I’m back on the tracking test track. Back in September 2019, I got my tracking certification. In order to enter a first level tracking test, a dog must first be certified. The certification lasts for two years, so Mom was bummed I needed to get recertified. Come to find out in a tracking group on Facebook, because of COVID my certification is good for three years, awesome!
Practicing in the winter is rough with the cold and snow. Now that we know we have a few months left on my certification, we are practicing again and hope to get into a test so I can earn my title. I’ve had two tries, but failed both. Bailie had the same trouble I have had, but once she was more mature, she nailed it. My goal is to nail it this spring.
Many people think tracking in the snow is easy because we dogs just follow the footprints in the snow. This may be true for some dogs, but I am a scent hound and I stick my head in the snow the entire track to make sure I’m on the scent. I also veer off here and there, sniff, and then hop back on the track. Where we like to practice is by a school. There are a lot of other footprints in the snow, which makes Mom feel better about me not being able to “cheat”.
I track every day of my life, so it is not a skill I forget. For me it is more about remembering which scent to track and what to look for at the end. Mom has done several tracking tests and they all had a bandana for the start article. For this reason, she uses one when we practice. See it in the grasses by the arrow? Mom puts my tracking harness on me in the car because I am so crazy excited she can’t get it on me in the field. Taking this photo was quite challenging! Shortly before the start, she hooks my tracking line to my harness and removes my collar. We then walk up to the start where I sniff the article so I know what scent to follow and then I get moving.
My track on Sunday was 430 yards long. A TD, tracking test track, must be at least 400 yards long. I did pretty well, but did go off track for some occasional recreational sniffing here and there. I also ran past the glove which is a no, no, but we will work on that. For me, I don’t want things to end, so I try to keep going. Now I remember I get food if I stop at the glove, so next time I might do a better job of stopping. Our goal is to practice once or twice a week for the next few weeks and hope I get a spot in the test the end of March.
My GBGV Life is happy, so we’re joining Comedy Plus for Happy Tuesday!
I wish you the best of success. I am very nosey , but nothing like you. XOXO Sparkle
My nose gets distracted when I track and that has caused me trouble in the past. Hopefully I can get a spot in the test.
OM Dogs I am so thoroughly impressed with your abilities to track and how happy you look too. That is a lot of snow. I look forward to your report at the end of March, for sure your dedication will pay off at the end of March trials.
Hugs Cecilia
Hopefully I can get a spot in the trial and then actually run my track. I can do it, so I really should do it this time.
we are sure your nose will lead you directly to the glove… you are the best sniffer dogs ever…
Last try my nose led me right to some wild animal poo and that ended that test!
We can’t imagine having to track in the snow…all the scents are buried. We know what a good sniffer you are though, and just know you’ll get your title soon!!
xoxo,
Jakey, Rosy and Sunny
Cold air makes odor fall, so I stick my nose in the snow a lot to check on the track.
Gracious! You can do it!
I hope so, and Mom really hopes so!
I know you can do it. Mom sure makes sure we can all enjoy all of you and your adventures.
Thank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday. Scritches all around and my best to your mom. ♥
I need to get it behind me finally. Hopefully I can get a test spot.
I know you can do it!! That sniffer of yours is fool-proof! You just need a little self-discipline to stay on the track. 😁
It’s hard sometimes in spring with all the smells, animals, etc. I get distracted.
You can do this, Olivia. You are one smart girl with a fabulous nose for scent!
I know I am good at it, but I always get side tracked at my tests.
Being able to track in the snow is pretty darn cool, you’re most amazing and I think you’re do great on the exam!
First I hope I get a spot in the test, and then I need to do well.
You guys are so talented. You’ll do great this tracking season.
I sure hope so. Mom is not happy I don’t have that title yet.
You can do this easily – you are getting good with practice!
It is easy for me, but sometimes like at a test, I get distracted.
Good luck! You have natural talent, you just have to refine your method to suit the trial, i know you can.
I have to try to block out all the spring smells in the grass and any animal tracks I smell too.