WHAT IS TRACKING?
 
In its simplest definition, tracking refers to a dog’s ability to follow a specific scent, or trail. The dog does this by using a highly developed olfactory system. The dog can follow a trail left by a total stranger. The trail can be hours old and it can cross different types of surfaces and take the handler over stone walls, across roads and around buildings. As the dog works along the track, the dog will indicate to the handler when it locates an article dropped by the person whose track the dog is following.
 
Now you have a better concept of what tracking is really all about—not so simple, is it?
 
An AKC tracking test entry is judged on a pass or fail basis. As a sport tracking is non-competitive and thus it differs from some of the other AKC licensed events. People who are active in tracking tend to appreciate the outdoors and welcome the opportunity to work with their dogs.
 
For the dog to be successful it is critical that the handler understand and embrace the concept that tracking is a TEAM effort.
 
In tracking the roles are reversed compared to other types of canine events such as obedience, agility, etc. This means the handler is taking his or her cues based on the dog’s signals vs. the dog taking directions based on a series of commands from the handler. Once the handler gives the initial command for the dog to begin working, the handler is totally reliant on the dog to figure things out and correctly determine where the track is located. Thus, the handler is there only to assist the dog in working through any difficulties encountered along the track, such as changes in vegetation, cross tracks and turns.
 
In summary, the handler and dog must work together to solve the mystery of the track. Success is   measured by the article at the end of the track, not a score that is higher than that of the competition!
 
 A basic rule of tracking is: ALWAYS TRUST YOUR DOG!
 
 A second rule is that MOTIVATION, not correction, is the key to success

 

Tracking Books

 

The following is a list of additional suggested reading that will assist you in extending your knowledge of scent and tracking.  They are not in any particular order nor specifically endorsed by HVTC. 

Tracking Dog, Theory and Methods by Glen R. Johnson

Opens with a discussion of tracking elements. The TD and TDX training follows a rigorous schedule. 

Practical Scent Dog Training by Lue Button

Begins with a general tracking background. This is followed with lesson plans. Aging and turns are started at the beginning and this book moves very quickly through multiple turns, blind tracks, and crosstracks.  It may be challenging to keep up with the outlined schedule. 

Tracking, From the Beginning, by Gary Patterson

A good section on tracking theory at the start. This continues with early training basics. There are methods for teaching the Novice, Intermediate and Advanced dog. Also featured is how to handle a tracking dog. Problem solving is included. 

Tracking, A Practical Guide for TD and TDX, by The Tracking Club of Massachusetts

A very good, practical book about tracking from some of the early tracking fans. Has a lot of good information in a no nonsense approach. 

Tracking from the Ground Up, by Sandy Ganz & Susan Boyd

Good background material on scent, tracking and tracklaying. Some information about tracking with a puppy is included. Training schedules for week 1 through 8 with many sensible suggestions. Alternative training methods are helpful. TDX training with problem solving completes the book.

Go Find, by L. Wilson Davis     

Some tracking theory in the early chapters. Progresses to starting the dog in tracking, tracking problems and preparing for the tracking test.  

Scent, by Pearsall and Verbruggen     

This book begins with a good section on how the dog’s nose picks up scent, what scent is and how it behaves under various environmental conditions. There is some discussion on teaching tracking to puppies. Equipment is described. The reader is introduced to tracking, tracking problems and the tracking test. There is also a section on the TDX test and Search and Rescue.

Following Ghosts, by John Rice and Suzanne Clothier  

Focuses on the relationship with your dog. It is best described as an approach to tracking.  

Practical Tracking for Practically Anyone, by Julie Hogan and Donna Thompson

Chapters on equipment, areas to train, motivation, games, the tracklayer and tracklaying, and reading your dog. Training is divided into 10 stages. The importance of the start, using food, scent, getting certified and what you can expect at a tracking test are included. Also has a nicely detailed section on training for the TDX. 

The Audible Nose,  by  Judi Adler (purchase only from her at sweetbay@teleport.com)

Very detailed and informative. The first tracking session, equipment, scent, reading your dog, starts, articles corners, handling, blind tracks, problem solving, mapmaking and tracklaying, motivation, certification and the test and much, much more well developed information. Everything you want and need to know explained so that anyone can understand. This is followed by a very good section on TDX training. 

Enthusiastic Tracking, by William Sanders 

Introducing the dog to tracking, developing line tracking skills, introducing corners, multiple corners, reading the dog, track age, perfecting skills, preparing for the test are featured.  There is a further section on training for the TDX. This author takes the reader by the hand and guides him systematically so that a beginner can follow the book and learn to track alone. Each lesson has layers of detail and is precisely laid out so that anyone can follow the orderly progression of skills.  The book is full of information. 

Novice Nosework, by Ed Presnall and Lois Ballard       

This is a slender paperback, approximately 40 plus pages, ideal for people who don’t have much time to read more detailed books on tracking. There is information about scent, equipment, article indication, training tools, VST training from the start, first tracks, turns, lead handling, team work, certification and the test. This book has a lot of information in not too many pages. 

The Puppy Tracking Primer, by Carolyn Krause  

Includes an equipment list, general instructions, line handling, aging, crosswinds, turns, map making, Certification and tips for the test. This is a comprehensive book that could be used for older dogs as well as puppies. 

About Track Laying, by  Betty Mueller    

Everyone needs to read a book about Tracklaying when they start tracking! This is a good companion book to any of the above books. It covers what you should have when you get ready to lay a track, developing “field skills” such as gauging distance, walking in a straight line, sight points, lining up sight points and making turns. There is a section on maps and map making. The author explains why it’s important to follow instructions, reading the dog, using corner markers, food and bait and what to look for when following the dog and handler. Also she goes over laying tracks at a test, articles, test regulations, responsibilities of the tracklayer, plotting day and the test day.