Question on Article

[halley05]

We are just starting out in tracking and I have a question on the article or glove I hope someone can help me with. My GSD Halley is definitely fixing her eye on the glove and starting to go right to it bypassing some of the actual tracking.

We are tracking in Florida so it is hot & dry. The leather glove is clearly visible on the ground and my little girl is cheating. (Very smart thought) .

Should I switch the leather glove for something not so visible?

Pat
Halley & Sammy

[Catu]

I'm just starting articles too and from day one I try to use articles the less visible possible, just now I'm putting it in the track and I cover it sligtly with dirt or grass. I want the concept that tracking is all nose and I don't want the pup even discovering she can use the eyes.

I'm doing SchH tracking and it's my first time, so wait for the opinion of the experts before to take mine

[halley05]

We are doing AKC tracking. I appreciate the input & I'll certainly cover it more. GSDs are always a chapter ahead of me in the book.

Thanks,

Pat

[Kayos and Havoc]

I do AKC tracking and yes the dogs will eye ball a little bit and I do not worry about it that much. You can reduce the size of the articles and try to incorporate some that are similar in color to the cover you are tracking on. I use lots of articles when I track and I have them in all colors and materials. The dog has to track 99 % of the way before they see the article so I just don't get that uptight about it.

[halley05]

Well, we are having a lot of fun. Tracking is different as you just read the book and go--. Rally & agility there is more classes around here but with tracking we are just doing. Since she is my first dog in tracking I am sure I will make mistakes.

[Kayos and Havoc]

Pat check out some of the tracking books on http://www.pawmark.com The Novice Nosework is very good, short and concise.

[halley05]

Kathy,

I saw the prior post yesterday on tracking books so we are definitely going to order The Novice Nosework. We have Following Ghosts by Suzanne Clothier and Enthusiastic Tracking by Sil Sanders. Both are good books and, of course, I love Suzanne Clothier's books.

Thanks!

Pat

[lhczth]

I recently picked up Following Ghosts. Haven't had time to read much yet, but what I have read is quite interesting.

[Kayos and Havoc]

Following Ghosts is more about the tracking relationship (which is important) not technical aspecs as I remember. I need to read it again too. I also love Suzanne's books.

[halley05]

Yes, it is much more into the relationship between the handler and the dog. Just like most of her writing. The big thing I noticed is that she does not like using food for tracking. That was different than anything else I have read.

I think this just goes back to her being a much better handler than most as I don't know how to get Halley's head down tracking without the food as a learning tool.

Pat
Sammy & Halley