Tracking

Tracking is another activity that Labs just go crazy for! It’s an activity that actually many breeds excel in. We belong to and train with the Cross-Country Tracking Club and on any given day we can have in the fields along with us German Shepherds, Schnauzers, Poodles, Terriers, and Dachshunds.  All a dog needs is legs and a keen nose!  The equipment needed for tracking is also less expensive and more easily acquired than in other dogsports.  You need a good harness, a long tracking line – preferably made of cotton and approximately 30’ in length, poles with fluorescent tape on them for marking corners, various odd leather gloves, pieces of leather, or other “articles”, and of course cut up chicken wieners to mark the trail in the early stages of training.  Think of Hansel and Gretel leaving a popcorn trail as they journeyed through the forest!  You’ll also need a notebook and pen for mapping out your course.  Your own personal gear will depend upon the weather, but basically you just need rubber boots and a waterproof jacket for wet weather.  Otherwise, dress for the weather, and dress for fun.  

 The CKC recognizes the following levels and titles for Tracking: Tracking Dog (TD), Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX), Urban Tracking Dog (UTD), and Urban Tracking Dog Excellent (UTDX).  

 When you think of tracking, think of Search and Rescue or Police work.  Dogs specially trained for these kinds of service start with the same kinds of training that we do with our dogs in Tracking.  The professional dogs work at much higher and intense levels though.  It’s truly amazing to watch a dog, either professionally or just for fun, follow a track and find either an “article” or an important piece of evidence.  We really enjoy watching this on TV and have a lot of fun with our dogs, although we’re only looking for wieners and leather gloves!