Tracking

[Blitz31]

My buddy, Blitz is about to be 6 months this week. I'm training him myself for SchH Tracking. I'm only working a 20 pace track at this point. I feel he definitely has the Basic concepts. He is treat motivated and loves to fine them. My question is this, he is easily distracted by leaves blowing in the wind. Or other movement such as this. But, 20 paces seems almost to easy for him. Should I be more concerned with distance or distraction training at this age? I know he is still a young puppy and don't want to push him to hard to young

[jazzking1971]

that's great for 6mo. My 14mo pup does 50 or so steps.

Maybe take your pup down a few steps. 10 solid steps where he's not distracted is a better foundation than 20 where he gets distracted.

Just like attention heeling... if you walk five paces with him looking at you and then at step six he looks away then he's not ready for step six.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Blitz31

My buddy, Blitz is about to be 6 months this week. I'm training him myself for SchH Tracking. I'm only working a 20 pace track at this point. I feel he definitely has the Basic concepts. He is treat motivated and loves to fine them. My question is this, he is easily distracted by leaves blowing in the wind. Or other movement such as this. But, 20 paces seems almost to easy for him. Should I be more concerned with distance or distraction training at this age? I know he is still a young puppy and don't want to push him to hard to young

I would suggest you try to find a good schutzhund club in your area. I'm a firm believer that the basics are taught better and safer with a good training director getting you started in tracking.

[hofdaddy]

I think you need to tell a little bit more :)

Whats the distance between the treats?
How do you react when your dog is distracted?

Your dog could be in or starting a difficult phase at the moment. Good thing that you are aware of that :)