How Do You Train for Tracking? - Page 1

Can someone explain how to train for tracking step by step. My 9 week old puppy has learned all the basic commands and she's ready to learn something new. There have been some posts that explain some aspects of tracking, but considering my novelty, I need more details.  Thanks.

As mentioned above I would find a good Schutzhund club and go watch them tracking a few times. Also I would have someone from the club show you how to lay a track. I would then lay several tracks WITHOUT having your puppy track them. So that you get the idea of how to lay the tracks first THEN start laying them and have your puppy track them.

I would also get a tracking video and watch that too. This is the video that I have and this is the method I use. I have been using it for about 8 years now. It works GREAT. It is the Gottfried Dildei method of tracking.

http://www.rayallen.com/product/tracking_-_gottfried_dildei_series/Tracking_DVDs

Hope this helps and good luck with your puppy. Remember to keep it simple and fun.

Tracking for what sport?

Tracking philosophies vary hugely. My way, at your pups, age is to imprint with scent pads on different surfaces. I do this for a good few weeks to months till I am sure he has a solid foundation in scent discrimination. Then I go to footsteps. Some people start footsteps straight away. But I find this requires the handler to guide the dog which I personally try and avoid. Even if you intend to do trailing work or air scent work a good foundation in ground scent as a pup does not go to waste.

This link gives you a step by step.

www.schutzhundvillage.com/articles.html