May 19, 2011
Is it better to start tracking training with a dog that is younger?
Full Question:
I am currently working with a three year old Rott in obedience. He has earned his UCD, CD, UCDX, CGC. Like any Rott he's hard headed, but a real pleasure to work with.My question is; I have not done any tracking training, but would like to, however I've been told that it's better to start tracking training with a younger dog. What's your opinion?
Rod
Ed's Answer:
I do not agree with what you have been told. My guess is that you have been told that Rotts are stubborn and look what you have done.
My advice is to see if the dog and you enjoy tracking. If it turns out to be a fun thing to do then go for it. But if the dog does not have the drive for the work, then I would discourage force tracking. The only place I see a need for force tracking is in Schutzhund. When you are in the sport you absolutely need to have a dog that is going to track. It must track to get a title.
In your case that does not seem to be the issue. So make a test and see. You have to decide which type of tracking you want to do. Foot step competition tracking or S&R (tracking thru drive) style tracking. I think you can get by with S&R style tracking for AKC - that's usually more fun for the dog.
I have tapes on both styles.
Training A Competition Tracking Dog is foot step tracking
Training Police Tracking Dogs is the S&R style tracking
My advice is to see if the dog and you enjoy tracking. If it turns out to be a fun thing to do then go for it. But if the dog does not have the drive for the work, then I would discourage force tracking. The only place I see a need for force tracking is in Schutzhund. When you are in the sport you absolutely need to have a dog that is going to track. It must track to get a title.
In your case that does not seem to be the issue. So make a test and see. You have to decide which type of tracking you want to do. Foot step competition tracking or S&R (tracking thru drive) style tracking. I think you can get by with S&R style tracking for AKC - that's usually more fun for the dog.
I have tapes on both styles.
Training A Competition Tracking Dog is foot step tracking
Training Police Tracking Dogs is the S&R style tracking
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