Wilderness Tracking Classes
Wilderness tracking classes are our favourite classes to teach because they are so much fun. And yes we regularly track with our own dogs! There are currently 2 levels of tracking classes:
Tracking involves teaching a dog to discriminate between all the other scents in a forest and follow that particular scent which is attached to the ground through the wilderness on your command. Tracking is always done on leash and we will show you how to use a ‘tracking-line’ (15-30 foot leash).
All dogs have a natural ability to follow a scent regardless of their breed or mix of breed. Some dogs, because of their genetic background, may work faster than other breeds but they all have the instinct and desire to track. This is because tracking is a form of hunting which is an instinct that was handed down to dogs from their wolf cousins. If a dog has a nose we can teach it to track.
Tracking is an incredibly mentally stimulating and stress relieving exercise for dogs. It is an excellent exercise for those high drive dogs that just can’t get enough exercise. It also provides the opportunity for guardians and dog to improve their relationship by interacting together as a team in a fun, challenging and mutually rewarding exercise.
The classes combine scent theory, how a dog uses its nose to follow a scent, forest orientation, practical tracking laying exercises and canine body language interpretation while tracking.