Hello, I'm new to this Board, but not new to tracking. I have earned some AKC and CKC titles on my GSDs, and am currently training my girl for VST competition (the AKC's Variable Surface Tracking test). She is 7 years old and has her CKC and AKC TDXs. Her foundation was begun with Gottfried Dildei's footstep training in dirt, and she is easily my best dog yet. I really feel she has what it takes to try for the VST title.

I live in Canada, but went to MA to watch a test last year, so I feel that I have a handle on the kind of conditions to expect at the test. It is held on an Air Force base, in an office-complex kind of setting. Approximately one-third of the 600-yard test will be on non-vegetated surfaces: including gravel, sand, sidewalks, streets and parking lots. I have had good success in gravel, sand and dirt, but am apprehensive about how to train on concrete and pavement. I have tried it using the occasional hand-print, which works really well, but I feel this is a crutch. I am considering trying the scent-in-a-bottle approach, and wondered if there was anyone out there who had any experience or suggestions for me. I watched Ed's video on hard surface tracking, but it was a few years ago... maybe I should borrow it again?

TIA for any help... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />