Hi All,

I searched the forum for info on tracking on the snow but wanted to expound further on the subject I have a dog that I have just started in SchH style tracking and he is doing quite well. Slow, methodical, with a deep nose. I should note that this is the first dog that I have really buckled down and made the commitment to train in tracking (I have trained others for AKC style tracking and started another half-assed in SchH style but did not put the appropriate amount of effort in).

Now winter has come to Montana and we have about 6 inches on the ground. I am loath to stop tracking since I would like to continue with his training. People have told me that tracking in the snow will cause him to use his eyes more than his nose but reading some of the previous threads, it was suggested to go where there were a lot of footprints so that there is more than just mine to counteract this problem.

My question is with a dog who is just doing foundational training (quite a bit of food on the track and heavily laid corners) am I better off just sticking to working on article indication independant of the track rather than attempt tracking in the snow? Or should I push forward with snow tracking? If so, anyone have any suggestions

Thanks!

We track every Saturday morning, regardless of the conditions. This is my second season tracking in snow.

Unfortunately there aren't pictures from last weekend's snow tracking, but their are plenty in our slideshow archive.

So far, all the handler teams here seem to make progress working in the snow. Dave Blank, our trainer, works his own dog year-round right along with the rest of the group.

Here are the benefits we have found by tracking in the snow:

1. You can keep training.
2. You can see your tracks. If you mark your tracks with chalk or something else, the snow provides a break from that work.
3. You can see cross tracks. Even if you don't track in the snow, it is educational to see the type and amount of wildlife tracks that exist in your training area. I was surprised by the amount of wildlife tracks in the area we use. We were also able to identify "animal highways" through our tracking area. This info will be useful for laying future tracks when the snow is gone.

4. It seems that the last few weeks/months of Fall before Winter are difficult conditions for the dogs...dry leaves, dry grass, etc. The first snow is a welcome break from some tough conditions leading up to the snow.

5. You can usually have your tracking field to yourself.

6. The dogs seem to enjoy working in the snow.

7. Tracking in the snow is fun.

To answer your question, we continue working as if the snow isn't there.

I am fortunate to have a seasoned trainer working with me who would recognize too much sight tracking immediately and help take corrective action. I realize that this is a benefit that not everyone has access to.

Personally, I have no regrets about tracking in the snow...so far.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Also, it is good advice to work in an area with lots of other footprints.

Some other benefits the group came up with today after working in the snow...

8. If you are just starting on footstep tracking, the snow is very helpful, because you can see your footsteps clearly and you are assured to get the bait bits placed on the footstep.

9. You can set-up, observe and train for dealing with cross-tracks easier.

10. Locations that weren't optimal tracking options without snow, suddenly become useable because of the snow, or because nobody is around to get in your way. (e.g. parking lots, dirt farm fields, your neighborhood park, etc.).