Tracking

[MontanaRott]

After reading Micks wonderful explaination of bite work I am wondering if someone can give us an explaination of AKC tracking. Basically I guess what we are looking for is a brief run down of what to expect in the beginners class we will be starting in early July. We are COMPLETE novices and have never been to a tracking trial and want to hear about your experiences and what to expect.

Thanks!

[damp]

I don’t know about AKC tracking, but I know a little about tracking in general.

Since the sense of smell is one the first active senses after birth, it MUST be a very important sense for the dog’s survival and this wonderful ability deserves to be trained.

All dogs can smell and we “just” have to teach them, what we want them to search. The dogs do not care if it’s drugs, bombs, footsteps, a deer etc.

Real search and tracking work require a strong dog with stamina, the ability to work under extreme conditions and stress and still keep the head cool and keep the “sniff” (view)… in other words a mental and physical strong dog. Therefore tracking/search is also a good way to test a dog’s desire to work, it’s drives and ability to concentrate on a task and to solve problems.

The real good thing about nose work is, that it can be done of all dogs, on all levels and everywhere. Pups will be tired and sleep sound after a short track ;), weak dogs with physical problems have great stimulation and satisfaction, when they find the food bowel hidden under a bush in the back yard, and a nervous dog will not be harmed to find a cookie in your living room.

Nose work is good stimulations and mental training and is just as exhausting (in a calm way) as a long run.

[MARYDVM]

I have never been to a tracking "class", but aside from titling my own dogs, I have been to one seminar and laid track at a TDX trial.

I would expect a beginner class to emphasize proper track laying - stride length, mapping, using terrain and wind direction to aid or challenge the dog, etc. If you don't end up laying most of your own dog's training tracks, you will be doing it for a tracking buddy, so it's important to do it right.

AKC tracks are not standardized like ScH tracks. Length of each leg and angle of corners will vary considerably, and in trials the terrain can be very challenging. When my bitch earned her TDX, one leg went through a field that was flooded enough for her to take a drink from the standing water right on the track. I almost left a boot behind when I sank calf deep in mud while tracking through the gate leaving that field.

Aside from all the standard tracking gear, good knee high boots are a must for those dew drenched early morning tracking fields.

[Sharon Marples]

Hi Shirley,

I have a wonderful book on tracking at home, but I forget the name of it! (having a senior moment!) Send me a note to my home email and I'll send you the name of the book tonight. It has been the favorite of many of my tracker friends for years, it will aid you in training inbetween your classes. It will lead you down the road to a good tracking dog and it starts you out from your day one all the way to advanced tracking competition.

Sharon

[Sharon Marples]

There is also a great tracking thread going on in the "Working" section! Check it out, you will see the name of the book in there.

Sharon

[MontanaRott]

Originally posted by Sharon Marples
There is also a great tracking thread going on in the "Working" section! Check it out, you will see the name of the book in there.

Sharon

Thanks Sharon I found it, read it and the book by Glen Johnson is one we ordered awhile back and the order was cancelled by the seller so now I will hunt it down again and get it!

[fbkeays]

Originally posted by MARYDVM

Aside from all the standard tracking gear, good knee high boots are a must for those dew drenched early morning tracking fields.

Here-Here!!!! I second that:D I have a hard to fit foot, size 12 AA in woman's. It is hard to find boots that fit and are narrow enough. I usually end up with mens and it was fine until I hit mud. It was also fine until my dog grew up and really started to pull into the line too. A well fitting boot is essential in tracking. After buying several different ones, I have settled on the water proof calf boot by LL Bean. It has a Thinsolate liner and leather upper<?>. It has saved me from a broken ankle more then once and no more wet, cold socks.

[MontanaRott]

So hubby should have no trouble finding boots then. I am the cheerleader/support team! They start class this coming wed. and he is so eager to get started.

[Brooke&Ryan]

I'm looking forward to updates Shirley. I'm excited to see how Guerin does & how you all enjoy it.

:)
Brooke

[Beckysmom]

Originally posted by montanarott
Thanks Sharon I found it, read it and the book by Glen Johnson is one we ordered awhile back and the order was cancelled by the seller so now I will hunt it down again and get it!

What book besides the one by Glen Johnson is being referred to here by "it"?

[MARYDVM]

Better get a pair of boots for yourself, and don't count on being a spectator. Spouses of trackers always get roped in to laying track.

[JoJo]

What book besides the one by Glen Johnson is being referred to here by "it"?

I believe she is refering to the post in the "working" forum that was suggested she find and read "it". ;)

Good Luck montanarott, sounds like you all will be having a great time!

JoJo

[MontanaRott]

Originally posted by MARYDVM
Better get a pair of boots for yourself, and don't count on being a spectator. Spouses of trackers always get roped in to laying track.

Thanks for the heads up. I will get a pair of boots asap!
Sorry Jojo the book was Tracking Dog by Glen Johnson. I guess I expected everyone to be MINDREADERS!! LOL. And yup the "it" was the post.

[MontanaRott]

Well MaryDVM you were right on the money, I got roped into laying track last night. What fun. We had a good first class, the instructor did a great job of explaining what was coming in the next 6 weeks. She is a serious tracking addict and really wants to get others involved and expand the local tracking club. She has 3 dogs of her own she had either TD's or TDX's on. And one of the other "students" has titles on her dogs already and has a 3mo old aussie she is training for tracking in this class. This is going to be a fun experience for us and the boy. The range of dogs in the class is funny, an aussie as I already mentioned, a lab, a mastiff, an odd swiss hound of some kind and our rottie boy. Should be alot of fun!!

[LynnS]

Sounds like fun Shirley!

I can't wait to here updates!!!
Oh and SEE PICTURES!