Jul 14, 2021
I haven’t taken a dog training course in ages but I just signed up for Shade’s tracking webinar (29 July). Anyone else register for it? Let’s have a fun discussion afterwards!
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I haven’t taken a dog training course in ages but I just signed up for Shade’s tracking webinar (29 July). Anyone else register for it? Let’s have a fun discussion afterwards!
Okay, who saw Canemo's new tracking course and added it to their Christmas wishlist? I don't even have a dog and want it. 🙃
Packing up Martin's office, I found his IPO tracking notebook. I had to laugh at a book filled with crazy tracks. Although Martin was disciplined about his training, he tracked strictly to amuse himself. You don't have to worry about speed if you never track your dog in straight lines. Martin took Shade's two tracking classes at Gold and she didn't care that this is what Martin wanted to do with his class time. But it was a good thing Bosco was specifically bred to have a very high hunt drive and could easily do all the challenges Martin thought up.
Early morning article indications.
Shade Whitesel’s two tracking classes are amazing! Martin has taken different tracking classes before and been unhappy with the method(s). Shade’s method focuses on setting the dog up for success and avoiding creating issues you have to fix later (ie. racing down the track, skipped corners, etc.).
Not interested in tracking? The first tracking class helped Martin to understand the applications of switching reinforcement, how to deal with barrier frustration, managing arousal levels, and impulse control. Sounds like concepts you need for agility start lines. :) The second tracking class is teaching Martin how to train an exercise when the dog *really* doesn’t want to comply without using ecollars/prongs/force (ie. Bosco gives zero fucks about articles). Some of the best money we have ever spent on dog training.
At two to four months of age is the perfect age to start tracking training. I start puppies with a completely non-directional track, to avoid early problems of speed. If the puppy’s first few experiences with tracking do not require him to go anywhere but simply to stay within the confines of a small circle, he will learn to track in a calm unhurried way. By starting tracking with a straight track and a tight line, many handlers run the risk of teaching their dogs to pull hard into the line, and to rush the track. This builds in problems associated with speed and impetuous tracking from the very start. I prefer to avoid creating problems, rather than trying to correct them at a later stage, when they are much more difficult to eradicate.
Prof. Sean Reidy, “Starting Puppies To Track Using The Scent Circle”. Beagles Unlimited (no date).
Waiting to track on Saturday morning.
I completely understand why people *loathe* IPO tracking. It’s not because the training is hard or that tracking is boring. It’s the impossible challenge of finding the proper field to train on. You need a large, flat space and equally important when you are early on in your training, you need to find the proper length of grass (~4″) that isn’t too sparse to promote a confident, deep nose. You also don’t want too many obstacles for the novice tracker.
We drove around last night and found two public areas that have the features Martin wants for Bosco’s next stage of tracking training. But the parks are a 40 minute drive from us and as soon as you start tracking on public land, you have to be wary of being attacked by off-leash dogs (people always ignore leash laws). We’re going to get up at 5:00 AM so that Martin can start tracking before 6:00 AM in town. Just ugh.
How many times per week do you track a dog? --- I like to track, and I learn a lot about the dog while we are tracking. A person can get a feel for the dogs nerves, drives, obedience etc. Each dog is a little different also. I mix things up so to keep everything fresh/exciting for the dog. I would say I do some form of tracking 4 times a week. Some tracks are 50 paces, with many articles, some are heavily baits, some are a mile long, then I'll also vary the age, and terrain. I also like to control my problems, so I intentionally create problems for my dog(s) to work out, and build confidence.
Al Govednik as quoted by Debra Krsnich in “Interview With Tracker ExtraOrdinairre: Al Govednik”. Dr. P’s Dog Training (2000).