Nose to the ground: it’s tracking day at CACIT Johannesburg
Saturday 10 October 2026 · CACIT South Africa · Gauteng
While most of Johannesburg is still on its first coffee, CACIT Johannesburg is already under way. Today is Phase A: Tracking. It’s the quietest part of IGP, and for many handlers it’s the part they love most.
What is tracking?
Earlier this morning, a person walked a set pattern across an open field and then left. Some time later, a dog is brought to the start flag and asked to follow that exact path, footstep by footstep. The dog works with its nose close to the ground, reading the scent of crushed grass and disturbed soil. The handler follows on a long tracking line and can’t see the track. The dog has to show the way.
Along the track, the tracklayer has dropped three small articles, such as pieces of leather, wood or carpet. When the dog finds one, it has to indicate it, usually by lying down with the article between its front paws. It then waits calmly for its handler before carrying on.
What the judge is looking for:
- A deep nose and a steady, even tempo. The dog should work the track, not rush or guess.
- Precise corners. The dog should notice where the track turns and work out the new direction calmly.
- Clean indications on every article.
Tracking is scored out of 100: 79 points for the track itself and 7 points for each of the three articles. As in every IGP phase, a dog needs 70 to pass.
How the levels differ
| IGP 1 | IGP 2 | IGP 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track laid by | The handler | A stranger | A stranger |
| Length | At least 300 paces | At least 400 paces | At least 600 paces |
| Corners | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Track age | At least 20 minutes | At least 30 minutes | At least 60 minutes |
| Time allowed | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 20 minutes |
At IGP 3, the dog follows a stranger’s track that is at least an hour old and has four corners. It has to stay just as calm and accurate as it would on a short beginner’s track.
Why tracking matters
Tracking shows you how a dog thinks. It takes concentration, patience and a nose that keeps working when the wind shifts or the ground gets hard and dry. It also teaches the handler to trust the dog, because on the track the dog is the one who knows the way. Good tracking is built over many quiet early mornings. That bond shows up again tomorrow in obedience and protection.
You don’t have to do all three
An IGP 1, 2 or 3 title tests tracking, obedience and protection together, but that isn’t the only way into the sport. The FCI rules also offer single-phase titles, so you can focus on the discipline that suits you and your dog:
- Tracking only (FPr 1–3): for handlers who love early mornings in the field and dogs that live through their noses. If you get hooked, there are dedicated tracking titles (IFH) with longer, more demanding tracks.
- Obedience only (UPr 1–3): precision, focus and teamwork on the field, with no tracking or protection.
- Protection only (SPr 1–3): for teams who want to concentrate on controlled protection work with a trained helper.
You can start with one discipline and add the others later, or simply stay with the one you love. Every route starts in the same place: the BH. Ask a club which trials they run and what would suit your dog.
Could your dog do this?
Very possibly. Every dog has a nose, and tracking is often where newcomers fall in love with the sport. Most of the dogs you’ll see this weekend are German Shepherds and Malinois, but you don’t need a titled dog or years of experience to start. You need a healthy, sound dog that enjoys working, a club to train with, and a willingness to get up early.
Every IGP dog starts with the BH, the companion dog test, which checks obedience and steadiness in everyday situations. You’ll see BH dogs on the field first thing tomorrow.
Come and watch tomorrow
Sunday 11 October · Dowerglen High School, Edenvale
Free admission and free parking.
- 08:10 BH obedience
- 09:00 IGP obedience
- 12:30 Protection
- Afternoon: spit braai rolls at R100 each, with all proceeds going to K9 Sport. Pre-order on WhatsApp at 061 798 0989.
Come with questions. The people around the field are the best introduction to the sport there is.
Get involved
- Find an IGP club near you: IGP Clubs
- Follow the results live: CACIT JHB results
- Meet our judge, Marc Christine: Read his story
- Questions? Contact us