2026 Schedule of Workshops and Events
For more information, please email kduhnoski@myfairpoint.net.
Payment for events is required with registration.
Variable Surface Tracking (VST) workshop
Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27, 2026
2-day workshop, $395 Working Team/$225 Audit. Limit: 8 working teams.
Contact Kathy Duhnoski for more information and to register: kduhnoski@myfairpoint.net
Location:
University of Maine, Augusta, ME
Instructor:
Carolyn Fuhrer, Somerville, ME
Details:
Two great days of training. This is a hands-on workshop working outside with your dog. Various scenting problems and necessary mechanical skills such as lead handling, recovery, lateral movements, etc. to help your dog stay on or relocate track. How the urban environment affects scent: buildings, cars, stairways, transitions from short grass to pavement; pavement to grass, walkways, breezeways, landscaped areas, fences, curbs, etc. How you can help your dog negotiate a track. Take the team that you are now to the team that you can be!
AKC TDX Tracking Excellent Test
Sunday October 4, 2026
Closing Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Test Headquarters:
North Star Dog Training School, 252 Jones Rd, Somerville, ME
Judges:
Thomas Richard Harding (p)
Jack E. Sappenfield II
Entries for this event are limited to: 5
You can find the Premium with more information and entry forms
on our Premiums and Forms page!
Mastering Urban Transitions Tracking workshop
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Patience, Patience, Patience! MASTERING TRANSITIONS - ESPECIALLY IN URBAN AREAS
1 Day Workshop – 9:00 am until 3 pm
$195 Dog/Handler Team $100 Audit Limit: 8 working teams
Contact Kathy Duhnoski for more information and to register: kduhnoski@myfairpoint.net
Location:
Viles Arboretum, Augusta, ME
Instructor:
Carolyn Fuhrer, Somerville, ME
Details:
Understand what is going on and how to be the best partner to your dog. Train for accuracy – not just for close enough! Clarify what your dog's job is and how you can support their work and build their confidence. Learn to understand what your dog is telling you and add clarity to your training and performance. This is a WORKING seminar – we'll be outside working with our dogs and you will get individual feedback.
AKC VST Variable Surface Tracking Test
Sunday October 25, 2026
Closing Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Test Headquarters:
Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME
Judges:
Marian Stone
Gretchen Chapman Stephenson
Entries for this event are limited to: 5
You can find the Premium with more information and entry forms
on our Premiums and Forms page!
AKC TD/TDU Tracking Dog & Tracking Dog Urban Tests
Sunday November 8, 2026
Closing Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Test Headquarters:
Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME
Judges:
Carolyn Fuhrer, Somerville, ME
Anne Rosenberg, Mount Laurel, NJ
Entries for this event are limited to: 4 for TD and 4 for TDU
You can find the Premium with more information and entry forms
on our Premiums and Forms page
AKC SCENT WORK TRIALs
Saturday. November 14, 2026
Closing Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Two trials offered.
Test Headquarters:
Sons of American Legion Hall
15 Lewiston Road, Gray, Maine
Judges:
Andrea MacRitchie, Boylston MA
Holly Roche, Rollinsford NH
Entry Limits: 125 entries per trial
You can find the Premium with more information and entry forms
on our Premiums and Forms page
AKC Fetch Tests
Saturday. November 14, 2026
Two tests: one in AM and one in PM.
All levels offered – Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Retriever.
Same day entries are allowed.
For more information, contact Kathy Duhnowki at kduhnoski@myfairpoint.net
Location:
North Star Dog Training School, 252 Jones Rd, Somerville, ME
Judge:
Christine Dostie
More info and premium coming soon!