How long is the track?
It depends on the stake. At the advanced levels it can run to hundreds of paces, with several corners and an age of a few hours, so it's far harder than a beginner's track.
Obedience and working disciplines
Working Trials
The British version of the utility dog: tracking over big fields, article search, obedience and three classic jumps. Most of it happens out in the open, whatever the weather.
About the discipline
What Working Trials are
Working Trials are Britain's utility discipline, split into levels called stakes. You start at the introductory stake and, with enough patience, work up to the advanced patrol stakes.
At every level you work four groups of exercises: control (obedience), agility (three standard jumps), nosework (tracking and article search) and, at the higher levels, protection.
Tracks run long and cross changing ground, sometimes hours after they were laid. The dog has to hold the scent for a long time, and you have to keep up through wet grass or ploughed fields. It's an endurance sport for both of you.
How it works in practice
The four groups of exercises
- Control: heelwork, positions, recall, retrieve, send-away
- refusing food found on the ground
- Agility: clear jump, long jump, scale
- Nosework: a track with corners and articles to pick up along the way
- article search inside a marked square
- at patrol stakes: person search and protection
Which dogs it suits
- tough dogs that cope well out in the field
- teams who like working outdoors in any weather
- dogs with a good nose and patience on a track
What you need
- tracking harness and long line
- small articles for searching
- field clothing for the handler
- access to large training grounds
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Working Trials
How does it differ from IGP?
IGP has three fixed phases and protection is compulsory. Working Trials have four groups of exercises, with jumps and article search, and protection only turns up at patrol level.
Which breeds suit it?
Traditionally German shepherds, border collies and springer spaniels, but anyone can enter. What counts is stamina and a good nose. The dog also has to be happy working well away from you.
How do I choose a starting stake?
Go by what your team already has. If obedience and jumping are solid but tracking is new, start at the introductory stake and build the nosework separately. Most clubs will tell you straight where you stand at a first session, which saves you a wasted season.
The rule figures on this page come from The Kennel Club - Working Trials. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
Obedience
Positions, recall, retrieve and heelwork, done as precisely as possible in front of a judge.
Rally Obedience
A course of signs, each one telling the team which obedience exercise to do next.
IGP
Tracking, obedience and protection, worked with the same dog on the same day.
Mondioring
Obedience, jumps and protection, worked on a field dressed up to a theme.
We do not run Working Trials
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.