Tracking Training Part 2

APEX DOG TRAINING

WORKING TRIALS TRAINING

TRAINING NOTES

INTRODUCTION Welcome to this special eBook edition of Tracking Training Part 2.

This is a free eBook for Working Trials World subscribers. There are any number of ways to teach a dog to track but I have found the method shown here to be reasonably successful with a number of my own dogs. Having said that, if you have a way of tracking training that is successful for you and you are happy with it don't change it!

Even so, I hope most people will find something useful here.

The contents of the course are obviously aimed at beginners to tracking for Working Trials in the UK although the material could be useful for others just recently starting out on their tracking training and/or for those starting with a second dog or subsequent dog.

Revised November 2011

Corriedhu Cesan starting his tracking training aged around 14 weeks old.

Introduction to Tracking Training - 2 If the dog has made steady progress over the first few weeks of Tracking Training – 1 it should have completed the last, single laid, track reasonably well. Taking into consideration wind and weather conditions this move to single laid tracks is a big step for the dog. It is a very important step. The handler must assess if the dog has completed this step with confidence. If this is so then the handler can move on to the Tracking Training – 2 exercises but it is recommended to do some long leg single laid tracks occasionally, laying with the wind, against the wind and crosswind (see cross wind notes further on). If the dog does not appear to be confident enough in tracking single laid tracks then it is recommended that the exercises on single laid tracks included should be completed before moving on to the tracking training 2 exercises.

Single laid tracks The procedure for laying single laid tracks is: 1. At the Start pole double lay approximately the first 5 yards of the track.

2. Then walk normally but do not take too long a stride, placing the first food bit around 1 yard into the normal walking. Place food bits as required along the track.

3. Lay the 3 tracks again with this procedure. Lay the length of the tracks as prescribed for the individual days.

Moving Off From The Start Pole – Beginners Training Standard When dog starts to track, stand still. Let the tracking line play out about 6 to 9 feet – then follow dog and “get up the line” until you are about 3 feet behind the dog (and able to control the dog if needs be). This is the beginning of the handler training in ‘handling’ and reading their dog on the track. We are waiting to see if the dog takes the correct track direction.

Moving Off From The Pole – Competent Training Standard When dog starts to track, stand still. Let the tracking line play out about 20 feet – then follow dog and “get up the line” until you are about 8 to 9 feet behind the dog. This is the ‘normal’ tracking position.

Tracking Training – 2 This two week course follows a structured programme. It is not a one day or even a one week training programme. It is recommended to follow the training regime, starting with Tracking Training Part 1, to build a good solid tracking foundation. It is up to the handler to decide how far they wish to proceed. To train a dog to adequately track for fun and exercise, and where the handler and dog get a lot out of the tracking, should take approximately one month. To train a dog to a UD Stake competition standard will take approximately between one to two months depending on the frequency of training and progress made.

This tracking training course is Part 2 of the tracking curriculum.

The training is structured to progress the teams in a logical manner and with definitive objectives. It is recommended that the training programme is followed as closely as possible to get the best out of the instruction and to attain the desired standard.

Some pointers to a good track training technique: • • • • • •

Follow the programme.

No scolding the dog or physical handling whilst track training.

Train irrespective of the weather.

Train regularly and consistently.

No unnecessary talking to dog whilst tracking.

Trust your dog.

Cross Wind Tracking The first legs of the Tracking Training 2 exercises are laid at a 90° angle to the wind direction so that the second leg turns into, or with, the wind. This can cause the dog to wander on the track or to track to one side of the first leg of the track (the down wind side). This is a natural tendency for the dog.

Very minor deviation can be ignored. Tightening the tracking line can help to bring the dog closer to the track line. If the dog tracks more than a few feet off the tracking line in training then stop the dog and put it on the track line showing the dog the track line. Similarly the dog can overshoot a tracking leg with a strong following wind. If in doubt please contact an experienced instructor for guidance. Do not let bad habits develop at these early stages of tracking.

The next two weeks tracking training will consist of introducing the handler and dog to executing right and left-hand 90° turns.

At the end of the second week there is an example of a typical UD competition track that the handler and dog will complete. As the handler will lay their own UD track there are also some notes and hints on track laying included.

As indicated in the Introduction Notes the first track patterns in these notes are Single laid tracks for handlers and dogs that need more confidence on this type of track before moving on to executing the turns.

Having the dogs confidence in tracking Single laid tracks is quite important as the principle is that when the dog comes to a turn the second leg is so over whelming and easy after a harder first leg that the dog will usually easily pick-up the second leg. It is recommended to get the dog comfortably tracking a Single laid track before attempting the turns on to a second leg.

Method We do not leave anything to chance with the dog executing these first turns. We make it as easy as possible. The essentials to laying these first turn tracks are: 1. Brain in gear!

2. There will be a Start pole, a Turn pole and an End pole (3 poles per track!

3. Scrummy food bits (2” x 1” pieces at least).

4. There will be right-hand turns for the first three days then left-hand turns for the following three days.

5. The second leg will be triple laid into the wind. (This means the first leg will be laid with a cross-wind – see Cross-wind note).

6. The first leg is Single laid – Place Start pole – double lay first 5 yards. First food drop at 1 yard into single lay.

7. At Turn, stop – lean out as far to left as possible and place Turn Pole – Turn 90° to the right – double lay second leg – lean forward at end of leg and place End pole - place first food bit on this leg approximately 2 feet from turn – lay food bits every 2 paces (effectively triple laying the leg).

8. Place article at end of leg – walk out past End pole at least 10 paces.

9. When finishing track with dog exchange article for food bit and then have a game with the article.

SINGLE LAID TRACKS

Single laid tracks exercise - method The procedure for laying these single laid tracks is: 1. At the Start pole double lay approximately the first 5 yards of the track.

2. Then walk normally but do not take too long a stride, placing the first food bit around 1 yard into the normal walking. Place food bits as required along the track.

3. Lay 3 tracks using this procedure. Do first track 50 yards, second track 75 yards and third track 100 yards.

4. Lay the first track facing into the wind.

5. Lay the next two tracks with the wind behind the handler.

6. If dog does these first three tracks ok then age the tracks for 15 minutes before working the following track exercises.

Ensure the dog is confident in working these single laid tracks before moving on to the tracks with turns.

Tr ack ing

DAY 1 TRACKS

DAY 1 TRACKS

Day 1 Tracking notes on next page.

DAY 1 TRACKING NOTES All first legs are 'single’ laid and second legs are Right-Hand Turns and ‘triple’ laid

1. Refer to the Method outlined on page 4 for laying tracks.

2. All three first legs are single laid 3. All three second legs are triple laid, and laid into the wind.

4. Give plenty of space between tracks (minimum 30 yards).

5. Start at the far right – hand track (75 x 25 paces) 6. If dog does not take the turn handler does not go past the Turn pole – Encourage dog back and show direction of second leg if needs be. Do not verbally or physically correct the dog! Verbally praise when correct.

7. After completing each track, after praise, take line off and put dog on lead to take to the next track.

Tr ack ing

DAY 2 TRACKS

DAY 2 TRACKS

Day 2 Tracking notes on next page.

DAY 2 TRACKING NOTES All first legs are 'single’ laid and second legs are Right-Hand Turns and ‘triple’ laid.

1. Refer to the Method outlined on page 4 for laying tracks.

2. All three first legs are single laid.

2. All three second legs are triple laid, and laid into the wind, 3. Give plenty of space between tracks (minimum 30 yards).

4. Start at the far right – hand track (75 x 35 paces) 5. If dog does not take the turn handler does not go past the Turn pole – Encourage dog back and show direction of second leg if needs be. Do not verbally or physically correct the dog! Verbally praise when correct.

6. Note that the first leg distance remains unchanged from Day One but the second leg is longer.

7. After completing each track, after praise, take line off and put dog on lead to take to the next track.

Tr ack ing

DAY 3 TRACKS

DAY 3 TRACKS

Day 3 Tracking notes on next page.

DAY 3 TRACKING NOTES All first legs are 'single’ laid and second legs are Right-Hand Turns and ‘triple’ laid.

1. Refer to the Method outlined on page 4 for laying tracks.

2. All three first legs are single laid.

2. Note that the second leg distances are the same as Day 2 but that the first leg distances have increased to 100 paces.

3. Track 1 second leg is triple laid, and laid into the wind and tracks 2 & 3 second legs are triple laid but laid with the wind.

4. Give plenty of space between tracks (minimum 30 yards).

5. Do not forget the article/food at the end of each second leg of the track!

6. Start at the far right – hand track (100 x 35 paces) 7. If dog does not take the turn handler does not go past the Turn pole – Encourage dog back and show direction of second leg if needs be. Do not verbally or physically correct the dog! Verbally praise when correct.

8. After completing each track, after praise, take line off and put dog on lead to take to the next track.

Tr ack ing

DAY 4 TRACKS

DAY 4 TRACKS

Day 4 Tracking notes on next page.

DAY 4 TRACKING NOTES All first legs are 'single’ laid and second legs are Left-Hand Turns and ‘triple’ laid

1. Refer to the Method outlined on page 4 for laying tracks.

2. All three first legs are single laid 3. All three second legs are triple laid, and laid into the wind.

4. Give plenty of space between tracks (minimum 30 yards).

5. Start at the far left – hand track (75 x 25 paces) 6. If dog does not take the turn handler does not go past the Turn pole – Encourage dog back and show direction of second leg if needs be. Do not verbally or physically correct the dog! Verbally praise when correct.

7. After completing each track, after praise, take line off and put dog on lead to take to the next track.

Tr ack ing

DAY 5 TRACKS

DAY 5 TRACKS

Day 5 Tracking notes on next page.

DAY 5 TRACKING NOTES All first legs are 'single’ laid and second legs are Left-Hand Turns and ‘triple’ laid

1. Refer to the Method outlined on page 4 for laying tracks.

2. All three first legs are single laid.

2. All three second legs are triple laid, and laid into the wind, 3. Give plenty of space between tracks (minimum 30 yards).

4. Start at the far left – hand track (75 x 35 paces) 5. If dog does not take the turn handler does not go past the Turn pole – Encourage dog back and show direction of second leg if needs be. Do not verbally or physically correct the dog! Verbally praise when correct.

6. Note that the first leg distance remains unchanged from Day Four but the second leg is longer.

7. After completing each track, after praise, take line off and put dog on lead to take to the next track.

Do not forget the article/food at the end of each second leg of the track!

Tr ack ing

DAY 6 TRACKS

DAY 6 TRACKS

Day 6 Tracking notes on next page.

DAY 6 TRACKING NOTES All first legs are 'single’ laid and second legs are Left-Hand Turns and ‘triple’ laid.

1. Refer to the Method outlined on page 4 for laying tracks.

2. All three first legs are single laid.

2. Note that the second leg distances are the same as Day 5 but that the first leg distances have increased to 100 paces.

3. Track 1 second leg is triple laid, and laid into the wind and tracks 2 & 3 second legs are triple laid but laid with the wind.

4. Give plenty of space between tracks (minimum 30 yards).

5. Do not forget the article/food at the end of each second leg of the track!

6. Start at the far left – hand track (100 x 35 paces) 7. If dog does not take the turn handler does not go past the Turn pole – Encourage dog back and show direction of second leg if needs be. Do not verbally or physically correct the dog! Verbally praise when correct.

8. After completing each track, after praise, take line off and put dog on lead to take to the next track.

The Handler may do these same tracks again for Day 7 (or a few days later), if they wish, or give the dog a day off, but make the second legs 50, 75 and 100 paces long.

Tracking Training 2 – Week 2 During this week the handler and dog will be executing both LeftHand and Right-Hand turns on the same track. If the first and last legs are laid into the wind then it follows that the second leg will be a crosswind track.

It is possible that the dog could have slightly cut the corner during the first week’s exercises – do not worry about this at this stage unless it appears to be a severe case of cutting the corner – if this happens contact Apex Dog Training, or an experienced instructor, for further guidance.

If there appears to be any other problems developing with the tracking contact as above, again, for further guidance.

The next six days tracks are started laid into the wind. The first leg is Single Laid. The second leg is Triple Laid and the third leg is Double Laid.

Place the food bits as follows: 1. First Leg – As normal for Single Laid track 2. Second Leg – 2 feet after corner then every 4 paces 3. Third Leg – 2 feet after corner then every 5 paces Age all tracks by 15 minutes.

The handler can gradually increase the distance of food bits if real progress is being made, however, do not make the first food bit after a corner more than 3 feet from the corner at this stage.

The final tracking chart is a typical competition UD Stake track. It does not matter in which direction the wind is blowing when the track is laid. Age the first UD track by 15 minutes then age the second UD track by 20 minutes and finally age future UD tracks by 30 minutes.

Note: Remember that the track difficulty can be affected by the terrain and weather conditions. Make the UD tracks easy to start with and gradually increase the difficulty – say, by using more difficult ground – tracking in bad weather conditions (this could be windy, cold or a hot day). Do not forget to have water available for when the dog has finished tracking.

Think what you are doing before track training. What do you want to achieve today?

Tr ack ing

WEEK 2 DAYS 1, 2 & 3 TRACKS

WEEK 2 - DAYS 1, 2 & 3 TRACKS

Days 1, 2 & 3 Tracking notes on next page.

DAYS 1, 2 & 3 TRACKING NOTES The next three days tracks are started by laying the tracks into the wind.

The second leg is a Left-Hand turn and so a crosswind track.

A Direction pole is now placed about 15 paces from the Start pole.

This is always used on a competition UD track.

The first leg is Single Laid. The second leg is Triple Laid and the third leg is Double Laid.

Place the food bits as follows: 1. First Leg – As normal for Single Laid track 2. Second Leg – 2 feet after corner then every 4 paces 3. Third Leg – 2 feet after corner then every 5 paces Age all tracks by 15 minutes.

Tr ack ing

WEEK 2 DAYS 4, 5 & 6 TRACKS

WEEK 2 - DAYS 4, 5 & 6 TRACKS

Days 4, 5 & 6 Tracking notes on next page.

DAYS 4, 5 & 6 TRACKING NOTES The next three days tracks are started by laying the tracks into the wind.

The second leg is a Right-Hand turn and so a crosswind track.

A Direction pole is now placed about 15 paces from the Start pole.

This is always used on a competition UD track.

The first leg is Single Laid. The second leg is Triple Laid and the third leg is Double Laid.

Place the food bits as follows: 1. First Leg – As normal for Single Laid track 2. Second Leg – 2 feet after corner then every 4 paces 3. Third Leg – 2 feet after corner then every 5 paces Age all tracks by 15 minutes.

TYPICAL UD STAKE TRACK

UD Stake Tracking notes on next page.

UD STAKE TRACKING NOTES Notes: The regulations state that all competition tracks should be a minimum of half a mile long. This is sometimes quite difficult to achieve with UD Stake tracks. The sample track above is 710 yards long. A competition UD track is ½ hour old.

Handlers can modify the number of articles on the track whilst training (some handlers like an article on each leg when training). Always exchange an article for a food bit in training.

In a UD competition there will be two articles on the track. The first one in the first half of the track pattern and the second at the end of the last leg.

Placing food bits now is very much up to the handler and the dog’s tracking ability. I often put a chunk of chicken or a piece of black pudding on a leg or two when training even though my dog is a reasonable tracker! Food drops can be used to help train out some tracking problems such as loss of concentration or the dog continuously lifting its head whilst tracking etc but always seek the advice of an experienced instructor if not sure.

Cultivate a ‘method’ of what your dog does when it finds an article on the track, such as it lies down or turns and presents the article to you or just stops etc. Judges may well want to see a distinct signal from the dog that it has found an article for you to gain the full marks for the article.

In competition, if the dog goes over the article but the handler sees it and picks it up and returns it to the judge you usually get half the marks (5) for the article and it counts as a retrieved article.

CONCLUSION OF TRACKING TRAINING PART 2 At the end of Tracking Training Part 2 the handler and dog should now be tracking training at the UD Stake level.

This is not to say however that if things ‘go wrong’ you cannot go back into the Tracking Training Parts 1 & 2 to retrain exercises when required. As with most dog training exercises tracking is no different in ‘going back to basics’ when needed.

Most problems in tracking are caused by trying to go too quickly, too soon! Building a good solid foundation is key to successful tracking.

It is also quite easy to drop into the trap of going out to track train on ‘auto – pilot’ ie. going through the motions of laying a track and then putting the dog on it and following the dog around the track, thinking about everything other than what the dog is doing.

THINK ABOUT IT – WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE TODAY! Have some objectives in mind – Use some tracking training in learning to ‘read’ your dog or improving the corners in different weather conditions or sort that head lifting habit of the dog, etc.

Part 3 of Tracking Training will look at more difficult tracking exercises like angles, obtuses, semi-circles etc along with other tracking notes.