cold weather tracking - Page 1

Are there temperatures or conditions which are dangerous to track in (obviously one should use common sense) - just curious if it's worth it to track thru some of the milder winter weather, snow, etc. any feedback or experiences would be appreciated!

I would take a break from tracking in the snow(especially if you are in thde early stages). The dog will just look at the tracks in the snow and follow them, instead of using his nose and you will think you are making progress/strides with the dog that you actually might not be making in the tracking department.

If all one ever did was track in snow, or soft dirt, yes, then a dog may well see the footprints and simply see rather than use its' nose. But in my opinion, it is helpful to track repeatedly in all kinds of conditions, including natural cover, dirt, grass, snow, in rain etc. Only then will one really have the experience to track in any situation that may arise in a trial.

I like to train in the snow, the moisture helps hold scent, and the Police K9's I do I like to start in a light fresh snow to "sterilize" the area. What you need to watch is the temp with windchill, if it gets too low, the moisture in the dogs nose will freeze, and then the skin will crack. If it is too cold for the dogs pads, and I am worried about pad freeze, then I think it is too cold for their nose. If I am not worried about their feet, I figure they are good to go.