scott dunmore wrote 12/09/2005 07:50 AM Snow Tracking #91761 - 12/09/2005 07:50 AM
scott dunmore Webboard User Reg: 08-07-2004 Posts: 57 Loc: Offline	I've read some of the previous posts on tracking exercises in snow, but would like some more feedback. I remember reading something about tracking in snow potentially being tough on the dogs membranes in their nose. I took this as gospel, and for the last couple seasons I moved to air scenting games during the winter. I'd like to know how everyone else structures their tracking training in the cold. My young dog has really been doing well in his tracking and I'd love to continue working him through at least part of the snow season. Any thoughts are much appreaciated!
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Jason Demko wrote 12/09/2005 10:21 AM Re: Snow Tracking [Re: scott dunmore ] #91762 - 12/09/2005 10:21 AM
Jason Demko Webboard User Reg: 07-02-2003 Posts: 60 Loc: PA Offline	Scott, I have never heard of it being a problem on the membranes (But I guess it could)but I have had dogs start using their eyes more than their nose since the track is so easy to see. I like using parking lots after they have been plowed. I also use the winter for a lot of article searches. I get a few articles good and scented toss them in the yard and have him find them. On the rare occasions the snow melts I get out and do several good tracks. Good Luck, Jason Some days you're the dog, and some days you're the hydrant.
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Carol Boche wrote 12/14/2005 12:36 PM Re: Snow Tracking [Re: Jason Demko ] #91763 - 12/14/2005 12:36 PM
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005 Posts: 4531 Loc: South Dakota, USA Offline	I have spent an hour and a half googling and cannot find anything on how this could have an effect. IMO, since moisture holds scent better than dry, I do not see how this can be a problem. I think if you get to extremely cold temperatures then....maybe. I run a three year old Bloodhound and he has had no problems with losing sent as of yet. The last training trail we did this week was 1.5 miles in the snow and the temp was 25 with a 10 mile an hour NW wind. BBBRRRRRR for me but I gotta do what I gotta do, cannot be a fair weather SAR dog handler (although my (training)victims wish for that sometimes. hee hee) I will keep looking and let you know if I find anything. Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
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Nancy Jocoy wrote 12/14/2005 06:30 PM Re: Snow Tracking [Re: Carol Boche ] #91764 - 12/14/2005 06:30 PM
Nancy Jocoy Webboard User Reg: 05-03-2003 Posts: 924 Loc: Offline	I think there are some old posts here on that topic you could search for and also there is a chapter on that in Syrotouk. Have you also checked the articles at uspca?
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Nancy Jocoy wrote 12/14/2005 06:37 PM Re: Snow Tracking [Re: Nancy Jocoy ] #91765 - 12/14/2005 06:37 PM
Nancy Jocoy Webboard User Reg: 05-03-2003 Posts: 924 Loc: Offline	Guess I should clarify Nothing really at USPCA and by Syrotouk I am referring to "Scent and the Scenting Dog" which has, I understand, been recently revised. (Syrotouk died a young man after the original book was written in the earrly 70s)
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Carol Boche wrote 12/14/2005 07:56 PM Re: Snow Tracking [Re: Nancy Jocoy ] #91766 - 12/14/2005 07:56 PM
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005 Posts: 4531 Loc: South Dakota, USA Offline	Okay, in looking at Syrotucks' book, he says that dogs can track in the snow. We knew that, however it says nothing about it being "tough" on membranes. The one thing he says that I cannot find or see any real explanation for is this, "It is theoretically possible, under ideal circumstances, for a dog to follow tracks which are laid on snow and then covered by snowfall. On a practical basis, there may be some risk involved." He does not explain what the risks are...... He makes a reference to the "snow being cold and the will reduce the bacterial activity, which will in turn produce a low level of scent intensity." I will keep looking. Carol Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
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scott dunmore wrote 12/14/2005 09:35 PM Re: Snow Tracking [Re: Carol Boche ] #91767 - 12/14/2005 09:35 PM
scott dunmore Webboard User Reg: 08-07-2004 Posts: 57 Loc: Offline	Thanks for everyone's replies. I've been working my dogs on short, fairly simple tracks, and also working them a bit later in the day to avoid the coldest temps. I've just started to introduce corners with my young dog and the snow seems to be helping with this. A nice visual marker for him to fall back on, I guess. Jason, I like your idea of article searches. I'm looking to work that in soon. Thanks again!
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Will Rambeau wrote 12/15/2005 12:56 AM Re: Snow Tracking [Re: scott dunmore ] #91768 - 12/15/2005 12:56 AM
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003 Posts: 5983 Loc: Idaho Offline	Scott and I discussed this over the phone a few days ago, so I'll add my cold weather tracking tip here: Use a spray bottle and spray slightly warmed water onto the dog's nose a min. before the track - it helps to dampen the nose membranes and increase the opportunity for better scenting. Any of the serious SAR people use this trick? The Fetz dog: http://www.leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/79673/page/25
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Carol Boche wrote 12/15/2005 05:56 AM Re: Snow Tracking [Re: Will Rambeau ] #91769 - 12/15/2005 05:56 AM
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005 Posts: 4531 Loc: South Dakota, USA Offline	I do, I had to use it this summer when it was so dry (90+), Maxs nose would get full of dust and dry grass/weeds ect.....It helps, have not had to use it this winter yet. Carol Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
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Nancy Jocoy wrote 12/15/2005 06:35 AM Re: Snow Tracking [Re: Carol Boche ] #91770 - 12/15/2005 06:35 AM
Nancy Jocoy Webboard User Reg: 05-03-2003 Posts: 924 Loc: Offline	Never tried the water but sounds like a good idea to throw in the trainig toolkit. I don't have to deal with snow but hot dry days - absolutely.
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