best tracking harness

[trudy]

Hi so I am preparing to start tracking and don't know what kind of harness to buy. The lady at the schutzhund club is out of them at the moment. Also being as how he is 10 months old should I get it to fit now or a bit big.

Should we track in different places after the initial lessons or does that confuse the dog? Do you think it would be safe to start a 7.5 yr old with some health issues since she had bloat surgery. She is getting bored yet the vet says no stress, so agility is out, maybe tracking?

[onyx'girl]

http://www.bridgeportequipment.com/P...x?productId=96

This is Nikon's thread modeling his new one:
http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum...e=7#Post966969

[jesusica]

You don't need no stinkin' harness for tracking.

[BlackGSD]

Beings that it is something you have never done before, you might want to think about getting a cheap nylon harness to start. That way if you were to decide that you don't want to continue with tracking, you don't have a $50ish + harness that you are never going to use again.

I bet it would be good for your older dog.

[onyx'girl]

http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum...e=1#Post973943 great pics of tracking w/ a pup!
If you are doing schutzhund w/ the 10 mo. old, the harness will be great for the protection phase, though. I would use it for this and not tracking, so the dog isn't confused on what is expected when the harness is put on.

[Northern GSDs]

Personally, I've done away with using a harness for SchH tracking and am very very pleased with doing so I don't think I will likely ever start a dog tracking on one again either, but that's just MHO and everyone is different, just as different dogs may have different needs

[Liesje]

Depends on what tracking you are doing. I think in AKC they wear a harness? In that case, I would just use a cheap nylon one. In SchH, no harness.

[trudy]

I was obviously misinformed, I thought it was mandatory to get a harness. I would prefer to use a flat collar at first and then switch when he at least has some idea what is expected. I wondered if wearing a different item would distract from what I was trying to teach and if not well fitting, perhaps would deter real interest and joy in doing what he should. I will start with his flat collar then order one of the harnesses when we get into it deeper if needed then. I am not sure what type of trialing I will do, I just want to do it then will test in whatever is available. Personally i am less concerned with titles than having fun and doing stuff. WE will be training with a schutzhund club and so probably be doing that. Thanks for the help

[Chris Wild]

While allowed in SchH tracking, harnesses are typically not used. Flat collars are not allowed in trials. So SchH dogs are typically taught to track on a dead-ringed fur saver.

Equipment can indeed serve as a cue to the dog what is expected. This is one of the reasons harnesses aren't usually used in SchH tracking. They ARE used in protection. It doesn't take long before the dog makes an association between harness and bitework, and the frame of mind the dog should be in for tracking is very different than the frame of mind he should be in for protection.

Of course, good training and handling involves making it clear to the dog what is expected. Particularly when training in a multi-phase sport like SchH. So having a cue phrase or routine that is different for each phase, and always used in training to properly prepare the dog for the phase coming up so he knows what to expect, and what mental state to be in, is a very good idea.

[Kayos and Havoc]

Nothing to add except tracking would be great for a low stress fun thing to do for your older dog. I would go for it.

I don't do SchH tracking , I do AKC and yes a herness is required in AKC. Funny what Chris says is true, dogs do understand the equipment means certain things. For my dogs the harness means we get to track!! YIPPEEE!!!!

I buy my nylon harnesses from http://www.pawmark.com
Just in case you wanted one for the older guy.