Introduction to trailing/tracking (Sat)

Service Description

- What is trailing? Trailing is where dogs follow a trail of human scent - a chance for your dog to use their nose and brain in the way they were built to. Watching your dog gain confidence as their skills increase - navigating environments from rural to city centre, following their nose, problem solving, working with you - is an incredibly satisfying feeling and and the benefits to your dog will speak for themselves. ● Mantrailing: The dog finds a person at the end of the trail. ● Tracking: The dog finds items along the trail. Trailing is the best of both worlds. By teaching elements of both it gives more flexibility - to adapt to your dog's natural style, build specific skills, accommodate quirks or physical limitations and keep things genuinely enjoyable for both of you. In short, trailing gives us more tools in the tool box. - What to expect from this course? In this 2-part course we will cover: ● What trailing is (elements from both mantrailing and tracking) ● To follow a human trail with your dog ● What motivates and drives your dog ● How to progress your dog on after the course - What are the benefits of trailing? ● Tires your dog out more efficiently than physical exercise alone - a mentally stimulated dog is a calmer dog ● Works natural instincts in a controlled, positive way ● Sniffing boosts optimism, curiosity, decision-making and emotional regulation ● Gives your dog a job to do - and you a shared purpose - Is this suitable for nervous or reactive dogs? Yes. Although it's a group session, dogs are worked one at a time. By using tracking, we can also remove the person element by not having a trail layer at the end. Some locations will be more suited than others depending on how reactive your dog is; if in doubt, get in touch (woof@talkbark.co) to discuss). - What equipment will you need? Please bring a harness for your dog to wear that it can pull in without affecting movement (preferably a y-shaped harness). You will also need a long line between 8 and 10 metres (I have spares to borrow). Your dog should arrive with a collar on and be wearing it all times. - How long are these sessions? They're between 2.5-3 hours long.