Algarve trainer João Paulino once again won the title of national IFH3 Tracking champion, achieving the feat for the second consecutive season with a Kelpie dog, traditionally associated with Australian herding.
The event, organized by the Portuguese Caniculture Club under the auspices of the International Cinological Federation, had a record number of participants this year, in what was considered one of the biggest editions of the competition ever.
In the IFH3 track modality, considered the maximum level of the discipline, the dogs need to follow a trail made up of around 1800 footprints left three hours before the test, crossing long straights, complex angles and false tracks.
During the route, the animals must also locate objects placed along the route and signal them to the guide, who leads the dog from a distance.
Modality requires high olfactory capacity and concentration
Similar to what happens in search and rescue operations, canine tracking requires high olfactory capacity, concentration and physical resistance on the part of dogs.
The tests normally take place in around two hectares of open field, forcing the animals to follow the route “step by step”, in work considered highly detailed.
Despite being practiced in Portugal for around 26 years, the sport remains little known among the public, with the need to reinforce its dissemination and promotion being highlighted.
João Paulino is president of Iron Dog Algarve, an Algarve school that celebrates a decade of activity this year. The trainer is also one of the first officially certified professionals in Portugal for training dogs of potentially dangerous or dangerous breeds.
The team includes professionals from different areas, including biology, zootechnics, veterinary medicine and animal welfare.
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