Direction of Travel
#3391 - 09/20/2002 01:26 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 08-03-2001
Posts: 1588
Loc:
Offline |
|
We've been laying all tracks with the wind. We harness up anywhere from 20 to 100 feet away from the track, and we cut across it at a 90 degree angle. Here's the problem: If we have a nice steady breeze blowing, when he hits the track, he wants to go INTO the wind (which, obviously, is the wrong way).
What I have been doing is helping him out. I won't go with him (he'll try to yank me off my feet to go that way, and sometimes he nearly succeeds !!!), but will make him circle around until he picks it up in the RIGHT direction. I give him verbal encouragement once he hits it and takes off.
Here is my question: Is this common, since the wind is blowing scent TO the dog, that he will want to go into the wind, even if the track is going with the wind? If so, is this where *I* need to use *my* brain and dog reading abilities and help him out; and/or how do I deal with this?
We have only done this on known tracks so far, which is why I'm able to help him out. If we were on a blind track, I'd probably go with him. So, you can see, I need to figure this out.
Lisa & Lucy, CGC, Wilderness Airscent
Western Oregon Search Dogs |
Top
|
Re: Direction of Travel
[Re: Lisa Swanston ]
#3392 - 09/20/2002 01:55 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 08-03-2001
Posts: 1588
Loc:
Offline |
|
This no edit thing is really annoying. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
I just wanted to add that I think I have a handle on this. It's not a huge problem. I just wanted to put it out there and see if there is anything I'm not thinking of, or a different perspective. Sorry if it seems like a dumb question!
Lisa & Lucy, CGC, Wilderness Airscent
Western Oregon Search Dogs |
Top
|
Re: Direction of Travel
[Re: Lisa Swanston ]
#3393 - 09/20/2002 09:42 PM |
Moderator
Reg: 10-27-2001
Posts: 2261
Loc: Eastern Maine
Offline |
|
I am lost, but that isn't a new thing...
You say in the first part of the post that you are laying tracks WITH the wind, but then say the wind is blowing scent to the dog. You can't have both...
If you are talking about tracking INTO the wind that is a whole different ball of wax. Just want some clarification. If I am confused there are probably others that are too.
|
Top
|
Re: Direction of Travel
[Re: Lisa Swanston ]
#3394 - 09/20/2002 09:56 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 11-28-2001
Posts: 3916
Loc:
Offline |
|
So he is hitting the scent in the wind, not the scent on the ground that would help indicate direction?
|
Top
|
Re: Direction of Travel
[Re: Lisa Swanston ]
#3395 - 09/20/2002 10:08 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 11-28-2001
Posts: 3916
Loc:
Offline |
|
Dog hits track at 90 degree angle like a T (he isn't on the track), then picks up the wind blowing from the starting end of the track and turns to it, rather than turning in the direction of travel.
|
Top
|
Re: Direction of Travel
[Re: Lisa Swanston ]
#3396 - 09/20/2002 10:13 PM |
Moderator
Reg: 10-27-2001
Posts: 2261
Loc: Eastern Maine
Offline |
|
gotcha VanCamp.. I was having a brain fart. It has been a longgggg week.
|
Top
|
Re: Direction of Travel
[Re: Lisa Swanston ]
#3397 - 09/20/2002 10:16 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 11-28-2001
Posts: 3916
Loc:
Offline |
|
So, jumping the gun here, dog either just needs a few feet on the track to figure out he's going the wrong way, IF he will put his nose to the dirt and check the steps, OR he doesn't understand direction yet.
Not enough work around the "hump" to establish following in the direction of travel. Just a big ass guess. . .
|
Top
|
Re: Direction of Travel
[Re: Lisa Swanston ]
#3398 - 09/21/2002 02:31 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 08-03-2001
Posts: 1588
Loc:
Offline |
|
Deanna,
I don't start my dog from a scent pad. The first step for the dog is to locate the track. He takes scent from a scent article some distance away from the track, then casts for the track. Once the track is located, the second step is to follow it to the end. We lay them with the wind in order to discourage airscenting to the subject. At some point, he hits the scent cone and airscents the rest of the way anyway, and that's OK.
Van Camp,
He only does this when we have a steady wind blowing. When the air is relatively still, he has no problem picking up the correct direction.
Lisa & Lucy, CGC, Wilderness Airscent
Western Oregon Search Dogs |
Top
|
Re: Direction of Travel
[Re: Lisa Swanston ]
#3399 - 09/21/2002 08:47 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 08-03-2001
Posts: 1588
Loc:
Offline |
|
So, by the "hump", do you mean aging the track between 3 and 4 hours? No, we have not done that since we got back into training at the end of July (he had to take six months off to recover from surgery on his leg, which has healed marvelously; so we started from scratch. He had previously been at 1 mile long, 3-4 hour aged). We've only been running short hot tracks, working on lengthening first. Then we'll age. I think that aging will help with this particular issue. Right now, he's got all this fresh airborne scent blowing right up his nose when he cuts across a downwind track. I guess I'll just keep working on it like I have been. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Lisa & Lucy, CGC, Wilderness Airscent
Western Oregon Search Dogs |
Top
|
Re: Direction of Travel
[Re: Lisa Swanston ]
#3400 - 09/21/2002 10:09 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 08-03-2001
Posts: 1588
Loc:
Offline |
|
OK, so I just went over my training log (duh! :rolleyes: ) and out of the last 18 tracks, he's only done this 3X. The common factors for all 3 times are, steady breeze, tall vegetation, hot track. Maybe what's happening is a scent funnel effect, like what one would see with a ditch or along a wall or tree line. Looks like I need to learn to read him better in this type of situation.
|
Top
|
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.