Coming Soon: Tracking at The Crafty Canine
What is tracking?
Tracking is a scent work discipline where dogs follow a person's exact path by detecting disturbances left on the ground—such as crushed grass, soil disruption, or broken twigs. Handlers often place small objects, known as "articles," along the trail. As the dog progresses, it indicates each find, reinforcing focus and precision. This method emphasizes accuracy and ground scent, making it a structured and rewarding activity for dogs.clickstartdogtraining.com+2specialistsearchdogs.org.uk+2facebook.com+2
How is tracking different from mantrailing?
While both tracking and mantrailing involve scent work, they differ in approach:
Tracking: The dog follows the exact path of a person, focusing on ground disturbances and articles placed along the trail.
Mantrailing: The dog uses both ground and air scent to locate a specific person, often in varied environments.
Starting with tracking can enhance a dog's precision and focus, providing a solid foundation for more complex mantrailing tasks.
Why start tracking?
Engaging in tracking offers several benefits:rover.com
Builds precision and technique: Dogs learn to interpret subtle changes in ground scent and follow footsteps with accuracy.
Instant feedback: With articles along the trail, dogs earn small wins as they go, boosting confidence and maintaining interest.
Boosts later performance: A dog trained in tracking brings discipline and structure into mantrailing, leading to better accuracy and control.
Accessible and gentle: Easy to set up and suitable for all breeds, ages, and abilities.
In a nutshell:
Tracking: Nose to the ground, following footsteps and ground disturbances, with strong indications on articles.
Mantrailing: Utilizes both ground and air scent to locate a specific person, involving problem-solving and adaptability.
Starting with tracking sharpens a dog's focus and technique, enhancing their mantrailing skills.