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by giebel on 15 February 2009 - 05:02
What exercises do you recommend for a dog who has natural ground and air abilities but has no sar training? Books, videos , helpful suggestions? My dog has amazing instincts and ability and loves the quest (what shepherd doesn't(well I guess a small few)but no formal training in tracking/sar work. thanks for any suggestions. also how unusual is it for shepherds to have scent and ground ability at the same time?
by Mindhunt on 15 February 2009 - 05:02
I don't know what others have to add, so much experience on this site which is really great. From what I understand and have learned, both are part of the entire tracking picture in K9, depends on what you want your dog to do (air scenting not allowed for Schutzhund, nose off the ground gets points off).
My non-Schutzhund dogs all started with ground scenting/tracking and naturally added air scenting (Schutzhund dog was trained differently). Just make sure your dog starts out with ground scenting/tracking first, but never scold for air scenting, just redirect to the ground during your learning phase. My trainer had another EXPERIENCED handler take my dog while I hid. My dog had to find me first few times until he had the idea.
I would find a good trainer willing to work with you for tracking, keeps you from making rookie mistakes. (I made one when I got all excited my dog found me and moved to reward him BEFORE he made contact with my body, now I am still working on getting him to make contact with the person. I never made that mistake again with my others). Also, someone who trains lots of different dogs can give you many pointers and teach you how to read your dog while tracking. Books are good and I will talk to my trainer and fellow dog handlers for some good ones for you. Good luck, it is lots of fun and exhausting......
My non-Schutzhund dogs all started with ground scenting/tracking and naturally added air scenting (Schutzhund dog was trained differently). Just make sure your dog starts out with ground scenting/tracking first, but never scold for air scenting, just redirect to the ground during your learning phase. My trainer had another EXPERIENCED handler take my dog while I hid. My dog had to find me first few times until he had the idea.
I would find a good trainer willing to work with you for tracking, keeps you from making rookie mistakes. (I made one when I got all excited my dog found me and moved to reward him BEFORE he made contact with my body, now I am still working on getting him to make contact with the person. I never made that mistake again with my others). Also, someone who trains lots of different dogs can give you many pointers and teach you how to read your dog while tracking. Books are good and I will talk to my trainer and fellow dog handlers for some good ones for you. Good luck, it is lots of fun and exhausting......
by missbeeb on 15 February 2009 - 18:02
I would highly recommend a book called, "Nosework" by John Cree... all you want to know about tracking in there. You may be lucky and get a copy on ebay.
by giebel on 15 February 2009 - 19:02
thanks for the tips missbeeb and mindhunt.
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