How often?

[Superpup]

How often do you track your dogs per week? Have you noticed that tracking only 2-3 times a week has been better rather than tracking more than that, or should it be more or less?
I am sure this depends on the dog too, but just curious!
I track my dogs 2-4 times a week depending on the week. They both love tracking so they are always eager to track, I have not had any trouble with it.

[DFrost]

Originally Posted By: SuperpupHow often do you track your dogs per week? Have you noticed that tracking only 2-3 times a week has been better rather than tracking more than that, or should it be more or less?
I am sure this depends on the dog too, but just curious!
I track my dogs 2-4 times a week depending on the week. They both love tracking so they are always eager to track, I have not had any trouble with it.

Like you said, it depends on the dog. My rule of thumb is; Quit just before the dog is ready too. That way he's always looking for the next opportunity. On average though, it's 2 to 4 times a week. We run tracks of nothing less than 1/2 mile. I prefer them longer, but sometimes you just don't have the time.

DFrost

[Kayos and Havoc]

Yikes!!!! I must be lazy! I would love to track 3 times a week but my schedule does not allow for it. I try to get out at least once and maybe twice. If you track two times a week instead of four you will simply take longer to reach your goal. But a hurried dog is a worried dog. So be particular and careful and motivating no matter how often you get out.

[jesusica]

Almost every day.

At just 2 or so times per week, slow progress. Every day, leaps and bounds of progress which makes it all that much more enjoyable and easier to get my butt out of bed.

[Kayos and Havoc]

Oh now I am really jealous!!! Unfortunately I have work 40 hours a week!

[lhczth]

At least 3X per week. In SchH tracking if you track less than that you will be lucky to make any progress.

[Superpup]

Thanks for the replies.
Like I said I have been tracking two-three times a week, and I see good progress with both dogs, so hopefully I am on the right track.
Jesusica, oh my gosh, you track Flash every day!?!?!?! You make me feel like a lazy doggie-mommy...(I work 40 hours a week also though..)

[umzilla]

I really mix it up. I vary the challenges, lengths, ages, time of day, amount of reward, type of reward.....and even styles (SchH, AKC, SDA) of the tracks. It's a balancing act, but alot of fun. My dogs are quite different in what lights them up in tracking, so listen to what your dogs are telling you.

Christine

[Chris Wild]

We try to get out 2-3 times per week, though admitedly we don't always make it out to track that often.

Like Christine said, I do think it important to mix it up. You don't want tracks to become predictable or redundant to the dog and you don't want the dog to become bored. So lots of variety in the track and type and placement of rewards helps keep it interesting and also makes for a better training experience for the dog.

[Joker]

If I cant track more than twice a week I will take the week off. My minimum is 3 Many times on weekends I track 2 times a day depends on the previous track and what we are working on. I wouldn't recommend this for every dog but this one never stops.