Sue,
Do as Ron posted, hold back all food and treats for 24 hrs.

Go back to a point in his training where you were happy with the results.

I would only work -1- track until he developes more hunt drive. Working a track haphazardly can cause you both additional problems you don't need.

If you think he is to visual you may want to hide the food placed on the track or freeze a beef soup boullion into ice cubes. (I haven't had to do this so I don't know how it works)

Work him on straight line tracks to see if his drive increases or not. If not lay track shorter then before until his attitude changes. (one way or the other)

Do not move if he leaves the track for any reason, talk to him to get him back on the track if you have too. I would not correct him until you tried every thing possible. You don't want to deminish any drive he has with a correction at this time.

I would keep him crated at least -1- hour before tracking. ( see how his intensity level rises or declines) This should be apparant real quick.

Do no other work with him except tracking for awhile.

Remember YOU control the SPEED of the dog when working a track.

I'm far from a tracking expert, but I think you will see a change in your dog on the track.

For Peter: If I said something totally way out in left field, put Sue on the correct path.

Good luck, REMEMBER TRACKING IS A TEAM EFFORT and HAVE FUN! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

So make it worth his effort! Get some really yummy stinky goodies! I don't know what you use right now, but you could try cheese, dried fish, little pieces of bacon, jerky....get creative and experiment until you find something that he'll do backflips for.

I know it sucks to go back to simpler stuff, when you know they can do more. But sometimes that's what you need to do in order to troubleshoot. Right now, if you increase the food drops and decrease the difficulty, if that helps him to be more focused and motivated, that's great, right? You can decrease the food drops and increase the difficulty from there. He might just need a refresher for a little while, since he's had so much time off.

Maybe the tracking experts will have some better ideas for you.

Thanks everyone...yes, I think going back to basics and trying to make the track more appealing is the right thing at this time. I know there comes a time when they have to learn they must track, but I certainly want the motivation and pleasure to be there first. Once this snow melts and we can get back out there I'll give everyone an update.

Sue