Tracking Training for Dogs

Just for Fun

If you’ve been following me for a while, you will know how fascinated I am by dog’s noses. Giving your dog opportunity to use his/her nose not only fulfills the much needed mental stimulation but it builds confidence too.

Think about your own life. What would it be like without purpose? Your dog needs a purpose too.

Often a nervous dog will use sniffing as a way to cope in situations where (s)he feels uncomfortable.

You might imagine that you need acres of land to do tracking, but you can have so much fun in just a small area. To begin with your back garden, even if it’s only small, will give you plenty of room to work in.

Tracking is about your dog learning to follow the scent a human lays down as they walk. It’s amazing what tell-tale scents we leave behind with every footstep we take. I bet if you get down on the ground and sniff your old footprint, you can’t smell anything. Your dog however will be smelling an array of scents all provided by you.

I told you dog’s noses are fascinating.

Now maybe you can understand why it’s difficult to get your dog’s focus sometimes, or why (s)he has his nose in the air or firmly on the ground so often. My great Flatcoat could smell water at an incredible distance – always heading off to the nearest pond, lake or stream.

Reactive Dog Training

Tracking is great for reactive dogs

The other thing I love about tracking is that dogs can do this individually. It’s not like classes of agility, behaviour or pet gundog work. Dogs and their owners can learn the necessary steps, practise in their garden or in a quiet place away from other dogs.

Each dog can be kept safely tucked away as dogs, one at a time, have a go at the trail.

It builds confidence for reactive dogs as well as being something most are comfortable with. Owner and dog work together, building their bond and such a trusting relationship.

If you do have a reactive dog you might want to check out this post.

So Many Other Skills

There are so many other skills involved. It’s not just the ‘sniffing.’

Dog’s need to lean calm and controlled behaviour. They need to learn to focus. They need other good basic behaviour such as sit, down and touch.

Tracking is Great for Older Dogs

Tracking is great for the older dog that maybe isn’t as fast anymore. Tracking can be done at your dog’s pace. I can’t remember who said it, about the army, but you always go at the pace of the slowest man. Tracking is one of those ways of exercising your dog, and (s)he can be the slowest man without holding anyone else up.

Why Would you not do Tracking

Why would you not do something that is so great with your dog. Versatile, stimulating, confidence building and partnership building. What’s not to love.

If you fancy giving tracking a go – even if your dog is reactive to other dogs, check out our introductory course.

Remember, it’s just for FUN.