Should I back off a bit?

[pfitzpa1]

I'm using Glen R Johnsons Tracking book and had great success in the first 4 days. However on day 5, the tracks are 80,160,320 yds and I think this (the 320 at least) is a little too much for my dog at this early stage. She's 15mo. She stays on the 80 and 160 tracks (80 is double laid, 160 single, not aged) fine, maybe getting a little distracted during the 160 but always coming back to it after encouragement. On her first 320 this morning, it was like I was taking her for a walk. She tracked well on first portion, lost interest but eventually locked back on the last 1/3 after some encouragement.

Should I back off the long tracks for a while and concentrate on shorter <=160 ones?

Any tips/ideas?

[BlackthornGSD]

I'd back way off, I think and work on her motivation to track at all and give her a reason to be there.

Length takes focus and "nose practice" -- and it's easy to add later. So, get the picture you want at 80 paces--single laid.

[pfitzpa1]

Originally Posted by BlackthornGSD

I'd back way off, I think and work on her motivation to track at all and give her a reason to be there.

Length takes focus and "nose practice" -- and it's easy to add later. So, get the picture you want at 80 paces--single laid.

That makes sense. Thanks. I was a little concerned about the huge length increases, doubling every day during the first week. She is very good at 80, single or double laid (in a straight line).

[BlackthornGSD]

Look online for some other tracking resources. There's so much out there and there are many things that will work. Some things work better than others and sometimes it depends on what venue you are training for--AKC tracking, IPO(schutzhund) tracking, or SAR trailing--as to what you want to focus on in your training.

But you can't go wrong by laying a good foundation. I'd vary your lengths between 80 and 160 feet, single track only, and make sure she is clear on what you're doing and that it's a fun thing to do. Also, you'll want to start aging things up to 30 minutes, I think, before you move on.

[Alphak9]

Just continue to guide and encourage your dog to track....eventually it will become a habit to track for food. Tracking needs patience and time.

[Tim Connell]

Like any other facet of training, go as slow as you need to go to ensure forward progress...easier to build progress than fix problems

Change only one variable at a time, whether it is age, bait, distance, or turns.

Most importantly, move at the speed you are comfortable with, since you know your dog best.