Tracking 101 a Success

The tracking seminar at the June event was a success and everyone had a great time. Our tracking guru was Randi Meyer an AKC tracking judge and she did a great job getting us started She began by explaining the current AKC tracking titles TD (Tracking Dog), TDX (Tracking Dog Excellent) and VST (Variable Surface Tracking) and how they differ from one another. The neat thing about a tracking title is that there is no 15 points w/ 3 majors or 3 qualifying legs to obtain a title. A dog is certified to track and then participates in a tracking test and if they pass they get the title.



She also talked about the equipment required, tracking harness and long lead and how to handle the lead without getting it tangled around yourself or your dog. Randi discussed the great scenting abilities of dogs and how different surfaces, such as lush vegetation verses dry grass or blacktop verses sand can all effect the way a dog scents. We learned that weather conditions play a major roll in tracking and training such as temperature, humidity(or lack of) and if it is breezy or calm.



There were 7 dogs that participated and all did very well, although some took a longer time to understand the concept of the game. A straight track about 70 yds long was laid for each dog with treats along the way. The handler encouraged their dog to "FIND IT" and when they put their nose to the ground and began scenting for the food they were rewarded with a "GOOD DOG" and the food they found There were no obedience commands, and no NOs! Everything was kept positive. At the end of each track there was an article(glove) with lots of food in it and the spectators clapped and made a big deal when the handler indicated that the dog had found it.



Tracking is a great sport for the outdoors and can build a dog's confidence and strengthen the bond with it's handler. Randi mention several times how well Ridgebacks do in tracking.



Other RR people opted to hike around on Sharon Boisvert's Feel Good Farm which is beautiful. It is definitely a place we need to keep in mind for future events. Thanks Sharon, and my thanks to Melloni Harrel and Cathy Ford for all their hard work.



Betsy Greenwood