Teaching A Dog To Track
The purpose of tracking is to demonstrate a dog's ability to recognize and follow human scent, a skill that is useful in the service of mankind. Tracking by nature, is a vigorous, noncompetetive outdoor sport. Any dog can learn to do tracking, from the tiniest Yorkshire Terrier to the largest Wolfhound. Tracking is a natural instinct for all dogs, but some are more adapted to it than others.
Tracking equipment is minimal:
- A harness designed for tracking.
- A long lead, 25 feet or more A few articles (old wallet, old sock, leather glove, etc.) Treats for the dog.
- Flags to mark starts and turns.
Training is done on open fields or grassy areas. Beginning training is done
on only an acre or two, advanced training requires 20 acres or more to really challenge a dog. You should be in reasonably good health because you will be required to do a great deal of walking. Advanced trackers may be required to walk over a mile in rough terrain, climb over fences, hop ditches and walk steep hills. Tracking is hiking, it's great fun and will prolong your life.
While GTOTC does not offer classes in this sport we do have a large group of avid trackers who get together to train. We are proud to have many titled trackers in our club. Tracking titles are awarded in levels TD, Tracking Dog, TDX, Tracking Dog Excellent, VST, Variable Surface Tracking and the ultimate title Champion Tracker.
GTOTC holds a fall tracking event each year. The tracking test is usually held at Mingo Creek Park in Finleyville. We are always interested in new members who would like to join our Tracking family.
Information on class applications: Class Applications
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