Training a "Tracking" Dog
The purpose of a tracking dog is to follow the scent of a person or thing and locate it in a timely manner. If you would like to train, your dog in tracking techniques be prepared for a long journey but one filled with many great rewards. Whether you want your dog to learn tracking for recreational (hunting) purposes or as a working dog (search and rescue), the training process will tune you into the subtle signals that your dog will give to you when they have located the target.
The overall purpose of testing the dogs is to see if they are able to first recognize a human scent and then follow the scent and locate the target. The test will also show if the dog enjoys doing this type of activity and is eager to track. The majority of dog owners enjoy the sport of tracking because it allows them to spend time with their dog and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors at the same time, to say nothing of getting fresh air and exercise. There is not a specific dog that is better than another in tracking is because they all have an amazing sense of smell. Some dogs, however, are more trainable than other dogs. The only prerequisite is that the dog be in good health.
If you want to train your dog for tracking by yourself, you will first need a healthy dog. The equipment that you will need includes a tracking harness, a long lead (at least 25-feet), a few articles, some treats for rewards for the dog, and several flags to mark starts and turns of the tracking route. You want to begin in some open fields or grassy areas. You will need only a couple of acres in the beginning. As you advance in the training process, you should consider going to where you have at least twenty acres or more. Just as it is important that your dog is healthy, you will also need to be in good physical condition. You will be doing a great deal of walking in uneven terrain. Of course, this is a great way to get exercise and fresh air.
For a dog to track they use tremendous mental concentration and this added stress may keep the dog from getting as much endurance training as he needs. While you are training for tracking, you also want to include going for walks right after each tracking training session. The reasons for this are to reward the dog for working during the very intensive workout. The dog loves to run and will find this very rewarding for his efforts. If you are able to let him run freely with other dogs this is even more motivating. Another benefit to talking the dog for a walk or letting them run is to relieve any stress the dog may have after an intensive session. The most important reason is that it continues to build endurance in your dog.
While you have the pattern down for your tracking training sessions, how long should your endurance training sessions be. They may not be as long as the tracking sessions. Most tracking sessions (once the basics are learned) is once per week and that is for the high-spirited dogs. You may want to schedule your endurance training sessions at least three times per week and not on the same days as the tracking training sessions. It is important not to overwork your dog. Once your dog loses the enthusiasm for tracking and does not consider it fun anymore you may never get them back to the sport.
Zahid N. Sindhu is a dog enthusiast who, after noticing the lack of an online resource for dog lovers in Pakistan, decided to launch http://www.DogsPK.com The site features a comprehensive list of breeds, breeders, veterinarians and online classifieds. The site also has a forum where people meet to discuss their canine friends.
Written By: Zahid Sindhu
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