When to start training for tracking?

10838 Views 11 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Kirska, Apr 28, 2011

Geekerbell

Discussion Starter · Apr 25, 2011

I am just starting to read up on tracking and it looks like something I would really like to get Molly and I involved in. She is currently 3 months old, and I have only found a couple of classes and seminars in my area (Austin, TX). Most of them require the dog to be minimum of 6 months old to take the class or participate in the seminar.
are there things I can do to start preparing her before that time?

Thanks so much!

Laura and Molly

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Mikey T

· #2 · Apr 25, 2011

I would highly suggest for a 3 month old a puppy kindergarten class the includes both socialization and manners type training. ie coming when called amid distraction of other puppies etc.

also the biggest obstacle in training basset imho is impulse control so exercises that emphysizes impulse control at an early age are always good

such as teaching bite inhibition

Crate Games for Self-Control & Motivation DVD

Guidelines for Teaching Self Control

scent games

and if you have not already done so check out the tracking articles on this site
Craig Green's Tracking Articles

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Geekerbell

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 25, 2011

As always, you are a wonderful information source! We are in puppy class, and I have started doing the "It's Yer Choice" game with Molly after seeing a link to it last week.
But the other information, including the tracking articles on this site, are new to me.
There is sooo much information - thanks again for helping me find it!

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Kirska

· #4 · Apr 25, 2011

Austin is a great city for dog life. If she is already in a puppy class, that's good. You can try the Pawsitively Texas website/Facebook page. You can do a member search on the website to find trainers in Texas. PawsitivelyTexas.net - A Social Network for Dog & Cat Owners, Advocates, and Animal Rescues - Join Us! If you ask on the facebook page you might get an answer, too.

Completely unrelated there is a basset hound shuffle in DFW for the North Texas Basset Rescue on October 29 this year. Welcome to North Texas Basset Hound Rescue, Inc. Not often that Texas people stop by so I can't help but advertise it.

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Soundtrack

· #5 · Apr 25, 2011

I believe there are quite a few people in TX who track with bassets. You might want to contact your local basset hound club to see if any of them are near you.

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Geekerbell

Discussion Starter · #6 · Apr 26, 2011

Kirska said:
Austin is a great city for dog life. If she is already in a puppy class, that's good. You can try the Pawsitively Texas website/Facebook page. You can do a member search on the website to find trainers in Texas. PawsitivelyTexas.net - A Social Network for Dog & Cat Owners, Advocates, and Animal Rescues - Join Us! If you ask on the facebook page you might get an answer, too.

Completely unrelated there is a basset hound shuffle in DFW for the North Texas Basset Rescue on October 29 this year. Welcome to North Texas Basset Hound Rescue, Inc. Not often that Texas people stop by so I can't help but advertise it.

Thanks for the information and FB link. I will check it out.
Also, I did see the Basset Hound shuffle info and plan to go. My family lives in the Fort Worth area (Aledo), so we are up there often.

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Geekerbell

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 26, 2011

Soundtrack said:
I believe there are quite a few people in TX who track with bassets. You might want to contact your local basset hound club to see if any of them are near you.

Thanks, I will check. So far I have not found any tracking clubs, but will inquire with some of the basset clubs I have found in the state.

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Betsy Iole

· #8 · Apr 26, 2011

I start my puppies tracking as soon as they come home, between 10-12 weeks or so. There's a group of basset trackers in the Fort Worth area that gets together pretty much weekly. PM me if you're *that* interested.

Here's a book that I like quite a bit, especially for puppies:
Enthusiastic Tracking: A Step by Step Training Handbook by William 'Sil' Sanders.

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Geekerbell

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 26, 2011

Betsy Iole said:
I start my puppies tracking as soon as they come home, between 10-12 weeks or so. There's a group of basset trackers in the Fort Worth area that gets together pretty much weekly. PM me if you're *that* interested.

Here's a book that I like quite a bit, especially for puppies:
Enthusiastic Tracking: A Step by Step Training Handbook by William 'Sil' Sanders.

Ok, I ordered the book and PM'd you.

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Kirska

· #10 · Apr 26, 2011

Awesome hopefully I will be able to go this year and see you there. I suspect we may have to buy Anabelle a wagon. Might not be completely unrelated actually since there are usually training demonstrations. Last year there was an obedience and tracking demonstration at 9 AM.

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Betsy Iole

· #11 · Apr 26, 2011

Contact info PM'd back to you.

Also wanted to mention a caveat about the Enthusiastic Tracking method...it uses a lot of food on starter tracks. For short tracks with no age, this is probably okay. My understanding is that trackers in fire ant regions (includes TX) don't use food on tracks once there's any length or age involved, so keep an eye out!

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Kirska

· #12 · Apr 28, 2011

Here is a rescue in Austin: About Basset Hounds and HHBR

The folks there might be able to give you more info on local basset activities (lots of basset lovers involved).

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