It is time for a new blog.
This one started out as a blog for my students but has turned into a personal journal for my own training and other things I want to share. And so today I am launching
YOUR TRACKING COACH
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| http://yourtrackingcoach.blogspot.com/ |
Tracking lessons are not easy to come by and yet it is a sport you can do on your own. Many experienced trackers work alone and like that way! But if you are new to tracking, it's hard to know how to progress and how to deal with problems.
There are polls on the new blog - I would REALLY appreciate it if you would take the time to visit and fill in the polls. Please let others know about YOUR TRACKING COACH!
It's free! I simply want to share what I know and help others on this wonderful journey.
http://yourtrackingcoach.blogspot.com/
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2 comments:
Is it terribly important to have someone else lay my tracks or can I do my own?
Thanks.
Lesley
Hi Lesley - great topic for the new blog! I lay 99% of my own tracks. So do most of the people I know. The reason is that I need to know (as do you) exactly where the track is. That way I can learn to read my dog and help my dog when required. I never correct or misguide my dog or make them track where there is no track. All of these things can happen when someone else lays a track for you. They can set you back - by eroding your dog's motivation and your handling confidence. If you wish to be sure your dog will follow someone else's scent, then pre-plot the track and agree where they will start and turn and end. Even have them use stakes so there is no chance they will forget. Sometimes a matter of a few feet count - did you turn here? or here? I like my dogs to be as ON the track as possible and not fringe. If I want a blind track when my dog is solid, I will pre-plot but say "and here, you choose if you will turn left or right and don't tell me." Then I see if I can read my dog on one turn. That's all I need! Many, many people lay their own tracks right up to a test and it doesn't seem to affect the dog's following someone else. If you need to be sure, pre-plot the track with someone who can lay tracks - or who will follow your directions (no games) and use stakes. Does this help? Thanks for asking! I will use this for a blog post later. Donna
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