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Advanced VST Training Issues
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Advanced VST Training Issues
© 2003 by Ed Presnall
One of the real problems in training for urban tracking is the belief by so many handlers that they must run marked or known tracks or their tracklayer must keep them directly on the track. When this happens, the handler usually never develops the ability to read the subtle “loss of scent” indications from the dog and by the time it becomes obvious, the dog is so far off of the track that recovery is almost impossible.
When I am confident that my dog can make basic decisions in regard to turns and articles, I implement a don’t tell policy with my track-layer. Don’t tell me when I am only a few yards off track. I want to know when I start to feel uncomfortable by watching the dog. I need to learn to see when his style or his posture changes and to understand what his body language is trying to tell me. During this period of training, the dog is also learning to comprehend changes in the scent pool while mastering his ability to differentiate between track scent and blown or drifting scent.
Variable surface tracking is tracking not trailing. Your dog must learn to follow the track and find each article. Although exact footstep tracking is not required, a trailing dog will rarely become proficient on urban tracks. You must also learn to read your dog in varying circumstances and work together as a team to reach your goal.
The complexity of a normal urban track is almost incomprehensible. Transitions to and from different types of surfaces. Roads, wind, weather as well as the myriad of soft, hard and textured surfaces. Buildings pulling and pushing scent, pools and virtual rivers of scent along and crossing the track, and so on. You and your dog will be facing an almost unending list of potential scenting and surface problems for your dog to decipher and solve.
These are also the learning tools that he must master in order to successfully negotiate urban tracks. You, as the other half of the team, must continually motivate and challenge your dog to give better and better performances on the individual components to allow him to solve the problems and train you in his tracking style and body language so that both of you, operating as a team, can work together along the track.
Your advanced training will take you into areas of socialization with your dog not normally seen in tracking. Additionally having your dog understand a few basic obedience commands may someday help both of you negotiate one or more of the following situations you may find on your urban track.
For your track to start in a contaminated area next to the exhibitor parking area.
For halting your dog to allow traffic to pass or pedestrians to talk to or pet your dog.
For crossing roads or parking lots with moving traffic.
For your track to run down a sidewalk or road while dodging pedestrians or moving traffic.
For your track to run up to building entrances, stairways, wheelchair ramps or other such public areas around buildings.
For your dog to be approached by strangers wanting to pet him, ask directions or distract you and your dog with questions about what you are doing.
For your track to run through sprinklers, standing water at curbs, or water running across a parking lot or street.
For your track to turn at chain link fences, buildings or sidewalks.
For your track to cross or turn on mulch, grass, gravel or stone islands in or near parking lots.
For your track to run between parked cars and moving traffic.
For your track to run through a "tunnel" of buildings and/or fencing.
Remember, VST is the most difficult of all of the tracking titles. As you work with your dog, always evaluate your own performance as well as that of your dog. Be critical of yourself and your dog’s behavior. If your dog is having a problem with a specific component or lesson plan, do not be afraid to step back in your training to implement easier components. This will help build up your dog’s enthusiasm and motivation.
Don’t forget … Make it fun! Stop often to play and motivate your dog. Utilize clickers, toys, food and praise to keep your dog working. Keep both of your spirits high and you will be successful.
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