2007 Tracking Introduction Day Summary Report

Submitted by admin on Sat, 26/01/2008 - 5:44pm.

Weimaraner Club of Victoria

Tracking Introduction Report 2007 

 

The Club ran an “Introduction to Tracking” day on July 29th 2007 at the You Yang State Park. The day was declared a great success by all fourteen that attended, five instructors and seven participants.                                                                        

After a coffee and welcome by the Instructing Team the training commenced with the following activities undertaken and covered in detail.

  1. Harness and Leads: Discussions, demonstration and practice on correct fitting of harness, leads, lead rolling and throwing. Also different types of harnesses. 
  2. Following Your Dog: Discussion and demonstration on getting your dog started, letting out the lead and following your dog.
  3. The Track: Review and walk a simple track, learn to follow a map and discuss the role of the tracklayer
  4. Training Your Dog to Track: Getting started, laying treats, finding and indicating articles. Treats for the track layer and for your dog.
  5. Observing a dog in action: When is a dog tracking and when is it hunting.
  6. The next Step: Overview of the Tracking Qualifying Test and the next six stages to become a tracking champion.

The weather was kind, as the rain and wind stayed away. Fortunately during the map making and reading we managed not to loose anyone, the top map maker on the day was Gary Palise.

On completion of the training a BBQ lunch was provided and we were pleased to see everyone stay for general discussion around a friendly cuppa.

A number of participants were keen to get their dogs started and can not wait for our mini tracking trial which we are considering.

Thanks goes to all the Instructors for giving up their time and assisting in making this day a success. Also to Anne and Kevin for donating and running the raffle and for those members who came along.

The committee has proposed that we hold another morning tracking introduction day which will be followed by a tracking afternoon in 2008.

The Club has also compiled a hand out called “Introduction to Tracking” this is to be made available via the Club website and can also be made available on request.

Bern Evertsen

Tracking Introduction Day Co-Coordinator.