorporated in the State of Colorado as a nonprofit organization, for the purpose of encouraging and promoting the training of Tracking Dogs. Tracking Dogs are trained to follow human scent in a variety of environments, and locate articles that have been dropped by the person who is being tracked (the tracklayer).Tracking Dogs may be used in the service of the community to locate children or other disabled persons who have wandered away. A dog taught to track may also be further trained to perform Search and Rescue duties. Tracking Dogs have also been trained to do law enforcement work. Many tracking enthusiasts simply use tracking as a non-competitive sport to enhance their companionship with their dogs. It is a specialized form of dog training endorsed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).The primary activity of the DFTA is to conduct AKC sanctioned Tracking Tests, for which DFTA is licensed by the AKC. Dogs successfully passing a tracking test are awarded an AKC tracking title. There are three different types of tracking tests, depending on the skill level of the dog and the environment in which it has been trained. DFTA currently offers 8 tracking tests each year. DFTA members provide the tracklayers, judges, and support workers needed to conduct the test.DFTA conducts 4 membership meetings each year. One meeting a year is held at Chatfield State Park and is combined with a park clean up effort by the club. Another membership meeting is held New Year’s Day, and is combined with a holiday get together of the membership. Two other membership meetings are held in conjunction with the Tracking Tests at Chatfield State Park.DFTA provides seminar opportunities for their members who are judges, as well as people wanting to become judges. Seminars for beginning trackers are also held to explore their interest in tracking. Advanced Seminars are held to support our more experienced members.Individual ($35 annual) membership in DFTA is offered to members of the tracking community who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club. Additional members within the same household can join for $5 annual fee

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2016 DFTA Apparel Order form available: DFTA Shirt/Jacket order-invoice

“Tracking tests demonstrate the willingness and enjoyment of the dog in its work, and should always represent the best in sportsmanship and camaraderie by the people involved.”

from the AKC Tracking Regulations