Here is whats going on. I've recently realized that the tracking I have been doing with my 5.5yr old GSD has not been training him to do exactly what I thought he was. He basically has learned to respond to the pressure of the lead and forge ahead untill he finds a pile of food. He weaves left and right across the track too. He is not following the scent of my steps, but he's figured out if he goes one direction long enough he will run into some food. I do have Ed's Sport tracking DVD BTW. Should I just go back to baiting every single step? Thank you all for your input.
I am not familiar with Ed's Sport tracking DVD...doe's he say that you should be laying your own tracks? Tracking dogs usually go from foot step to foot step, but trailing dogs will weave left or right depending on wind conditions. Are you just laying straight trails or are you putting some corners in there? What does he do when he reaches a corner?
IMO, I would not be laying your own tracks. Is there someone else that can lay them for you?
I've heard from Ed, and others, that there is absolutly no reason not to lay ones own tracks (for fts anyway). In fact for Sch1 titles the handler lays his/her own track. Training only straight tracks, he needs to be able to stay on and follow a straight track before messing with corners. Ed trains a very specific way building up to corners. If I did put in a turn, I have no doubt he would blow right past it.
How long have you been working on tracking? Also, how many steps long is your track? And, how big & wide are your steps?
Been doing tracking for about two months. The steps are one right in front of another and there is practically no space between the left or right. Just like Ed shows in his videos.
Thanks Matthew. Didn't know you were going for Sch1 tracking which is very different from Search and Rescue tracking. Sounds like you are still in the starting phases. Baiting each step is one method of starting SAR tracking dogs also. I have also used pea sized wads of toilet paper. Place some biodegradeable toilet paper next to your skin for 10 minutes or longer, then wad up in small balls. Place one ball in each of your foot steps. This will enhance your smell as your dog tracks. It is biodegradable so you don't have to pick them up. They will be gone with the next rain.
Does the track have to age for so long for a Sch1 track?
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005
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Matthew,
How long has it been since you placed food in every footstep?
I have not watched the DVD yet so I am unsure of what Ed recommends but I am thinking there is nothing wrong with going back to basics if the dog is trying to forge ahead for the food.
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
Hmm...well that sounds right and if you're learning from Ed's DVD, it should be working. Did you start with scent pads? And do you think your dog knows what it's doing yet?
steve strom Webboard User Reg: 03-17-2006
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Sounds pretty close to what my dog and I were going through. He seemed to figure out there was food in each footstep and he started going a hundred miles an hour to get them. I have only been working scent pads for quite a while now. I didnt start with them the first time but what I'm seeing now is a very calm slow working of the edges and never leaving the pad. I also switched to different bait, Natural Balance roll cut very thin and left out so that the scent isnt as strong. It seems to keep his nose down into the grass really sniffing for it.
Reg: 01-23-2006
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Quote: Matthew Thurston
Quote: Alex Corral
How long have you been working on tracking? Also, how many steps long is your track? And, how big & wide are your steps?
Been doing tracking for about two months. The steps are one right in front of another and there is practically no space between the left or right. Just like Ed shows in his videos.
Hi Matthew:
Just to be sure I have this right you have a 5 year old GSD and you have been teaching him how to track for schutzhund for 2 months? If I have it right, I suggest the following:
1. Go back to baiting each footstep. It's way too soon to be skipping footsteps.
2. Make sure the dog is very motivated if he is hungry he will be motivated.
3. Don't add any corners or articles yet.
4. I don't know the length of the tracks you are laying, but I would be laying 2 or 3 short tracks, not a long track.
5. What are the conditions of the area you are tracking in?
6. Do you belong to a schutzhund club? If so, ask one of the experienced members if you can go tracking together. You will learn a lot by watching this person/people lay their own tracks. Also ask if you can follow them as their dog tracks. This will teach you what to watch for when your dog is tracking.
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How do I fix my mistakes in tracking?
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