What reviewers are saying...

DOG WORLD

A book about training tracking skills to just-weaned puppies might seem surprising at first, but Carolyn A. Krause reasons, that it's the perfect age to teach independent thinking. By 7 weeks of age, a puppy's computer is totally switched on, but his brain is not cluttered with learned behavior," She writes. "He can learn more easily now than at any time in his life." The author's own Dalmatian bitch earned her tracking certification at 12 weeks old, after only four weeks of training. The pup went on to earn her Tracking Dog title on her 6-month birthday, in windy, freezing conditions in which four adult dogs didn't pass. Try Tracking has two declared goals. First, to train both dog and handler to the level of a TD title, including not only dog training methods, but also handling skills. Second, Krause seeks to lay out coursework for readers to follow independently. In most cases, not even an assistant is required. One of the most important keys is the handler's knowing where is the track is—a deceptively difficult task. One chapter is devoted to the theory of laying tracks, placing flags, and making maps. Other invaluable skills, such as reading your dog, line handling, equipment selection, keeping a tracking diary, and evaluating weather and land conditions, are also discussed. For handlers seriously interested in earning a TD, Krause recommends a strong commitment—up to six days a week for the fist four weeks of training—to build a solid foundation. Depending on the age of the track, this can require anywhere from 15 minutes to more than two hours per lesson. The six week lesson plan includes daily tracks as well as tips, cautions, and challenges for each week. This primer, small enough to tuck into a tracking bag, will find a devoted audience among performance-minded puppy owners. Even those with older dogs may find the techniques useful, as the final chapter is devoted specifically to the training, motivation, and encouragement required for adults. Rebecca Morse

NORTHSHORE NEWS

Dogs come equipped with an extremely powerful ability. They all can smell hundreds of times better than humans can. It is how they relate to the world and as pet owners it is something that can be used in your relationship with your dog. All dogs can track. Tracking involves following a ground scent left along a route. This is something that can be done with dogs of any age, although an older dog may need a bit more patience at first. Author Carolyn Krause describes it as"great fun for both you and your puppy. For you, it offers a window into the mind of the dog.