Are you the proud owner of a Doberman? If so, have you ever considered putting them through tracking training? It’s a great way for your four-legged friend to exercise their natural mind and body instincts. Tracking offers mental stimulation as well as physical challenges that can keep both of you entertained and growing together in your bond.
Not sure how to get started with enrolling your pup in tracking classes? No problem! Keep reading – we’ll break down everything from what kind of gear is necessary to what other owners recommend when it comes to this fun sport:
- Start by researching the type of tracking classes available in your area. There are a variety of options out there, including beginner and advanced levels.
- Gather the necessary gear. You’ll need a tracking harness for your pup and some long-line leashes to participate. Don’t forget treats, lots of water, and a few toys to keep your canine companion motivated.
- Talk to other owners. Ask around, or find an online community centered around tracking activities with Dobermans. This can be a great way to get advice and tips from experienced dog owners who can provide additional insight into the sport.
- Get started! Once you’ve done your research, gathered your supplies, and talked with other owners – it’s time to start tracking! Make sure to take things slowly at first, and then gradually build up the difficulty as your pup progresses through the classes.
How do I get my dog into tracking?
Tracking with your pup can be a great way to bond and keep them mentally and physically challenged. The best way to begin teaching your pup tracking is by familiarizing themselves with the process in small steps.
Start by letting them watch you lay down a track – this will allow them to become comfortable with the entire process. Next, try training at a distance where they can follow your scent, then start making it progressively harder as they learn. Make sure you reward good behavior with treats or lots of praise.
Don’t forget that patience is key – the more comfortable your dog feels when learning, the faster they’ll pick up on what you’re trying to teach them. Once your pooch has developed this skill, tracking can be an excellent activity for both of you – leading to countless days spent outdoors in nature!
Are Dobermans good for tracking?
Dobermans are a highly-intelligent breed of dog, and because of their keen sense of smell and determination to succeed, they’re excellent choices for tracking. They’re also incredibly loyal and eager to please, which makes training more straightforward.
For tracking tasks like missing animals or people in the wilderness, nothing beats the combination of intelligence, alertness, and focus that a Doberman can offer in such a situation. Plus, their impressive size can be useful depending on the environment – why not let one join the team?
What are the commands for tracking dogs?
Training a dog to track scents is incredibly rewarding and can open up exciting opportunities to explore the world from their nose. Commands are essential when teaching dogs to follow a scent, which often means having a few words that they understand to give them direction.
Popular commands used for tracking dogs include ‘search’ to indicate when they have begun their work, ‘right’ and ‘left’ to direct them around turns in the path, and ‘follow’ when you need them to stay on the trail. There are also subtle commands like commanding them to move forward more slowly or speed up depending on the terrain they’re navigating.
With solid commands that your dog can rely on every time, you will be able to rest assured that your four-legged companion will always be following their nose in the right direction!
Conclusion: How to enroll a Doberman in tracking training
Overall, if enrolling your Doberman in tracking training seems daunting, remember that it is a huge undertaking that can be very rewarding. Not only do you and your pup grow closer through the lessons they learn, but the skills they receive will last a lifetime.
Don’t forget to set realistic goals for yourself and your pup—start small with an informal tracker at home, before launching into certified events. Stay positive, stay motivated, and stay connected with your pup throughout this lifelong journey of tracking together!
At the end of the day, whether you or your pup are superstars of tracking or not—know that it won’t diminish the strong connection you have built while teaching them this skill set. So, get out there and find success in training your Doberman by first carefully considering all of these steps to ensure a smooth journey along the way.
