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by alkster2002 on 04 April 2011 - 00:04
I have used the scent pad literally once or twice with many dogs over the years and for myself I cannot see a significant value in that method .. straight line track right from the very start ..................... Greg
by poseidon on 04 April 2011 - 01:04
From my understanding of scent pads, they can also be used to say "slow down" dogs that rushes through the start point.
by Sunsilver on 06 April 2011 - 15:04
In AKC/CKC style tracking, scent pads are ALWAYS used at the start of the track. However, I can't really see them as being necessary. Most of the time, my dogs already have their nose well into the scent before they even reach the start flag.
by Slamdunc on 06 April 2011 - 17:04
I use scent circles for SchH style tracking to teach new dogs, usually pups to distinguish between crushed vegetation and undisturbed vegetation. I usually set up 3 in one session and will do this for several sessions. I am looking for the dog to leave the scent circle and "head snap" back into the area of crushed vegetation. I watch for this reaction then I connect the circles with a little tail or short serpentine track. Then I start serpentines, I wait a while before going to straight tracks.
I really like scent circles and do them with pups as the beginning foundation for SchH tracking.
Jim
I really like scent circles and do them with pups as the beginning foundation for SchH tracking.
Jim
by poseidon on 06 April 2011 - 19:04
Slamdunc,
What are scent circles? Are they different to scent pads?
What are scent circles? Are they different to scent pads?
by Slamdunc on 06 April 2011 - 19:04
Poseidon,
They are similar to a scent box, only a 4 foot or so diameter circle that is completely trampled and food is tossed in randomly. A scent pad is much smaller and used to designate the start of the track. The scent circle or scent box (a square area) teaches the puppy to search the crushed vegetation to find the reward. When the puppy ventures out of the scent circle or box it will quickly distinguish the difference between the crushed vegetation and the pristine or non crushed vegetation. This can be done in dirt as well as grass. Once the puppy ventures out of the circle he will not find his reward and make the connection that where there is ground disturbance he finds his reward and will head back into the circle. The key is to let the puppy problem solve on his own and not to help or talk to the puppy while doing this.
After a few sessions the pup will hit the edge of the circle and not leave it, turning back into the scent area and continue to work. Once, the pup understands the concept of the crushed ground disturbance yields his reward, then I start serpentines.
Jim
They are similar to a scent box, only a 4 foot or so diameter circle that is completely trampled and food is tossed in randomly. A scent pad is much smaller and used to designate the start of the track. The scent circle or scent box (a square area) teaches the puppy to search the crushed vegetation to find the reward. When the puppy ventures out of the scent circle or box it will quickly distinguish the difference between the crushed vegetation and the pristine or non crushed vegetation. This can be done in dirt as well as grass. Once the puppy ventures out of the circle he will not find his reward and make the connection that where there is ground disturbance he finds his reward and will head back into the circle. The key is to let the puppy problem solve on his own and not to help or talk to the puppy while doing this.
After a few sessions the pup will hit the edge of the circle and not leave it, turning back into the scent area and continue to work. Once, the pup understands the concept of the crushed ground disturbance yields his reward, then I start serpentines.
Jim
by poseidon on 06 April 2011 - 21:04
OK. Thank you Slamdunc for your detailed explaination.
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