May 19, 2011
My dog has real problems at the start of each track. What can I do?
Full Question:
I do not have someone I trust to read my dog properly when I first start tracking him. Can I not start him tracking a stranger with me handling the dog? 
Ed's Answer:
The first tracks in tracking through drive are straight leg tracks that are 500 to 600 yards long. There is little to no handling involved. If you set the track up properly you will be in a position where you can watch the entire track and see any problems as they develop.
The fact is that is a dog learns at a young age what the word track means (which is put you nose to the ground and look for something) it may not be necessary to start on handler tracks. The RCMP buys adult selection tested police dogs - they do not do any puppy training so they do not have the advantage of this.
If you are forced into a limited period of time to finish a service tracking dog and you do not have the luxury of taking your time to train, you will need to start on handler tracks. Few dogs have the tracking drive to follow strangers tracks from day one.
The fact is that is a dog learns at a young age what the word track means (which is put you nose to the ground and look for something) it may not be necessary to start on handler tracks. The RCMP buys adult selection tested police dogs - they do not do any puppy training so they do not have the advantage of this.
If you are forced into a limited period of time to finish a service tracking dog and you do not have the luxury of taking your time to train, you will need to start on handler tracks. Few dogs have the tracking drive to follow strangers tracks from day one.
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