A two-day workshop on canine tracking (teaching a dog to follow ground-born odor left by human quarry). Participants will be presented with the basics of teaching a dog to track, and to read their dog’s body language signals during tracking. Non-compulsive, reward-based methods are used. Results will vary. Participants must have a safe, temperature-controlled environment to keep their dogs when not actively working (vehicle kennel is preferred). Owners are expected to keep their dogs from interfering with the class and other teams as they work.
Required Materials: (I may have extras &/or we can share, but having your own is best).
1. Non-restrictive (doesn't restrict dog's breathing, nor "correct" the dog by constriction) tracking harness with "D-ring" on the top (D-ring along the dog's spine).
2. Long-line (lead that is 8'-30' in length).
3. Rewards. MANY of them- food, treats, toys- whatever your dog loves and will work to acquire. Bring several of them please.
4. Note-taking material.
5. Water & water dish.
6. Chair to sit in when observing (if you wish)
Schedule (Flexible!): Day 1:
9a-9:30a: Welcome, introductions, housekeeping.
9:30a-10a: PowerPoint Presentation. “Tracking Dogs”. An overview of the qualities and behaviors of tracking dogs.
10a-12a: Fieldwork. Tracking. Philosophies & techniques to introduce a dog to tracking and problem-solve tracking issues.
12p-1p: Lunch.
1p-4p: Fieldwork. Adding variable to team’s repertoire as guided by team’s levels. Observing and learning individual dogs’ signals while they track.
Schedule: Day 2:
9a-12p: Fieldwork continued. Tracking. Adding variables to each team’s repertoire as guided by team’s level.
12p-1p: Lunch.
1p-4p: Fieldwork continued. Adding variables to each team’s repertoire as guided by individual team’s levels. Observing and learning individual dogs’ signals while they track.
Please bring your patience, cooperative spirit, and a sense of humor-let’s keep this fun!
Fill out and submit the form below to register:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTXirg7nZWWUowZ9XWkas5OkY6Z2nSWgcy8-qJnjTwubLo2A/viewform?usp=header
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