Just started to do tracking, following Ed's excellent video instructions. My dog is pulling so hard that I am lifting up his shoulders while he pulls, he actually is digging a trench. He knows slow, and chooses too ignore this command in tracking. I can see from the fresh dew on the grass that he is in the footsteps, and his nose is to the ground the whole time. I cannot tell if he is getting all of the bait or not, sucks it up as he goes. When I verbally scold him he lifts his head and stops tracking - Oppps. Should I put that pinch collar on? I have tried lessening the bait - no effect. It is very difficult for me as a new tracker to keep track of the footsteps, so I am not ready to toughen the track. Dog 1.5years old.
Any help appreciated

VVG, I'm new too tracking also but here is a suggestion from Lewis that he posted to help my pup. (TRAINING TO TRACK)

 Quote:

Just one more secret I also learned if the pup starts to pull real hard looking for the food or using air scent and not tracking the actual ground scent a blindfold can be used,I learned this from Helmut Reiser from his seminar while in Germany. I used it on my Giant Schnauzer in the 80's because she pulled so hard and fast. It made her keep her nose down and she slowed to a steady crawl. I did this for several weeks, when she tracked for her trials she scored in the high 90's most points where lost due to stupid handeler errors Don't laugh guys!

Don't know if this applies to your sitution, maybe you can use the info.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

VVG, check your PMs

Remember that dogs do what works. If he is getting to his goal by behaving this way, then he will continue. It may be difficult to not move until he calms down, but after a few tracks where he only gets to move when he is tracking YOUR way, he will get the point.

VVG,
Lewis here I know this will sound funny to some but it was an old trick I learned in Germany from Helmut Reiser when I lived there for 8 years. I was involved with Schutzhund with my Giant Schnauzer PIA (rest in peace). She pulled so hard and fast down a track that she would miss and artical or blow by a corner,Hell her butt and head would seem too meet when she pulled so hard.
The methoed was.
Fabricate a blind fold so ot covers the eyes and goes behind the ears and under the throat, almost like a muzzel would. Put it on and off through out the day to let the dog get the feel for it.
At first lay short tracks atlot of tidbits and a decent scent pad. bring the dog to the scent pad and blind fold the dear. then give the command to track(If already trained to track) do this with a calm voice and let the dog get use to the two ideas combined (blindfold and tracking).Over time increase the track distance surpintines. Then add corners when the dog is confinfident on the basic tracking if you find you have a problem just back step to an easier track.and Remember alot of PRAISE! at the end of the track toy or what ever reward you use.
I did this for several weeks twice a day 3 days a week. it is a little stressful but basics, basics, My Giant came to a crawel and kept her nose to the ground she didn't even try to pick up air scent she was concentrating on the track 100% after this training, she did always super in the high 90's stupid handeler erors DAH! :rolleyes:
Others may have a diffrent idea and this is only a little methoed that did work for me and several others in my club in Germany.And my opinion!
Remember have fun the both of you and enjoy the time tracking no undue stress, no corrections on the track that might shut your dog down just restep your error if you make one and correct it with a positive motivational reward when the dog does what is asked of them.
Remember there are no bad dogs only bad owners if you build a solid foundation in all you do with your dog you can expect great things to come! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Use Ed's tapes there great in all areas of training I use them all the time for training and fixing problems I have encountered.
Be Safe and Enjoy!

Lewis/Argo and Riley

You can purchase ready-made tracking blindfolds from the Tom Rose school. http://www.tomrose.com

They can be helpful in cetain situations.

SCH3FH2, thanks the advice worked. Later discovered I just needed to give him a little time out of the truck to calm before going, plus letting him go down the full 30 feet. Was unbeievable, look like a trained tracker. He even stopped once when I let slack in the line, pulled slack and he went right back to work. Thanks again.

SO SchH, what was the advice!?!?! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

It isn't nice to whisper secrets in class young lady. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Sorry, just didn't want to post a lengthy description. Can't recover it cuz I deleted my PMs. Besides, gotta keep SOME trade secrets, don't I??? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Ummm.... no, you MUST share everything with us! Geezzzz....