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by yoshy on 05 January 2010 - 18:01

I was warned to cold of temps could physically endanger your dogs nose. What do you all consider the cut off temperature to be for trailing?

by LAVK-9 on 05 January 2010 - 20:01

Well I have had to track dogs in snow and wind.I would say not to got tracking (if you don't have to as in you aren't SAR) lower then 30deg.If your nose hairs are freezing...imagine what it is like for a dog.
Just my op.
~L~

by yoshy on 05 January 2010 - 20:01

I am required to track in most weather conditions. However i was warned that extreme cold could endanger/harm the dogs interior nose. I have held up training on my boy for 4 days as its been in the teens here however I wanted others opinion on the cut off points in which it becomes harmful to the dog.

I mean you hear about many cold weather sar teams, avalanche dogs and such so i was curious to if it can actually be harmful to the dogs and or safety precautions that could be taken.

by SchmalzK9 on 05 January 2010 - 20:01

I agree with LAVK-9. If you don't have to I wouldn't. But far as hurting the dogs sense of smell I don't think it will. Look at dogs in the wild. They have to hunt by using their nose no matter what.

But I do think the dog might not like it especially if your dog lives in your house and is used to being warm. It could leave a negative imprint on the dog. If you must in cold weather only due tracking at the days warmest part and then slowly move down in temp and time to insure ultimate success.

by LAVK-9 on 05 January 2010 - 21:01

True about dogs in the wild/wolves or even sled dogs that are mushing in the wickedest of the cold weather. It really I would think depend on the dog.Is it fully trained in tracking? I wouldn't start a pup on tracking in harsh weather....want it to have a positive experience. Where are you that it is so cold? I'm in AZ and it is beautiful here and pretty much can track all year round.

by yoshy on 05 January 2010 - 22:01

Im in MD. it was in the single digits teetering into the negatives over the weekend.

rub it in why dont ya. i need to go warmer myself.

19 month old plush coat shepherd. still working him. he is about 6 months into training. got him as a green dog at 13 months old. one in my avatar.

i dont predicate durability of purebreeds to wild animals as purebreeds dont have the natural durability they do. such as their immune systems, inherited genetic defects, etc.... but thats just me. everyone has opinions on that venue. anyhow was curious to if there is some sort of standard followed by cold weather sar or anyone here in the north. on time limits out and in and such through the elements. and where it becomes hazardous to the dogs.

by LAVK-9 on 05 January 2010 - 22:01

Sorry had to rub it in...only cause I am originaly from Chicago land area and I KNOW about the single digits and the -double digits!! It was wicked cold and a few feet of snow the end of March 09 when I moved to AZ. So yea I have fun rubbing it in.lol

You know another thing I thought about is that dogs temp is higher then ours as well.That might factor in on temp that they are able to handle. Have you asked a vet? Or researched online?

Good looking dog you have.What is it that you are teaching him tracking for? In my op....untill he is doing well and consistant with tracking I would stay in the 32 and above range.I would think that once a dog is comfortable with tracking that there are no questions asked.....then expose him to colder temps but not the kind that would be dangerous for us cause it would be just as bad for them.That is one thing I find hardest to train is if a dog has a bad experience on a track.To get them to want to do it again....some dogs aren't so happy to get back in to it.Some don't care and get over issues.It is up to you to know your dog and what they can handle.

Good luck and have fun tracking!!!
~L~

by clifford on 05 January 2010 - 22:01

lavk-9
where are in az

by LAVK-9 on 05 January 2010 - 22:01

Clifford- I am in Payson...bout 7o miles northeast of Phoenix.It is BEAUTIFUL up here.The sun is shinning and the sky is briliant blue.Had all the windows open today,was perfect out.
~L~

by yoshy on 05 January 2010 - 23:01

appreciate the compliment. He is a good boy.your boy looks pretty good as well. where is he out of? lines/kennel?

He has been tracking for about 6 months now and understands tracking and is fairly proficient. we have been working a lot of urban stuff lately. He has organic material down. I am certifying him with the ntpda later this spring so that is why im trying to keep strict on his training. he has a few different scenarios he is being taught in and is an eceptional dog because most of the dogs ive worked dont make the jump with all the scenarios as well and as proficient as he has. he has a lot of natural talent. So he will be used in real work enviroments. outdoors year round tracking lost animals and humans in wilderness and urban/rural searches. He isnt a sar dog at heart though. he has a little more active aggression than i would use in traditional sar as he would much rather be tracking a decoy. so he is my real world dog so to speak. As well as he will be competing in PSA.

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