Do you carry water?

[sleachy]

I had Tooz out earlier this morning. It was starting to get hot...(almost all) black dog in the sun. Her tongue was getting longer and longer as we worked thru a 400+ yd track. I always figured the dog could work thru it. We aren't out there THAT long, right? She found her glove with no problems but didn't want to play the usual tug with it. She pretty much made a beeline for her crate and water bucket. Do you trackers carry water with you for the dog???

[Jessica H]

I do not track but I hike a lot and I ALWAYS have water and a collapsable bowl with me. I have a CamelBak so I bring lots of water for me and the dogs. Especially with Dozer being black, he gets hot.

[doggonefool]

I carry a two liter bottle as does my husband. We take them to the beach and after drinking sea water, they get really thirsty. Ranger is black and long haired and is always thirsty

[Kayla's Dad]

I also hike and spend a lot of time outdoors with the dogs. Always carry water and a bowl even on overcast days and keep water in the "dog" car. It just seems to be prudent when engaged in outdoor activities for any extended periods.

[Winkin]

Imagine doing any sort of physical activity outside during the summer.

Then imagine doing it with a fur coat on.

Yeah, water is very important Never restrict it when working or playing with them outdoors. Let them drink as much as they want or can.

[lhczth]

Something you have to remember is that dogs have to become acclimated to the heat AND they also have to be in tracking condition. Tracking is hard work, even just a 400 year track. I don't carry water on these shorter tracks, but it always available for when they are done. I will also wet their tummies down on warm days to help with the cooling.

Depending on the dog I would never allow them to drink all that they want when hot. Some dogs will over do it and gorge themselves. Never a good thing.

[jesusica]

I always always have water in my car when dogs are with me. ALWAYS means ALWAYS. But I never give him water on the track. Can't do it in a trial. He is in shape, though, both tracking and in general. We track nearly every day no matter the weather (to a point, this time of year bad weather can mean tornados so we don't risk that), sometimes it's in the 90s. I don't wake up at the butt crack of dawn for top notch tracking conditions, my dog will track in the worst of conditions. Time permitting I also lay tracks far from where I have parked as this is what it will be like on trial day and he needs to be mentally and physically prepared for it. And I run with him several days/week.

They are athletes and must be conditioned as such.

[Heather]

Originally Posted By: jesusica...I never give him water on the track. Can't do it in a trial.

Depends on what kind of "trial" you're talking about. In an AKC test, you can water your dog pretty much whenever you want (within reason). In CKC, you can only offer water at articles in a test.

Do I carry water? It depends. If it's not a hot day, then no. If it's warm and I'm just doing a short track, then no. But if it's a hot day and/or a long track, then yes. I *usually* offer water before a track, and ALWAYS give them a small dish of water in their crate after a track.

[sleachy]

Thanks for the replies. My trainer and I were discussing the possible benefits of carrying water on a hot day. I always figured that the dog should be conditioned to work thru it and that seems to be the trainer's thought as well.

[Kayos and Havoc]

Yes I carry water on longer tracks. The dogs needs the moisture to work well.