The off topic conversation in the old tread that started this one was:

What are alternative methods of training FST that don't involve food? Her dog is most easily motivated with toys.

I know nothing, but I'm curious about the answer.

 Quote: Kristel Smart

NICE! Now, if I only had a clue .

Here are a couple of clues ....

http://leerburg.com/203.htm

QUOTE: You will learn how to use food in the beginning of training a foot step tracking dog. This is broken down into a step by step program that anyone can follow. We also explain how to wean the tracking dog off of training tracks with food..... If you compete in one of the dog sports (i.e. Schutzhund or AKC tracking) this is the DVD you need to train your dog. ... If you own a puppy and want to train it to become a Search and Rescue dog this is the tracking dvd to start with. Your training can begin at 8 weeks of age and never has to quit. I always recommend foot step tracking for the for the first 10 to 12 months before it's switched to tracking through drive. END

and http://leerburg.com/articles.htm#track

Thanks for the clue Connie . Looks like I have some reading to do, quite possibly followed up by some purchases (aw, damn, guess I "have" to by some new dog stuff;-). I hope that starting training at 2+ years old wouldn't be too detrimental, though at the very least my dog will get to indulge in something he really seems to enjoy. My only concern is that he gets pretty obsessive; he's actually rubbed the skin off the end of his nose . It doesn't seem to hurt him though, and it always heals fine.

I'm a little intimidated by the reference "handling a tracking dog is an art form" because I have no doubt that it is, and I know NOTHING. Still, it sounds like fun so I'll give it a try.

How exciting, trying something completely new....

I don't think bite taining would be an issue with Cassie Alyssa, she enjoys the game if it's kept in prey mode, but her defense is low and a bite is a no go unless prey is envolved. Shrug, she's always been like that, never any bite issues with her, even during teething. No heavy chewer with her.
SAR; I actually looked in to that pretty early in her life because I noted she used her nose as much or more than any of the best bird dogs I've ever had (and still does). In this state though you pay for that privilege of serving, to the tune of $2,000 to $3,000 a year. The state would help pay for my certification for all the cpr, first aid stuff etc for me, but does not pay for travel, certification of the dog, the up keep or in training of the dog at all. If the dog is injured during a search or training, it's all on my tab. They're very up front about it, figure 2 to 3 grand a year out of pocket. PLUS getting called out of bed at 2 am in the middle of January when it's 10 degrees below zero and a 15 mph breeze to go find some idiot that decided to climb Mt. Washington earlier in the day and didn't show back up for dinner.
I'm to old for that sh*t.

Randy