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Thread: Tracking Class

  1. #1
    Senior Dog SamsonsMom's Avatar
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    Tracking Class

    So, I am super excited. I have signed Asher up for tracking classes. They begin April 9. As a reminder, Asher is super restricted. I am not supposed to walk him on hard surfaces and am only to walk him on soft fields or soft sand. Which equates to no walking in the winter. He swims twice a week and do massage and inside mental games. Acupuncture once a month. So - this tracking class will be perfect for him. It's held at a large metro park here in NE Ohio. Hopefully the ground softens by 4/9. There are a few classes in urban settings but in speaking with the instructor, it's not like it's going to be an extended walk. So I'm very hopeful this all works out for us.

    So - does anyone have any advice or tips for me on tracking? If he can physically handle I want to keep him going. They have tracking 2 and then a search and rescue class. Pretty exciting!

  2. #2
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    Fun! We did tracking with Scully, years ago. I tried it with Mulder for a bit but he didn't take to it as quickly and I got busy and gave up. Haven't had the time/space to do it with any of the others - there are no classes here. The local tracking club does a one day seminar to get you started then you are mostly on your own.

    The one thing I would say is that since tracking is dog-led, the dogs often pull hard, and are encouraged to do so as they are in charge of where to go. Since he is restricted you may need to work on finding the balance between letting him direct you and not going so hard/fast that he hurts himself. Neither Scully or Mulder ever pulled that hard, as they were older when we started, but I have seen some young dogs almost pull their owners off their feet.
    Annette

    Cookie (HIT HC Jamrah's Legally Blonde, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015
    Sassy (HIT Jamrah's Blonde Ambition, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015

    Chloe (HIT HC OTCH Windsong's Femme Fatale, UDX4, OM6, RE) 6/7/2009

    And remembering:

    Scully (HC Coventry's Truth Is Out There, UD, TD, RN) 4/14/1996 - 6/30/2011
    Mulder (Coventry's I Want To Believe, UD, RN, WC) 5/26/1999 - 4/22/2015

    And our foster Jolie (Windsong's Genuine Risk, CDX) 5/26/1999 - 3/16/2014

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    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    I dabble with Presto. It takes time for most dogs to figure out the straight line, but once they do, there is pulling. You also have to give them line, so he could take off or do some zoomies. It's dog-directed, not human. Also, find a good harness for your special needs. I'd talk to your PT.

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    Senior Dog SamsonsMom's Avatar
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    I can't wait. I really think he will do well. He will have some special needs during each outing. I discussed with the trainer and the trainer is more than happy to accommodate. I also discussed with the msu surgeon. Fingers crossed he does well. I've been watching videos. I will likely not be able to give Asher that much line. Not sure

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    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    It will be fun! If you plan on getting your tracking title, you are required to give the dog a certain amount of line. Just something to keep in mind.

    The handler will follow the dog at a distance of no less than twenty (20) feet,
    except during the TDU or VST test where the handler may follow the dog at a
    distance of no less than ten (10) feet.

  8. #6
    Senior Dog SamsonsMom's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Labradorks View Post
    It will be fun! If you plan on getting your tracking title, you are required to give the dog a certain amount of line. Just something to keep in mind.

    The handler will follow the dog at a distance of no less than twenty (20) feet,
    except during the TDU or VST test where the handler may follow the dog at a
    distance of no less than ten (10) feet.
    Now that would be cool. Didn't know there was a title. My goal is just to get this sweet boy out and have him do something he is able to physically handle and enjoy! Next step would be to move to the Outer Banks so his back yard is soft sand year round! (my dream).

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    Quote Originally Posted by Labradorks View Post
    It will be fun! If you plan on getting your tracking title, you are required to give the dog a certain amount of line. Just something to keep in mind.

    The handler will follow the dog at a distance of no less than twenty (20) feet,
    except during the TDU or VST test where the handler may follow the dog at a
    distance of no less than ten (10) feet.
    Once he knows what the job is, and understands what speed is acceptable for him to move at, she should be able to give him more line, but in the beginning she'll probably need to restrict him more than is usually done. As I said, neither of my two ever pulled much (enough to let me know where we were supposed to go, but not uncontrollably by any stretch) so it can be done.
    Annette

    Cookie (HIT HC Jamrah's Legally Blonde, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015
    Sassy (HIT Jamrah's Blonde Ambition, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015

    Chloe (HIT HC OTCH Windsong's Femme Fatale, UDX4, OM6, RE) 6/7/2009

    And remembering:

    Scully (HC Coventry's Truth Is Out There, UD, TD, RN) 4/14/1996 - 6/30/2011
    Mulder (Coventry's I Want To Believe, UD, RN, WC) 5/26/1999 - 4/22/2015

    And our foster Jolie (Windsong's Genuine Risk, CDX) 5/26/1999 - 3/16/2014

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  10. #8
    Senior Dog bmathers's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SamsonsMom View Post
    So, I am super excited. I have signed Asher up for tracking classes. They begin April 9. As a reminder, Asher is super restricted. I am not supposed to walk him on hard surfaces and am only to walk him on soft fields or soft sand. Which equates to no walking in the winter. He swims twice a week and do massage and inside mental games. Acupuncture once a month. So - this tracking class will be perfect for him. It's held at a large metro park here in NE Ohio. Hopefully the ground softens by 4/9. There are a few classes in urban settings but in speaking with the instructor, it's not like it's going to be an extended walk. So I'm very hopeful this all works out for us.

    So - does anyone have any advice or tips for me on tracking? If he can physically handle I want to keep him going. They have tracking 2 and then a search and rescue class. Pretty exciting!
    I just signed Diggity up for a two-day beginner tracking clinic on April 27 and 28. It's two full days of beginner tracking. Oh boy I hope he can focus that long! We'll have to compare notes!!

  11. #9
    Senior Dog SamsonsMom's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bmathers View Post
    I just signed Diggity up for a two-day beginner tracking clinic on April 27 and 28. It's two full days of beginner tracking. Oh boy I hope he can focus that long! We'll have to compare notes!!
    That's awesome! I am very much hoping Asher is able to do this. I will be sure to post some notes after our first class.

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  13. #10
    Senior Dog Jollymolly's Avatar
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    I really hope it goes well

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