Tracking is the ability the dog has to detect, recognise and follow a specific scent of ground disturbance. Our dogs are born with this skill and would use it for survival before being domesticated. Humans have harnessed this for years, by applying dog behaviour to the dogs ability to track, we now use tracking dogs for lots of different operational purposes:

- Police for criminals and evidence.

- Military for opposition and threats, some countries poachers

- and even animals.

When tracking a human the dogs are taught to follow track scent, which is the disturbance in the ground left by the humans footprints. In tracking the dogs are taught to keep their nose down and follow the whole track not just to get to the end, but to also indicate on any evidence (articles) dropped by the criminal, and which route they took.

We will start by teaching 2 things: follow the specific track scent and indicate on articles along the way.

We offer Bronze & Silver tracking workshops both levels. Once these are completed your dog will be eligible to compete in tracking trials.

What happens in a tracking workshop?

We start by building interest in an article your dog will find along the way or at the end of the track. We then work on your dog being able to search a track which you will lay. For this we put our dogs in the car for 5-10 minutes while you lay the track with your foot prints and some food along the way initially. Once your track is laid you then get your dog to track what you have laid. This is all done on a long line so don't worry if your dog's recall isn’t perfect.

Is this suitable for me and my dog?

This is suitable for everyone, all dog breeds and ages are suitable for tracking. All owners are also suitable as you don't need to have any prior knowledge of tracking. In our bronze workshop everyone will be a beginner.

Why is this a good option for you and your dog?

It's an activity you can work on with your dog outside of the workshop. Doing this with your dog has amazing mental stimulation benefits so much so 10 minutes of this is the equivalent of a 1 hour run. So practicing can really help calm your dogs and promote their ability to settle. When doing tracking this can also have a great calming effect on you when handling.

What do I need if I attend?

You will just need to bring along two red kongs, treats and a toy if your dog is motivated by toys.