Tracking Hints


LINE HANDLING.
The handler must also, while tracking, learn how to handle the tracking line. Tension, should be kept on the line when the dog is tracking and should not be allowed to fall below the dog's back. The handler's hands should be kept at waist level or higher, especially when the dog comes to a.turn and has to cast around to pick up the turn. You should keep the line up and slide it through your hands' as the dog must not get tangled up m the. line. I have seen a lot of handler's lower the line when the dog is casting and as it crosses over it gets the scent and starts to track it's leg gets caught in the line. This could have a very serious affect, on your dog as it may think of it as a correction and shut down on you. The tracking line is used not only to keep in physical contact with the dog, but is a communication link between the dog and handler. You will find, if used correctly, the line will make you sensitive to the dog's movements and that good line handling will have an affect on how good a tracker the dog will be.

Track Laying Information

Laying out the Start and the On Track Articles


Don’t wave the articles around, place them neatly folded at the bottom of the post.
Waving them around will spread the scent to far and that will confuse the dog.

Before Walking the Track


Check the map, if you don’t quite understand it please ask the steward.
Check that you can see a couple of flags in front of you before setting off.
If there is a cross track look where it crosses the track so as not to confuse it with the main track.

Walking the Track


Walk the track at a steady pace, do not scuff your feet (it is against the rules).
Walk round the corners picking up the flag as you go.
Stop only to place an article or read an instruction.
Check the flag numbers against the map to make sure you are at the right place.

At the End of the Track


If at the end of the track you are going to leave an article it must be a tee shirt folded twice and laid flat on the ground at the bottom of the flag marker.
If you are going to return to the end of the track for the dog to find you, make sure you mark your way out if it is not already marked so you and return when the tracker and dog starts off. This way you will be able to find your way back to the right place easily.

The End Result


A happy dog finds the tracklayer patiently waiting at the end of the track, or at least an article properly folded.