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Post by GSDMama on Nov 21, 2003 0:43:15 GMT -5
I'm really interested in getting my two into scent tracking but have no clue what it takes to get started. We would obviously be starting without any experience whatsoever and we live in Kansas where there doesn't seem to be a whole lot available to us as far as classes. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
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Post by Jezzi on Nov 21, 2003 11:51:56 GMT -5
Hi there!
A book I really like is "Tracking from the Beginning." By Gary Patterson.
I recommend this read, and also to join a local SchH club if possible. I live in Idaho, so I know your dilemna about finding clubs nearby, however, tracking can be done without much assistance from others, once you know the basics. Try out the book, it can get you started on the beginnings of tracking.
Tracking is my favorite phase of the sport, it's a super training and bonding activity for both you and your dog. Let us know how it goes~~
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Post by Mary on Nov 21, 2003 12:07:59 GMT -5
Excellent book Lauire. I also like this video
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Post by GSDMama on Nov 21, 2003 19:31:32 GMT -5
Thanks Laurie and Mary! I will check both of your suggestions out!
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Post by JanisN on Nov 24, 2003 12:43:21 GMT -5
I love tracking and I love that I can start puppies on it without having to do it in a group setting. I'm VERY uncoordinated and have been known to fall over repeatedly on the track trying to drop bait in my footsteps! Well, here's a big old butt-print to track on! At least it gives me a good marker <grin>.
Tracking can be done almost anywhere, requires so little special equipment and is a nice, quiet activity. The important thing to remember though is only track when the dog is hungry!
JanisN
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Post by workingdawg on Nov 24, 2003 17:33:24 GMT -5
I love tracking and I love that I can start puppies on it without having to do it in a group setting. I'm VERY uncoordinated and have been known to fall over repeatedly on the track trying to drop bait in my footsteps! Well, here's a big old butt-print to track on! At least it gives me a good marker <grin>. Tracking can be done almost anywhere, requires so little special equipment and is a nice, quiet activity. The important thing to remember though is only track when the dog is hungry! JanisN try walking backwards when laying puppy tracks..(ie: food in each step). you really don;t have to worry about walking straight lines when starting pups, so walking backwards allows you to drop bait in each footstep without falling over..
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LauriS
Junior Member
Posts: 20
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Post by LauriS on Nov 24, 2003 22:47:53 GMT -5
I have used this book & method and really liked it!! www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DGT205Enthusiastic Tracking by Sil Sanders. It's not footstep tracking if that's what you are looking for but you could probably make it that way.
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Post by JanisN on Nov 25, 2003 12:28:31 GMT -5
try walking backwards when laying puppy tracks..(ie: food in each step). you really don;t have to worry about walking straight lines when starting pups, so walking backwards allows you to drop bait in each footstep without falling over.. Ohmigawd!!! Eureka! Thank you!!!! JanisN
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Post by workingdawg on Nov 25, 2003 21:43:44 GMT -5
Ohmigawd!!! Eureka! Thank you!!!! JanisN when you read this tip...did you shake your head and say GAWD how simple is THAT? why did i not think of this before? cause i sure did when it was suggested to me a few years back... ;D ;D ;D happy tracking
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Post by Mary on Nov 25, 2003 22:35:19 GMT -5
LOL Gees I forgot I'd started laying tracks backing up one day at tracking, I have a bad L 5 disk backing up allowed me to not have to bend over & try to get it in a foot step. The club members howled with laughter the track was so crooked
The other thing I have a piece of PVC pipe cut to the proper length for me, I hold it near my foot as I lift the foot I drop the food through the pipe.
We haven't been tracking for a bit and I totally forgot those 2 little hints.
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