German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and incredible work ethic. These traits make them excellent candidates for various activities, and tracking is one of the most rewarding. Tracking taps into their natural scenting abilities, providing mental stimulation and strengthening the bond between you and your dog. This guide will walk you through the process of teaching your German Shepherd to track, using proven methods and techniques.
Why Tracking is Great for German Shepherds
- Taps into Natural Instincts: Tracking allows your German Shepherd to utilize their powerful sense of smell, which is an innate ability.
- Provides Mental Stimulation: Tracking challenges your dog’s mind, preventing boredom and promoting cognitive health.
- Strengthens the Bond: Working together on tracking exercises enhances communication and trust between you and your dog.
- Offers Physical Exercise: Tracking involves physical activity, helping your dog stay in shape.
- Versatile Activity: Tracking can be done in various environments, providing endless opportunities for training and fun.
Essential Equipment for Tracking
Before you begin, gather the necessary equipment:
- Harness: A comfortable and well-fitting harness is essential for tracking.
- Tracking Lead: A 20-to-40 foot lead allows your dog freedom to follow the scent while maintaining control.
- Flags: Flags are used to mark the beginning and end of the track.
- Scent Articles: These are items with the target scent, used to start the track.
- Treats: High-value treats are crucial for rewarding your dog during training.
- Deer Scent (Optional): For deer tracking, deer blood or hide can be used.
Method 1: The Scent Trails Method
This method is highly recommended for beginners as it gradually introduces your German Shepherd to tracking using food and deer scent.
Step 1: Create a Scent Trail with Food
- Take your German Shepherd to an open, grassy area.
- Grind soft treats into the ground with your shoe to create a trail.
- Walk between the treats to create a scent trail.
Step 2: Direct Along the Trail
- Allow your dog to explore and locate the treat trail.
- Praise your dog as they follow the trail.
- Ignore any mistakes or deviations from the trail.
Step 3: Pair Food with Deer Scent
- Replace treats with deer scent on a drag or deer hide to create a trail.
- Initially, plant treats along the trail to associate the familiar scent with the deer scent.
Step 4: Reward Successful Tracking
- Gradually remove the treats and have your dog follow the deer scent alone.
- Praise and reward your dog when they successfully reach the end of the scent trail.
Step 5: Add a Signal
- Teach your dog to signal you upon locating the drag item at the end of the trail by teaching them to speak on command.
- Provide the ‘Speak’ command when you locate the end of the scent trail, then reward.
- Gradually stop providing the ‘Speak’ command and wait until your dog barks to signal you at the end of the scent trail, then reward.
Method 2: The Deer Blood Method
This method uses deer blood to create a strong scent trail for your German Shepherd to follow.
Step 1: Introduce Deer Blood
- Pour deer blood onto a sponge and present it to your German Shepherd.
- Give your dog a treat when they investigate the deer blood to create a positive association. Repeat often.
Step 2: Create a Simple Trail
- Create a deer blood scent trail by pouring deer blood in a straight line, about fifteen to twenty feet long.
- Place a deer hide at the end of the trail.
Step 3: Encourage Scenting the Trail
- Take your German Shepherd on a leash along the blood trail.
- Encourage your dog, allowing them to sniff and investigate the trail.
- Take your time during this process.
Step 4: Reward Locating the Drag Item
- Praise your dog when you reach the end of the trail.
- Reward them with a treat or playtime with the deer hide.
Step 5: Add Complexity and Signal
- Make subsequent blood trails more complicated by introducing longer, winding, and interrupted trails.
- Let your dog locate and follow the trails off-leash, providing direction and guidance.
- Ask your dog to ‘Speak’ at the end of the trail before rewarding them with playtime with the deer hide.
Method 3: The Learn by Doing Method
This method involves training with another experienced tracking dog to help your German Shepherd learn.
Step 1: Explore Terrain
- Take your German Shepherd out in hunting areas and wilderness to acclimate them to rough terrain.
- Ensure they are in good physical condition.
Step 2: Introduce a Hunting Companion
- Introduce your German Shepherd to another deer tracking dog.
- Scenting breeds like hounds may be more commonly used for following scent trails.
- Ensure that the dogs are well-socialized and familiar with each other before initiating work.
Step 3: Create a Scent Trail or Locate a Wild Trail
- Take the dogs to an area with deer and deer trails with scent, or create a scent trail with a drag prior to allowing dogs into the area.
- Maintain control of the situation as much as possible.
Step 4: Generate Interest
- Allow the experienced dog to locate and follow the deer scent.
- Your German Shepherd trainee will take cues and interest from the other dog and follow.
Step 5: Reinforce Finding Deer
- Practice and reward the location of deer or planted deer hide with lots of praise and affection.
- Repeat often to reinforce the behavior so that it is reliable.
General Tips for Successful Tracking Training
- Start Early: Begin training when your German Shepherd is a puppy to establish good habits.
- Keep it Positive: Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to motivate your dog.
- Be Consistent: Regular training sessions are essential for progress.
- Be Patient: Tracking takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks.
- End on a Positive Note: Always finish training sessions with a successful find to keep your dog motivated.
- Vary the Terrain: As your dog progresses, introduce different terrains and environments to challenge them.
- Use Leather Dog Booties: Protect your dog’s feet when tracking over rough terrain.
Advanced Tracking Techniques
Once your German Shepherd has mastered the basics, you can introduce more advanced techniques to further challenge them:
- Increase Track Length: Gradually increase the length of the tracks to test your dog’s endurance.
- Add Curves and Obstacles: Incorporate curves, turns, and obstacles into the track to make it more complex.
- Introduce Unknown Subjects: Use scent articles from unfamiliar people to simulate real-life tracking scenarios.
- Night Tracking: Train your dog to track in low-light conditions to enhance their skills.
The Power of Persuasive Language in Training
Using persuasive language can also help enhance your training. When giving commands, be clear and specific. Use simple, yet effective words to motivate your dog. For example, instead of saying “look over there,” try “find it!” This can make your dog more responsive and eager to please.
Final Thoughts
Teaching your German Shepherd to track is a rewarding experience that strengthens your bond and provides valuable mental and physical stimulation. By following these methods and tips, you can unleash your dog’s inner tracker and enjoy the many benefits of this exciting activity. Remember to be patient, consistent, and always keep the training positive.