Tracking
Tracking is a natural instinct that all dogs possess. Over the years man has learnt to use this instinct in a number of ways. These include anything from sniffing out drugs at the airport to tracking the criminal across the countryside.
There is nothing better to see how a dog can follow the footsteps of a tracklayer across a field and getting his just reward at the end of the track.
Through our tracking courses, we want to just teach you and your dog to track. We want to nurture that bond that you will develop from working as a team. You will also team up with other handlers in class so that your dogs will have a variety of scents to track. Also by working with other class members you will find it becomes more of a shared learning experience.
The Tracking Academy
Our academy offering includes a number of courses. Each course includes five two-hour lessons.
Our aim is to not just show you how to get your dog tracking but to help you build an understanding of why your dog is doing what he does.
All you need to bring along is your dog, a harness, high-value food rewards, favourite toy, poo bags and normal lead. We will help you build a bond with your dog and let you both gain the necessary information to make a successful tracking team.
Tracking Academy Courses
All courses comprise of five lessons each of two hours duration. The courses are held in various locations in Canterbury. Click on any of the courses below to get in touch and discuss how our Tracking Academy courses can help you.
Alpha Course
5 x 2 hour Lessons – £100*
Our beginners course includes one theory lesson where we have no dogs and we explain how dogs noses work.
We talk through canine body language and what to look for as the dog is working. Other subjects include line handling, environmental considerations, simple track laying and recording.
This will give you the foundation to build on for all of our other tracking courses.
We will start our practical lessons with scent squares and move onto varying straight tracks raising and lowering criteria to suit the individual teams.
The later lessons will incorporate turns in the track.
Beta Course
5 x 2 hour Lessons – £100*
This course builds on the work of ALPHA introducing more turns and open boxes.
We also look at the effect of time on a track (aged).
Gamma Course
5 x 2 hour Lessons – £100*
We introduce articles on the track. Much more complex track layouts.
Also more challenging environments. Including cross tracks if appropriate.
Delta Course
5 x 2 hour Lessons – £100*
With this course, we bring together all the elements that we have learnt previously. It will also include person search.
The last lesson will culminate in a short competition with prizes.
Advanced Course
5 x 2 hour Lessons – £100*
This course will be for the serious tracker.
We will introduce hard surface tracking and area searches with indication.
*All fees payable in advance