Step-by-Step Tracking Dog Training
To train your dog to track is to expand on what your pet already knows and is already doing. It is asking your dog to develop what is already his strongest sense --- his sense of smell --- and to allow you to communicate to him to what it is you want his nose to lead him.
Once your dog is trained, it's important that you trust him and you trust his nose. According to the Pharaoh Hound website, when mistakes are made in tracking, it's usually the handler's fault, not the dog's.
Scent Discrimination
To begin teaching your dog to track, you must teach him scent discrimination. This simply means teaching your dog to understand what scent it is you want him to track.
There are several fun exercises you can do with your dog to begin teaching him scent discrimination. One of the most basic is "Find it."
This begins by taking a treat or toy and letting your dog watch you as you go around the house or yard looking for a place to hide it. Pretend to hide it in several places before secretly leaving it in a particular hiding spot. Then tell the dog to "find it" and let her search for your hidden stash. When she finds it, praise her lavishly while she devours her reward.
Beginner
Place your dog in a heel position. She should be wearing a regular collar, not a choke chain, and be on a 6- to 10-foot leash.
Have a friend walk a short distance in front of you, turn, call your dog and drop a toy, treat or other article on the ground.
The friend should then walk back to you along the same path that he followed. Tell your dog to "find" the dropped item. Now, walk your dog and let her find the dropped item. When she finds it, praise her lavishly.
Intermediate
When your dog has mastered beginning tracking, your friend will leave the area once the item has been dropped at the end of the track. Wait at least a half-hour after the track has been set before letting your dog begin her search. Begin introducing your dog to tracking in different weather conditions, environments and with various distractions.
Advanced
When your dog reaches the advanced level of tracking, she will be running 800- to 1,000-yard tracks in practice. Tracks will be at least three hours old before she touches her nose to the ground and tracks will cross asphalt, concrete and streams.
Title
Your dog can earn a Tracking Dog (TD) title from the Mixed Breed Dog Club of America if he is a mix, or from the American Kennel Club if he is purebred.
The test for the TD title generally requires the dog to pass one tracking test before a judge approved by the club and another witness experienced in tracking. The track usually includes three to five turns and is 30 minutes to two hours old.
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