VST tracking

[GSD07]

I was wondering if it's possible to start VST training before my dog is ready for TD and other tracking tests in the fields. The problem is that in the summer time it is impossible to me to find open uncontaminated fields because I am afraid of snakes. And I am not an outdoorsy person in general. It just sounds very appealing to me to be able to track in the parks, parking lots, maybe in ACE Hardware store (we have one close by and it's so empty all the time, and dogs are very welcome there).

Kathy and all AKC trackers, what do you think??

[Kayos and Havoc]

Yep go for it!! The current training theory is to introduce hard surfaces as soon as the dog is decent on vegetated surfaces. You have about 2 more weeks of good tracking before the cheat blooms and the snakes come out.

Actually I worry more about cheat grass than snakes.

Debbi can help you get started.

[GSD07]

If snakes are sneaking out there than even the softest grass is out of the question for me Ok, so I have some reading to do now and then ask you guys to help us get started.

[Kayos and Havoc]

The snakes won't be in office parks or parks! I have only seen 2 rattlers here (in nearly 6 years), both down by the dam.

[Heather]

Originally Posted By: GSD07I was wondering if it's possible to start VST training before my dog is ready for TD and other tracking tests in the fields.

Absolutely! ) I started my puppy on pavement and worked on different non-veg surfaces before even going to grass, using Steve White's method. Steve's from Seattle... check him out at http://www.i2ik9.com

[GSD07]

Heather, this is awesome! Have you trained with Steve or you've been working on your own? I haven't heard of him and his method before, thanks for the link! It sounds really interesting and I am going to try it. There is no shortage of empty parking lots around where I live so it's an advantage.

I've read Ed Presnall's books on tracking following KathyW's advice and used his tips and methods and it worked so far. I wonder what is the difference between Steve White's HITT method and Ed Presnall's Component Training Approach?

[Heather]

Originally Posted By: GSD07 Have you trained with Steve or you've been working on your own?

I went to his 2-day seminar when he and Jen were in Massachusetts (Oct of '07). My pup was 5 months old at the time. I did all of the training "on my own" except that I did join their e-mail list and got some advice when I ran into a snag and wasn't sure how to proceed. (If you have been to their seminar or class, you can join the e-mail group).

I gave an "Introduction to Tracking" seminar today and included HITT as a training option in the workshop. Everyone loved it and the dogs did great!

[Kayos and Havoc]

I am thinking of trying this method with Havoc as well! I used scent in a bottle with Kayos and it is very good but I think HITT may be better.

[GSD07]

Ok, yesterday Kathy and I started Anton tracking on a parking lot using HITT method and food. He started catching up on the second short track and I'm going to continue with Steve's method and try to incorporate it in my training!

Heather, thanks again for telling me about Steve's White approach, the link to his website and for encouragement!!

[Kayos and Havoc]

Yep, I liked it too! I think I will use it to start Havoc this summer. Right now the little guy is in a kennel while we wait on our new house to be ready. We just finished a very hard 4 days on the road from Oregon to Oklahoma.