Anyone do tracking?

[BostonBanker]

I've been interested in trying Meg in tracking, but haven't had much luck finding people near me who teach it. There was one seminar at the school where I take agility, but it was a weekend I was out of town.

Does anyone have suggestions on how to get started? Is there an association that may have a list of trainers? I'd also love recommendations on any books that might be helpful.

Another question if there is anyone up on the rules - a friend who took a seminar said that the trials are restricted to AKC breeds. I'm hoping that it's like agility, and that groups other than AKC will run trials for mix breeds/non-AKC breeds.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[Snark]

The Mixed Breed Dog Club of America offers titles in tracking. Here's their website: http://mbdca.tripod.com/
You might check with the UKC as well, since they let mixed breeds compete in their performance venues.

There's a tracking club in my area although it's been awhile since I've been in contact with them (I took lessons with my Rott mix, Emily). She enjoyed tracking (a lot more than she enjoyed agility or obedience) but she was nervous around strangers so we never pursued a title, just did tracking for fun.

There are several good books out - I liked Tracking from the Ground Up by Sandy Ganz; Following Ghosts by John Rice and Suzanne Clothier is an interesting pamphlet and About Track Laying by Betty Mueller is excellent.

 

[SummerRiot]

Hey, I dont do "tracking" persay, but Riot does Search and Rescue work.

I got started through a lady who is taking lessons 2hrs from here, she goes and gets a lesson, then brings it back to me and we train together. She is training through OVERT I believe?! not 100% sure though. I guess I should check that out eh hahaha!!

Anyways, I started Riot out young, first I'd do a "food trail" on the ground and give him his "Seek" command(You can use any command.. I just chose that one). Eventually, I'd spread the trail out longer and then twister, then eventually i'd drag a hot dog on the ground (for the scent) and then just leave ONE piece of food for him to find.
He LOVES this game!!

I could get back to you on books to look up though! I am doing a session this week for S&R with her and I'll chat to her about it for you

About the mix thing, AKC will not do trails for mixed breeds, BUT there are other places to get a tracking class from. i'me sure you could go to tracking classes that the AKC teach, but I dont believe that you can title your mixed dog in tracking. I could be wrong though. I'm with the CKC..

 

[Roxy's CD]

I'm gonna try that out JenN.(lol) I've wanted to do some tracking or just "finding" work with Roxy for fun and that seems like it would be a good way to teach her that command.

Thanks

 

[whatszmatter]

It depends on your dog, do you want to do foot step tracking, air scenting or both?? You can start with puppy pads to imprint crushed vegetation with food, you can do food drags, you can do run offs. What things will you be doing later?? A food drag with my current female will get you worn out and beat before you get to the end of the track, she runs. I have to use food in footsteps to slow her down instead of racing to the the jackpot at the end, so different dogs take different methods.

If you're doing competitions whether or not they airscent or not may or may not be a big deal. Tracking in competition is tracking with Obedience, if you don't care really about that stuff, you have less to worry about training. S&R is going to be different type stuff, but even then you can't have them going to fast or they stand a bigger chance of losing the trail.

 

[bogolove]

http://dogcentral.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=671261&GT1=8327

I thought the last one and a few others sounded very interesting....

 

[BostonBanker]

Thanks for the replies. I'm definitely going to order a book or two to read while I try to find a class. Now here's another (possible stupid) question - Do most people who do tracking use positive reinforcement or older methods? This is all for fun, and I want to be sure it stays that way. I curious how much I'm going to have to screen potential classes.

It depends on your dog, do you want to do foot step tracking, air scenting or both??

I have no idea! I just thought it would be a fun way for Meg to use her hunting genes I'm really clueless about tracking.

http://dogcentral.msn.com/article.as...71261&GT1=8327

I thought the last one and a few others sounded very interesting....

Wow - that last one sounds great. I'd love to try something like that! Unfortunately, my name comes from my old horse, not my location, and I'm a ways from Boston. I don't think they do fun stuff like that here in Vermont!

 

[bogolove]

LOL! I thought I had found something perfect for you to try! My hubby is originally from that area and his sister still lives there and I sent her that same link hoping she would take her dog and try it. I tried, if I see anything in your area I will be sure to send it to you!