Teffy

Ooo, just got your rally info, THANKS! I thought so, my instructor insists that it's off leash.

Teffy

Vibrant: Just hit me that I think I've met you a couple times.

If you are friends with Renee, you compete and have silver spoos...who else could it be???

Vibrant

It's a small world! Cheryl and I went to herding classes together, and often trial and train together. And yes, she is a fabulous trainer, and has been my mentor for years.

pudel luv

I have also been in touch with Renee Koch of Ontario. She has been a wealth of information from recommended reading to workshops, etc... It has been difficult in North Florida to find much happening in this arena. The only formal "tracking" club here disbanded several years ago. Still researching the options in our community, but sounds like a lot of fun ... and, doesn't require a show coat .

Vibrant

Most likely...not too many silver standards trialing in the area!
I'm trying to remember...did you have your dogs with you? I usually notice poodles at trials!! Pretty sad, isn't it...I remember people by the kind/colour/name of their dog more than their name! I'm pretty good with faces, though!

bigpoodleperson

Sorry, Ive been very busy! I have done tracking with Riley, and he has his TDX. It is a wonderful sport that we are addicted to (will most likely not ever be able to compete for his CT with is leg though :()!!! We Love it!! I have a fabulous instructor that has been great with us! We have tracked in all seasons and weather (one time Ry track'd a 30 min old track in the pooring rain on pavement!).

A couple things. For the snow balls, if you are really worried about them then i would get the body suit mentioned. I think in warm weather it would be too hot though. For burrs etc i would brush in some spray. Showsheen is a horse product, but would work great! Pretreat the coat with it, and the burrs will slide out like butter! We have alot of burrs and stickys where we track.

We started out in the grass/field, and then eventually worked in some paths, pavement, trails etc once the dog knew "how to track". I think its easier to train them in a field then on short grass. You can see where your track goes, and it gives the dog a "mini tunnel" to follow. Even ankle high to knee high will work great. We dont use any treats on the path. We tried it the very first time- hotdog on every step. Riley followed the track and did not eat a single hotdog! Now we just jackpot on articles.

You mentioned that its hard to find "virgin" places to track. Dont do it!!! You Want contaminated places!! By starting in places that have alot of smells it will be something your dog will always be used to. It will be that much harder in the future and in tests if she is only used to tracking in places with not much other smell. Where we track there are a Ton of animals, people hiking paths, Tons of crosstracks from other trainers, other dogs out there, mowers, etc! My instructor always says that if they can track in "this" then they can track anywhere! Also, try and get friends to walk with you. Get the dog used to someone besides just you following and talking. I have had about 20 people following us in a test before! Also, always carry your cell phone just in case and be smart!

I wish you the best of luck in your tracking adventure! You can already see how fun and addicting it is! We miss it SOOOO much!!! Perhaps next spring we can return to it. Dont hessitate to ask any other questions!! Good luck!

Karma'sACat

I've been researching tracking a bit for my pit bull because her nose is ALWAYS on the ground but I have one question for those who are experienced: Will an electric wheelchair hinder us in any way? It is approved for all terrain so that isn't a problem.

bigpoodleperson

Honestly, i think it would. If you want to fun track in a field then no problem. If you want to compete then i would sadly say No. I have come to places in a track that we could barley get out of. I have had to turn sideways to get through some dense underbrush. Water obsticles are also allowed in certain tests. I have to get down on my hands and knees to sneak under brush also. You could always track in an open field, grass or pavement though!

Karma'sACat

Yea, I figured we wouldn't be able to compete since my chair is huge. But it is good to know that we might be able to do it recreationally. I'm always looking for new/fun ways to wear her out (mind and body!).

Vibrant

Teffy...I got a flyer last weekend for Tracking classes in Newmarket. It's with Ginny Neher...I did a workshop with her and really liked her. If you're interested her e-mail is dogsports_training@yahoo.ca and her phone number is 905-478-4060. I'd love to attend, but right now I've got two dogs doing obedience and one doing field work, and two aging parents-in-law..my hands are full!