Tracking Question - Page 1

      Does anyone use the Glen Johnson method for tracking? I have a AM date to do some tracking and this method is what I am told will be used. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

      As being relatively new ,TO ALL OF THIS, I want to get it right the first time around. I've heard of several having to go back and Re-Train. I don't want that.

 It works, if you work it!

I hate laying tracks kitkat ,good luck!!

Maybe you can just observe for the first session before trying it out?   What are your goals for tracking?  AKC or schutzhund or another other?  If you are worried about making a mistake maybe you are rushing things too much and need to step back and than go observe a few groups and their training methods before starting your dog?  Just a few thoughts thats all just throwing it out there.

Terri

     I am doing tracking as I am working toward Schutzhund.I have worked with my dog within a club, and on my own. I have been told by a few people that have titled their dogs, that it should be done this way, and it should be done that way.

     This is my first attempt at sch. I want to do it right. My dog is willing to do what ever I ask of him. I just want to be asking the right things of him. I was started tracking in a small square, emphasis on the corners, than I am told, he needs to track a straight track before I can ask him to do corners, which sounds logical.

    The place I am going shortly, trains their own dogs and has successfully trained SEVERAL search and rescue dogs, so I am leaning with the fact they know what they are doing. Just want other opinions on this method. I am going to buy the book if this is the correct way.          Like I said repeatedly, I am inexperienced at this and need help, and not afraid to admit and ask for it.  thanks                      

Sorry for the ignorance but what is the Glenn Johnson method??

BTW,one thing I have learned is if you follow methods you will sooner or later  reap failure.Learn to read your dog and do what works for him/her.

My 2cents would be to observe different ways(I hate the word method)of training and take bits and pieces from everyone and put together your way of training your dog.Every dog is different and no dog can be trained the same.

I believe that knowing how to read and more importantly understand your dog is the root to becoming an awesome trainer!!

The system you use depends on the dog IMO. Some people say start with hard tracks and let the dog figure it out. Some say make it very easy for the dog. Some say always have a tight line to create some back pressure so the dog would want to pull and search even harder(opposition reflex). Some say don't let the dog to pass up food where as others say it's ok if they pass up food. It's what your dog understands. My first dog i used a lot of food in the beggining then tapered off a little. I baited the corners then only baited the beggining then only after the turn. After the dog learned to track nicely i started to make it harder so the dog learns to work out the track which makes them more confident. I did step offs, serpantines. Corner sent pads.Turns about 3 or 4 steps after an article.  Etc.

Now i'm training two dogs for Schutzhund and they are different. So i'm using different tactics for them. You just have to feel the dogs out and see what works best.

       Mark

www.ultimatekanine.com

I thought Glenn Johnson's method or book was geared more for the AKC tracking TD and TDX?

It is, his method would probably raise several eyebrows at a schutzhund tracking event!!

I have been telling kitkat to do things alittle different,however she needs to listen to her trainer.Lord how I hate laying tracks.