 New venture...what do I need?
#239348 - 05/11/2009 10:03 AM |
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Well spring has sprung, and at the suggestion of forum members over the winter, I am ready to start tracking training with my dog. Almost.
I literally have no clue where to begin or what I will need to get started.
Any advice? Suggestions?
I'm pumped to try something new 
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Re: New venture...what do I need?
[Re: Kristel Smart ]
#239351 - 05/11/2009 10:21 AM |
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I got Lucy a harness (its so small!) and a cotton 20ft line to start with.
Look! I DO fit in the bag. |
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Re: New venture...what do I need?
[Re: Kristel Smart ]
#239375 - 05/11/2009 11:52 AM |
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Re: New venture...what do I need?
[Re: Jo Harker ]
#239379 - 05/11/2009 12:32 PM |
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I guess, first decide if you want to do footstep tracking (as in Schutzhund/Sport) or drive tracking (as in Police or Search and Rescue). The approach for training is completely different. (slow vs fast, methodical vs high-drive, head down vs. head up; etc).
Ed also has a secton about tracking, have you read through it? It might help give you some ideas on what kind of tracking you want to do. http://leerburg.com/articles.htm#track
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Re: New venture...what do I need?
[Re: Angela Burrell ]
#239381 - 05/11/2009 01:14 PM |
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Is it possible to start a dog training for sport, and still leave the door open for S&R training later?
That last question prolly really highlighted my ignorance of the subject, but I'm curious.
Primarily I'm looking to give my dog something to do that he really enjoys, that I can have fun with too. It sounds (based on the Q&A here on LB) that he'd be a natural for sport tracking, so I may want to start there and see how it goes. I'm also kinda frumpy and might find it difficult to keep up with a hastily moving dog.
I read about a book recommendation in another thread: "Tracking from the beginning". It sounds like a good place to start...?
(I like having a legitimate excuse (  ) to spend money on more books and equipment)
I'm really exited about doing something entirely new!
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Re: New venture...what do I need?
[Re: Kristel Smart ]
#239386 - 05/11/2009 02:18 PM |
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Okay, the more I'm reading the more I'm hearing that tracking through drive is more fun for dogs than sport tracking. Now I'm very confused. My dog certainly seems to enjoy himself when he's on to something. Perhaps I should try S&R style tracking instead?
It sounds like it would utilize Murph's 'intensity' more thoroughly. Anyone out there who does one or both and can tell me which 'style' better suits a particular temperament?
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Re: New venture...what do I need?
[Re: Kristel Smart ]
#239943 - 05/15/2009 07:28 PM |
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With a really enthuastic dog TTD is far better. I find you have to reign in the dog to do FST - My GSD struggled to do FST, so we switched to a sport that allows TTD and he loves it. I have retrained him now so he can do both but I know which he prefers.
I have to keep him calm before a FST track, calmly get out of car, calmly take him to the track. Otherwise he get's far too excited to focuss.
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Re: New venture...what do I need?
[Re: Tanith Wheeler ]
#239946 - 05/15/2009 08:08 PM |
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Thanks for that! It really helps. It's sounding more and more like TTD will suit my dog much better, and where I really want to end up. I think I'll teach both, but make sure to avoid any compulsion with the FST, knowing it's not my ultimate goal. Keeping my dog calm when he's really into something is challenging to say the least. I'd go straight to the TTD if I was in better shape, but it gives me tangible motivation to do something about it. 
Part of the reason I wanted to teach him to track is that it feels like I'm always reining him in for something. It would be nice to allow him to use his natural drive and intensity to do something he already enjoys doing on his own. It's sounding like TTD is just the ticket.
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Re: New venture...what do I need?
[Re: Kristel Smart ]
#239957 - 05/15/2009 10:21 PM |
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I am far from an expert, but based on all of my research (and ED's articles) it seems that if you do FST first, it is a simple matter to switch to TTD. But the transverse is not necessarily true.
It has to do with the fact that TTD is, by nature, fast and fun and will get the results, ie find the bad guy. To go from that to trying to teach the slow and precise style in FST seems to the dog to be less fun and counterproductive. Why shove my nose in the dirt when I can hold it up and still find the way? This is not to say that it is impossible, because it is far from that as Tanith pointed out, just more difficult.
Also, most "sports" use and judge the methodical FST and will mark down a dog that does not have a "deep nose."
Anyway, if you never plan on getting a title, or it is not important to you at all, the TTD is more "fun."
Jessica
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Re: New venture...what do I need?
[Re: JessicaKromer ]
#239966 - 05/16/2009 10:09 AM |
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I am far from an expert, but based on all of my research (and ED's articles) it seems that if you do FST first, it is a simple matter to switch to TTD. But the transverse is not necessarily true.
Yup, this is what I'm getting too. I have no expectations and am more curious to see what it's all about so that makes it easier. I'll start with FST to introduce us to scent work. My dog has a foundation in obedience so FST sounds like a good intro for him into the world of using his nose. Then we'll move into TTD where the fun begins.
Thanks all, for the great advice! I'm sure as we get started there will be a whole barrage of new questions....
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