Running on the track?

[elisabeth_00117]

I took a break from tracking for a few weeks and now that Stark and I are getting back into it, I noticed that he is super excited while working.

His tail is going 100mph, he is sprinting/running down the track.

The thing is though, he doesn't miss a footstep.

I feel like I can't correct him because other than really going fast he isn't doing anything wrong. He is indicating every article, taking his turns with percision and his nose is to the ground the whole time, not missing one step.

I have started to speed walk/jog behind him and to tell you the truth.. it is exhausting.. lol.

Does anyone else's dog do this? What do you do?

[BlackPuppy]

I went to a tracking camp, and the trainer has 4 labs that she tracks. She gave me one to show me what it's like to handle a experienced tracking dog. Wow, this was through rough terrain and I'm not in any shape to be jogging. I guess the trainer thought I needed the exercise.

[elisabeth_00117]

Okay, well we are far from experienced... lol... but Stark does seem to really "know" what he is doing. Very much a natural.

I haven't called our trainer/club member to come track with us in awhile so maybe I should just to see if "we are on track".

We were training with some other trackers (CKC, SchH, SAR people) in the beginning but have since stopped doing that on a regular basis due to my work and school schedule.

I really just want to know if I should be allowing this or if I should slow him down?

[Amaruq]

What type of tracking are you doing? Planning on doing SCH or AKC titles; SAR or just tracking for fun? SCH I know prefers slow and methodical, AKC is not as strict as long as the dog stays on the track (to my understanding); SAR is all about getting to the end as quickly and efficiently as possible and just for fun is, well, just for fun.

[elisabeth_00117]

I plan on doing SchH and CKC style which I am guessing is a lot like AKC.

I do not plan on doing SAR, but I do train with some SAR people (I belong to a tracking club).

[angierose]

Not an expert, but I'm training with AKC style and my trainer recommends slowing Kaylee down somewhat. She's the same way on a track, and while she does very well...the trainer recommended it especially when adding something new to the track, and for my own safety over rougher terrain. She said it is best to slow it down enough that you can keep up, as long as it's not bothering/unfocusing the dog or making it worry that it's doing wrong.

She showed me how to wrap the line behind me, kind of making a loop to lean my body into, so that the dog is forced to slow down. If you're in a club I'm sure you've seen it done.

[elisabeth_00117]

Yes, I tend to do that with the lead as well. It does help.

I just don't want to hinder him at all.. if that makes sense.

How do you slow your dog down? Do you correct him or just pull tighter on the lead (use your body/lead)?

[angierose]

I don't use any kind of voice correction to slow her down, I just try to keep the tension on the line. If she does something that makes my little slow-down-setup break down (like circling me or something), I don't pull her attention from the track to set myself up again, I just try to keep up for the rest of the way.

[elisabeth_00117]

Thanks!

I have been keeping some tension on the lead because otherwise he would run full speed down the track I am sure... lol.

He is just so intense when tracking, I wish I could get that type of focus when doing OB.. lol.

Thanks again!