The Start of Tracking

When my dog was around 6 months, I was looking to keep him busy while also wanting to socialize him. I was scrolling through my local K9 training classes and came across Scentwork. I had never done anything like scent/nose work with my dogs before, so I decided to sign us up. Finwë and I were lucky to have a wonderful trainer. With a background in search and rescue and cadaver searching, scent theory is her passion. She was patient with us as a team and taught me so much. My dog really picked up on Scentwork I became fascinated with how odor travels and how a dogs nose works.

While I was researching all things odor I came across tracking. The idea of another dog sport related to nosework was exciting. I watched YouTube videos, joined a tracking Facebook group and started looking for classes near me. I unfortunately didn’t find much. I was told my local tracking club disbanded during the pandemic and had not picked back up again. The tracking Facebook group mentioned some online classes. I ended up registering for the Fenzi Dog Sport Academy Tracking 101 online class in Spring of 2024. During this time the weather really started to heat up in my area and I quickly learned that tracking is not a warm weather sport. I was able to practice the first 3 lessons of the class until the heat was too much for my dog. I was not comfortable leaving him in the car while I was setting up our tracks. Also this was in the very early stages of training I did not want him to associate being hot and uncomfortable with tracking. I continued viewing the class lessons but was not able to really practice. I also realized not having a trainer in person to guide me was a bit of a hindrance since I really had no idea what I was doing!

In July a friend I met at an AKC Scentwork trial shared online that the Richmond Dog Obedience Club was hosting a Beginner Tracking seminar. I convinced my fellow dog mom friend to sign up with me and we made the trip. It was so helpful to have the basics of k9 tracking explained in detail. The lecture portion was engaging, and I learned invaluable information about the sport. The hands on track laying portion was extremely helpful! I use the double line up trick often when out with my dogs off leash and I don’t want to loose their poo spot for later pick up.

Fast forward to fall. We have not practiced tracking since the spring but I am excited to get started again. Finwë has a new harness that will hopefully work better. I was having issues finding a harness that would not slide to the side. I also have some new supplies and winter weather gear to hopefully set us up for success!