More Tracking Questions???

[GSDTrain]

I didn't see these questions asked anywhere else so I thought I would ask.

How often do you track each week with your dog?

How old was your dog when it passed the TD test, and at what age did you start tracking?

I have more questions but I can't remember them so I will ask if I remember.

Thanks

[Heather]

Ingo - (my first tracking dog) started training when he was about 16 months, trained 6 or 7 days a week for about 8 weeks (Glen Johnson's method); earned TD when he was 18 months old. Later on, earned TDX.

Jalk - started training when he was about 18 or 19 months (Glen Johnson's method); tracked about 3 times a week and earned TD at 2 years of age.

Bailey - started training when she was 9 weeks old (Gottfried Dildei's method); trained off and on (more regularly when preparing for events) and earned first TD at 2 years of age. She tracked all of her life, entering (and passing) her last competition just shy of 12 years of age. She earned CKC and AKC TD, TDXs; CKC UTD; (SV) TR 1, 2, 3.

Faith - started tracking at about 16 months of age; we trained maybe 3 times a week, while I was recovering from a serious illness. She earned her CKC TD at 21 months of age; AKC TD a month later. Later on, earned CKC TDX.

Rosie - started at 5 months (new method for us: Steve White's HITT), then quit for the winter. Started up again in May (at 13 months); trained 2 or 3 times a week and earned her TD at 17 months (just a few days ago).

[lhczth]

My first dog, Tara, was 7 years old when I started. She was pushing 9 when I did her TD and FH. I tracked her 2X per week.

Vala, Nike, Treue and all the rest of my dogs started tracking when they were puppies. I usually track 3-4X per week. I did not do the TD with them, though I may with Nike and Vala.

Nike got her SchH1 at less than two. Her TR2 at 7, TR3 when she was 8 and will do the FH either this fall or next spring at 8.5 or 9. She tracks 2-3X per week.

Treue got her SchH1 when she was almost 4. Her SchH2 and SchH3 at just shy of 5. She had to track 3X per week.

Vala tracks 3-4 X per week. She got her SchH1 at 2.5 and will do the rest next year, including an FH, when she is 4-5.

[Castlemaid]

Keeta, 2yr old mixed-breed rescue when I started tracking classes. Tracked 2 three times a week for the 8 week course.

Got a standing ovation from the class at the last class for having passed her "exam' track and for having completed without any hesitation a "challenge" track laid by the instructor for fun.

Started Schutzhund tracking shortly afterwards, failed our first attempt at a Tracking 1, but got High-Tracking-Score-in-Trial the following year at our next attempt.

I track Keeta once or twice a week - too much practice with her makes her bored and less focused.

Schutzhund 1 tracks are shorter than than TD tracks, but the dog is scored on tracking technique and precision.

[jesusica]

5+ days/wk, started at about 10 weeks old. We do schutzhund style, not AKC. Even if he were ready, he's still too young to be entered in a trial for tracking.

[Kayos and Havoc]

Twice a week if I am lucky...... usually once a week which really slows progress.

Max started tracking a 3 years and certified at 4 years. I did not test him, he hates tracking.

Kayos started at 9 weeks, she got sick and then we moved, so we took about 3 months off. She came back and certified at 14 months and passed her TD at 16 months. Passed another 2 weeks later. Our TDX was delayed because I lost 2 TDX tracking seasons being deployed to Kuwait, we cannot do TDX from May to Oct here. Our VST is on hold til she heals from hip replacement.

Havoc started at 10 weeks. Of all my dogs I have the least number of tracks on him for the amount of time we have worked. He had digestive issues which slowed us and now has Pano as well so we are on hold a bit. He is 16 months and I hope to certify him this spring. He is almost ready. He also does agility and obedience so our time is stretched.

Each dog is different and how long it takes will depend on how often you can get out, how quickly the dog picks it up and your skill.

[GSDTrain]

thanks everyone for the replies. I am just trying to learn as much as I can about the whole tracking thing.

[Superpup]

I try to track both of my dogs two-three times a week. at least. Sometimes more, sometimes less...
I started tracking Cody at 14 mths. he got his TD certification at around 2 years and I am hoping to go for his TD this fall still.
I have been tracking Brandie since she was 8 weeks old and now she is 9 mths. Hoping to do something with tracking tests maybe next year!

[GSDTrain]

thanks!