Are there any issues with tracking when there is smoke from wildfires in the area? I'm in north Florida, and for the last few weeks the wind has periodically blown smoke in from Georgia. So far I've kept up the tracking, and my dog hasn't seemed to be affected, but now some fires have started a bit closer, south of us, so the smoke is heavier. Come to think of it, what about exercise in general when the air is smokey?
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005
Posts: 4531
Loc: South Dakota, USA
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In all honesty, I, myself, would take them to a "clearer" spot to train in.
Smoke does rise however so it is going to be thicker the taller you are.
And, in the mornings the smoke will lift throughout the day it will be clearer but when evening comes smoke will settle again and lay lower, sometimes to the ground level.
We fight a lot of fire around here in the summer time and if it is smokey I take my dogs somewhere else to train and I keep 4' fans around to keep as much smoke out of the kennel area as I can. If it is not good for us to breathe (we wear filter masks or something tied around our face, depending on how heavy the smoke is) I figure it probably is not that great for the dogs either.
Something to research though....COOL
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
Thanks, Carol. I had been wondering about arson dogs, and what their handlers watch for. Also I remember reading about a recent international tracking championship that was held in Europe, partly in a still smoldering forest fire area. So wasn't sure just how much of a concern smoke is. On the other hand, if I start coughing myself as soon as I step outside (as with this morning), I figure it's a good time to give my guy's snoot a break.
We're finally getting some relief now in the form of driving drizzle. I think all it's doing, though, is trapping the smoke near the ground. So much for it rising during the day
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005
Posts: 4531
Loc: South Dakota, USA
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I have used burned area to train in, since that is a possiblity here.
But I try not to let them just "sit in the smoke" so to speak.
Arson dogs, I am actually just getting into that so I am not confident in answering anything yet as far as damage done to the dog over a long period of time due to the inhalation of accelerants and chemicals.
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
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OK to track in wildfire smoke?
#141098 - 05/09/2007 05:34 AM 
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