Circle Tracking

FlyAway · 07-17-2012, 03:40 PM

I'm going to start one of my dogs tracking as soon as the weather cools off. I have used the typical training methods in the past. One AKC tracking judge said that I am hindering my dogs by my bad handling skills.

Well, this is exactly what Ivan says in his video on teaching tracking using the circle method. You let the dog work on the tracks alone until he has done it in all terrain and wind conditions and is a confident tracker before you take up the other end of the lead.

I wonder if anybody has tried both methods and can compare results or ease of learning?

Kev · 07-17-2012, 04:54 PM

Ivan balabanov?
Based on his achievements, I'd do what he says.

**Samba** · 07-17-2012, 04:59 PM

I did circle tracking. It Was fun. I could stand by a tree and watch the dog track! But, you can only do that in the beginnings. Pretty soon you have to learn to handle the line. So, that is your task. Many of us have had to learn to get out of the dog's way. But, take what I say with a grain of salt. I don't do everything Ivan says!

Hogan vs Flag.MPG - YouTube

FlyAway · 07-18-2012, 12:03 PM

Yes, Ivan has some good training methods. Doesn't mean they work on all dogs, but I've been happy with what I have tried.

I'm going to try the circle tracking, then later find a tracking seminar for some coaching.

**Castlemaid** · 07-18-2012, 12:41 PM

I didn't us circle tracking as a training method - I used it as part of the progression from scent pads to straight line tracking. I loved watching my dog work his little brain and figure it out. I only did two or three circle tracks before introducing straight line tracks, a transition that went smoothly.

I think one of the big advantages of the circle track is, as you said, for the handler to just step back, and observe their dog working on figuring it out. You learn a lot just watching them, allowing the dog to make mistakes, allowing them to learn and correct themselves.

Kev · 07-19-2012, 11:35 AM

Personally i havent used Ivans methods but I would if the dvd rental periods were longer. 96 hours is just too short

G-burg · 07-19-2012, 06:29 PM

Quote:

I think one of the big advantages of the circle track is, as you said, for the handler to just step back, and observe their dog working on figuring it out. You learn a lot just watching them, allowing the dog to make mistakes, allowing them to learn and correct themselves. ]

It doesn't have to be a circle track.. I started the current dog I have here with the same method, just not on a circle.. Someone I trained with showed me.. He had me start with short straight tracks and evenly dispursed food and let the dog work the track all on his own.. He could go back and forth, but before all the food was gone he'd get pulled off.. Besides pulling him off the track when it was time, I just stood there and gave encouragement when needed.. and prayed he wouldn't travel off the track to far!!

**Samba** · 07-20-2012, 12:17 AM

It does not have to be a circle but, I think the circle conformation has some advantages.

G-burg · 07-20-2012, 07:50 AM

Quote:

I think the circle conformation has some advantages.

As in?

FlyAway · 07-20-2012, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-burg

As in?

Working all the different wind directions, and terrain changes.

07-17-2012, 03:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
FlyAway Master Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: The Cold Midwest Posts: 612	Circle Tracking I'm going to start one of my dogs tracking as soon as the weather cools off. I have used the typical training methods in the past. One AKC tracking judge said that I am hindering my dogs by my bad handling skills. Well, this is exactly what Ivan says in his video on teaching tracking using the circle method. You let the dog work on the tracks alone until he has done it in all terrain and wind conditions and is a confident tracker before you take up the other end of the lead. I wonder if anybody has tried both methods and can compare results or ease of learning?

07-17-2012, 04:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
Kev Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Toronto Posts: 305	Ivan balabanov? Based on his achievements, I'd do what he says. __________________ Millview's Bosco 12/15/11 Winter Pup http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/germ...tml?id=1342782

07-18-2012, 12:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
Castlemaid The Administrator from the Great White North, eh? Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Northern British Columbia Posts: 11,300	I didn't us circle tracking as a training method - I used it as part of the progression from scent pads to straight line tracking. I loved watching my dog work his little brain and figure it out. I only did two or three circle tracks before introducing straight line tracks, a transition that went smoothly. I think one of the big advantages of the circle track is, as you said, for the handler to just step back, and observe their dog working on figuring it out. You learn a lot just watching them, allowing the dog to make mistakes, allowing them to learn and correct themselves. __________________ Lucia Keeta BH, OB1, TR1, AD Rottweiler/Hairy Dog mix?? Shelter rescue Gryffon Vom Wildhaus BH

07-19-2012, 11:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
Kev Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Toronto Posts: 305	Personally i havent used Ivans methods but I would if the dvd rental periods were longer. 96 hours is just too short __________________ Millview's Bosco 12/15/11 Winter Pup http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/germ...tml?id=1342782

07-20-2012, 12:17 AM	#8 (permalink)
Samba Administrator Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: USA Posts: 6,593	It does not have to be a circle but, I think the circle conformation has some advantages. __________________ Carla and The Pack

07-18-2012, 12:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
FlyAway Master Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: The Cold Midwest Posts: 612	Yes, Ivan has some good training methods. Doesn't mean they work on all dogs, but I've been happy with what I have tried. I'm going to try the circle tracking, then later find a tracking seminar for some coaching.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
German Shepherd Advertisement