DOGGIE DOG BLOG

Posted by: David Harris

Following up on his tracking questions, Jose sent me the following video of his five month old GSD Harro Zum Alten Hof  and ask me to critique it.  I thought I would share the video and the critique with everyone.

Video Link Here: http://tinyurl.com/5jtjy2
Jose,

I think you are well on your way to having an excellent tracking dog.  Tracking isn’t nearly as mysterious as some try to make it out to be.  It really is just a matter of patience and practice.  But, the old say that practice makes perfect needs to be modified somewhat when it comes to tracking.  Perfect practice makes perfect tracking.  In other words it is very important to set things up correctly.  As the handler you are in charge of knowing EXACTLY where the track its, EXACTLY where the turns are and EXACTLY what your dog is capable of and what they are not ready to be exposed to yet.  Some people have a very good mind for remembering details about each and every tracking session.  But, most do not and I suggest that those people carry a notepad and make notes.  Notes as you are laying your track and notes after your tracking session so that you will know how to plan your next outing.  Don’t leave these details up to your memory.

Cindy, my tracking partner, watched your video and made these comments: great step tracking… to me, his food was scattered with no consistent pattern which was good, looks like the food is buried in the grass, good thing….. he didn’t have a toy for excitement play at the end as a reward…  and that you
should have?  play at end…? 

I agree with her assessment.  Food was well placed and your dog is definitely ready to have less food on the track.  I liked how the dog moved side to side and showed a good understanding of how to find his food rewards.  I liked his pace.  He was moving forward steadily, but not rushing.  He nailed the turn and needed very little assistance from you to track.  All in all very nice.  As Cindy noted there was no clear ending to the track.  I think it is helpful for the dog to know when to start tracking and when to stop.  Otherwise you will have a dog wearing himself out to get to the track, following your footsteps from the car to the track with no rewards and then having him track all the way back to the truck with no food or reward of any type for his tracking efforts.  Using a well marked scent pad for your starting point and not allowing the dog to put his nose down until you approach the track will solve the front half problem.  To solve the back half problem I suggest you place a toy at the end that your dog likes to play with.  Then simply praise and play with him all the way back to the vehicle.  Doing this will make a very clear ending to the track for your dog.

I would also suggest that you try to some serpentine patterns with your dog.  He will find them challenging, it will help to keep him slowed down and it will break the straight line mentality that some dogs form when only tracking straight lines with ninety degree turns.  Mix it up a bit and make it fun or he will get burned out on tracking. Tip: I usually start serpentines when there is a heavy due on the grass so that I can see exactly where each bob and weave is.

Keep your questions coming.  Tracking is a very important step and can be a very enjoyable one for both you and your dog if done correctly.

David Harris
www.doggiedogblog.com
502-542-9747
Midway, Kentucky