I started tracking with Mom back in April, but I never have shown much enthusiasm for the sport. Bailie loves tracking and got her TD (Tracking Dog) title back in October. Now it is my turn to get a TD title. I have been practicing with Mom and also with a tracking buddy, who is the sister of the dog Bailie practiced with and her mom. Finally, Mom says I’m starting to seem excited about tracking.
Last week I ran a 400 yard track with four turns and did really well. I was excited to get in the car and go, and I was excited to get started. I showed no hesitation and got going as soon as I heard the “track” command.
My tail was up and I was moving at a nice pace according to Mom. I used to be really slow. She was also staying about twenty feet behind me which is required for a pass on a test. Previously, she had to stay close to keep me going.
This track had my first terrain change ever – from tall weeds and grass to dirt with a few weeds and back to the grass again. I handled it like I had done it all my life. Every type of terrain holds the scent differently which sometimes makes it difficult to follow a track.
Look how happy I was, leaping in the grass. I don’t charge through like Bailie does, but I’m doing much better than I used to. We each have our own personal style of tracking. The orange clip with the pink ribbon is a turn marker.
I’ve got my nose to the track in this photo. I use a constant head “up and down” motion as I track. It is a combination of sniffing the ground and air scenting. Mom never knew I did this until we watched a video one day. The experts say it is a good technique.
I like to investigate things along the track. I did have trouble on the third turn. I wanted to go off somewhere else, but Mom remained firm and I finally decided to go where I was supposed to go. Mom has been adding a few articles for me to find along the way for motivation and I sure love it!
At the end of the track, I found the final article glove. I was quite proud, but also wondering why we couldn’t have treats first and photos later! Don’t let those black spots fool you! They are not on my furs, they are on the weeds. My goal is still to get certified the beginning of 2016 and hopefully test in March. We shall see!
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You sound a little like Earl. It’s taken some work recently to ensure he loves every single Agility competition, because he’s a sensitive soul. Working with their humans I what makes dog sports special.
It is a true bond when you really work together. Mom and I really have it in nose work. Bailie is more on her own, but when she passed her TD test, Mom says it was one of the top moments in 2015 as they were like one working as a team!
finding a missing glove is a good thing to know especially with your winters up there π
LOL! One time Mom dropped some articles by accident when she laid the track and I found them all! I’m good about finding stuff.
You GO, girl! I just loved your leap, and am howling for your success. You are really special! XOXO Sparkle the PBGV
The good thing is, if I focus on this and get that title, I’m done. I can focus on nose work and leave further tracking titles to Bailie since she loves it so much more!
Too bad you didn’t find that big pile of money at the end of the track! Now that would be incentive!
Unless the person I’m tracking left it there, I would probably pass right by it. Mom would sure be impressed if I did find money, though.
So proud of you. You will have no trouble passing the test.
Mom thinks if I can get certified I will pass a test pretty easily, but you never know.
Looking good Emma!!! your doodle friend Dash
Just out in the fresh air using my sniffer to get rewards. Humans are helpless without us doggies.
Woohoo! Look at you go! I bet your having loads of fun!
α¦ husky hugz α¦ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
I’m enjoying it more and more, but I still am not fond of real thick, tall grass.
That is really awesome that you are enjoying tracking! Maybe I will come visit and we can play hide and seek. I’ll hide. β₯ I’m glad those dots weren’t in your beautiful hair. That was my first thought until I looked closer. Great pics, sweetie. β₯ XXOO Bentley
My mom thought something was wrong with her camera, but then we figured it out!
Love seeing that happy working tail.
My tail keeps me from having secrets.
Your doing such a great job you will get certified no problem. Have a great weekend.
I sure hope so. I want to get my title and be done so I can focus on nose work.
Looks like you are doing a great job and having a good time!! Good luck on your test (although we are sure you will do pawsome!)!
Smileys!
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo
Mom can rely on me usually so it puts a lot of pressure on my furry shoulders to do well.
Would love to have you around when I loose my keys π
Good luck on your test, I’m sure you’ll rock it!
Actually, after you have a TD title, objects can be metal.
We sure enjoy seeing you have so much fun like that!
It is a lot of fun now. I’m getting the hang of it.
Good job!! So if I shoot the duck you’ll find it?
Lily & Edward
Not exactly, I need the duck scent first and then I follow the trail.
It sounds like you are making great progress with this, Emma! We know how smart you are and if you are motivated we don’t think you’ll have any trouble getting that title. Keep up the good work!
Mom has high hopes for me getting it i the spring.
That’s so cool what you can learn by watching a video of yourself!!
Video is a wonderful teaching tool. We use it a lot.
hehe! Show me the money! Love that photo. Great job tracking!
Thank you. I have learned humans love the green stuff! Tracking doesn’t get me green stuff, but it is fun and makes my mom happy.
Emma, you’re so talented! Do you track in the winter/snow too?
We track in any weather. Snow is actually a bit more difficult because the odor stays down when the air is cold, so you have to really get your nose in the snow to find it. We do not follow foot prints which is what humans assume we would do. It is fun in the snow as long as it isn’t too deep.
Sometimes it just takes some doggies a little longer to decide they like to do something.
I’m still not fond of real tall thick prairie grass, but I’m getting better at going through it.
I’m glad you’re enjoying it, Emma! I hope it goes well for you next year.
I need more practice, but I’m doing better and liking it, which is important.
You just had to make sure it was a sport for you Emma! I understand. Now that you’ve gotten into it I’m sure you will have more titles than you know what to do with. Make your momma proud!
Mom says I will only go for my TD, but Bailie will keep going for more. I enjoy it, but I’m not an enthusiast like Bailie. I am in love with nose work.
Good for you Emma. If you keep this up, it sounds like you’ll have no trouble getting your tracking title.
I’m hoping I can get it done early in the year so I can focus solely on my nose work and leave the tracking to Bailie.