In most dog sports, the human and dog are a team, the human leading the way. There is a sport, however, in which the skilled party takes the lead while the other assists; that sport is tracking.

Long thought to be the domain of hunting or heroism, tracking isn’t just for Bloodhounds and German Shepherds. Anyone can participate on a competitive or recreational level, and it’s a shame this fascinating endeavour doesn’t get more press time. It’s a wonderful way to allow dogs to use their sense of smell, which dwarfs that of humans in its breadth and capacity.

The nose knows
The basic premise of tracking for sport is to compete and earn titles. The dog is taught to follow a track along the ground and find an article of clothing at the end, typically a glove or shoe. Your dog will also need to learn how to clearly mark the article found at the end. Sitting, lying down or retrieving it are among the most commonly used indicators.

Before you start, you’ll need the proper equipment – a designated tracking harness and a nylon or leather leash up to 15 metres long, depending on the rules of the organization you plan to trial with. The harness can be a standard type purchased in any store, but it must have a leash clip on the back.

When you begin with a novice dog, treats are laid along the trail at close intervals to encourage the dog to keep its nose to the ground. At the end of the path lies the treat-laden glove. You then set your dog at the start and let him pull you along the path to the glove of victory (or of ham, as the case may be).

One of the first things he’ll learn when the tracking harness goes on is that, splendidly, pulling on the leash is de rigueur! But tracking should not undo all those months of discouraging pulling. The harness used for tracking is never worn at any other time and becomes the signal – ­­­­­­­­­when that harness goes on, the dog is to lead the way.

Why try tracking?
First off, be forewarned that tracking can be addictive. Trainers who participate in tracking often excel in a number of other disciplines, but more than one has said that tracking is their favourite. It can be a great stress buster, especially if you compete in activities that are demanding on you both.

Tracking is a great cross-training sport to enhance overall fitness and improve scent skills. Working a 450- metre track is surprisingly demanding, and the dogs get a good physical and mental workout. Those who compete at the higher levels of obedience report that tracking helps to improve scent work in the obedience ring as well.

But what if you don’t have a Bloodhound at the ready? Not to worry. Every breed can participate and most dogs love it! It matters not whether you have a purebred or mixed-breed dog.

For purebreds, the CKC and the AKC are the two primary sanctioning organizations. For mixed breeds, NAMBR (North American Mixed Breed Registry) is the overseeing body under which dogs compete and earn titles. Some examples of titles are Tracking Dog (TD), Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) and Urban Tracking Dog (UTD).

Safety First
There are safety precautions and things to consider before you take up tracking. First and foremost is the time commitment. Tracking requires a substantial investment on your part to be willing to work four days a week. Laying a track and working your dog a few times on it may take only about a half hour or so, but you still have to get off the recliner and do it.

If your dog is flat-faced, overweight or out-of-shape, use caution. Even working short tracks will be physically demanding on your dog if he’s been lying around for the past six months.

Since tracking is primarily a warm-weather activity, overheating can be an issue. For dogs that are heat sensitive, this requires a good amount of preplanning on your part to ensure their safety and well-being.

The smell of success
To get your tracking titles, you need only have one clean run. This is a substantial advantage over activities that require three ‘legs’ (passes) to earn a title. More good news – it’s pass/fail. No worrying about making the cut line, you either get it or you don’t. The bad news? The pass rates for the first level, the TD, hover at about 50 per cent. The TDX is even harder, with only a 20-per-cent pass rate, give or take. Additionally, the entry fees for tests are among the highest of any sport, ranging from $50 to $100 per try for the TD. The TDX is tougher and pricier, at around $100 to $125 an entry.

To learn more about how to enter a test, or to find a trainer in your area, go to www.ckc.ca or www.nambr.cardoso.ca and look under the events calendar for tracking tests. There you’ll find detailed information about hosting clubs. A club in your area can guide you to local trainers.

Tracking is a great pastime to try with your dog if you’re looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors with an activity your dog was made for. Once you’re on the right track, you’ll be hooked!

By Joan Weston
Joan Weston owns Fangs But No Fangs Canine Behavioral Consulting Services in Caledon, Ont. A behavioural consultant for Who’s Walking Who in Toronto, she teaches at Scholars In Collars in Burlington and is a member of The Eukanuba SuperDogs with ‘Puggy Sue,’ the top-rated flyball Pug in the NAFA. She and her wife Jamie love their four Bulldogs, two Pugs and one cat, who is really annoyed with the whole situation.

(Appeared in September, 2008 issue. To learn more about our print edition click here)