Some of you may remember a couple of posts from me awhile back asking about good tracking food options for raw feeders.

At Dave Blank's suggestion, we started using Natural Balance food rolls in the June/July time frame. While there is still more grain content than we "love," it's the best compromise we have found. We avoid the high "junk / nitrate / etc." content of hot dogs. We have less problems with ants than trying to use raw food pieces. And the preparation of food for the track is easier & less mess than trying to use "real" raw food.

One of the dogs we track with is a beginner Beagle, so that introduced another concern. To put a piece of food in every foot step, while lengthening the tracks caused concern over the sheer volume of food needed to lay a good training track for him.

We have found that the Natural Balance Turkey rolls "hold together" better in smaller pieces than the Beef rolls do.

Thought I would share this info in case other raw feeders, especially with smaller dogs are looking for options.

Mean time, we continue to be very impressed with Dave as our trainer. Every team is improving and overcoming obstacles for both the dogs AND the handlers. He has the patience of Job. He takes the time to explain everything in great detail. He clearly enjoys helping every dog (regardless of breed) and every handler advance - regardless of experience level. Especially if you do your homework. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> And it goes without saying that we are all having loads of FUN in the process!!!! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

So I hope you will continue to help us spread the word about http://www.JolietSchutzhund.com!!

Beth

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Some of you may remember a couple of posts from me awhile back asking about good tracking food options for raw feeders.....At Dave Blank's suggestion, we started using Natural Balance food rolls in the June/July time frame........

Can I ask a newbie tracking question kind of in this vein? Is the idea to use a very aromatic food? Or less so? Or starting with really smelly, and gradually making it less odorous?

P.S. Editing to quote Beth and not derail her thread:

QUOTing Beth: Mean time, we continue to be very impressed with Dave as our trainer. Every team is improving and overcoming obstacles for both the dogs AND the handlers. He has the patience of Job. He takes the time to explain everything in great detail. He clearly enjoys helping every dog (regardless of breed) and every handler advance - regardless of experience level. Especially if you do your homework. And it goes without saying that we are all having loads of FUN in the process!!!!
So I hope you will continue to help us spread the word about http://www.JolietSchutzhund.com!! END

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.....At Dave Blank's suggestion, we started using Natural Balance food rolls in the June/July time frame. While there is still more grain content than we "love," it's the best compromise we have found. We avoid the high "junk / nitrate / etc." content of hot dogs. We have less problems with ants than trying to use raw food pieces. And the preparation of food for the track is easier & less mess than trying to use "real" raw food........ One of the dogs we track with is a beginner Beagle, so that introduced another concern. To put a piece of food in every foot step, while lengthening the tracks caused concern over the sheer volume of food needed to lay a good training track for him.....We have found that the Natural Balance Turkey rolls "hold together" better in smaller pieces than the Beef rolls do.....Thought I would share this info in case other raw feeders, especially with smaller dogs are looking for options. ......

You're right about this for tracking food! I used it yesterday for the first time. Easy to cut into any size, stays together.........

I have been using Natural Balance chubbs (turkey) for tracking for a long time. I like it much better than hot dogs because it's not slimey & gross. It is also easy to cut into teeny bits. I hate when I forget to buy it and have to resort to hot dogs. In fact, I just checked & am down to half a roll (oh no!!). There use to be a similar product called "rollover", but I can't find it anymore & I think Rollover & Natural Balance chubbs are the same thing.

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I have been using Natural Balance chubbs (turkey) for tracking for a long time.

Hi Susan. Are "chubbs" the same as the "rolls?" Like a big fat sausage that you cut up? Or is that a different Natural Balance product? Always like to know about additional options if this is a different product!

Connie - good to hear this product is working well for you. I was so glad to find something decent in terms of ingredients and easy to work with.

Beth

Sorry, yes they are the same, just a different terminology.

Thanks Susan! WHEE the old Beagle did his first corners last night!! And did them well too!! (just had to throw that in...) <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Beth