Nosework and Tracking? - Page 1

Good morning! I signed my puppy up for a puppy nosework class. But, then I got to thinking....I wonder if any nosework training will negatively impact training for a future AKC tracking title. I am guessing nosework is more air scenting and, of course, tracking is track scenting.

I joined a tracking club last year and enjoyed the tracking training. I am going to try to title my bitch and eventually her daughter. However, anyone have experience with doing nosework first and then moving to tracking and did it negatively impact the tracking training? Thanks in advance!

In AKC the dogs are allowed to air scent some. On top of that, the context between nose work and tracking is usually very different (indoor and outdoor) and the dog should be able to distinguish between the two. If you're looking for your AKC track to look a bit more like a correct IPO track, nose work will definitely affect that because the dog will for sure pick up it's head at some point, but in AKC that doesn't matter so I wouldn't worry about it.

Thank you! I sent an email to my tracking club but it's winter and during holiday season so, understandably, haven't heard back yet. My club is pretty old school and the dogs track nose down in track...now I'm worried. :-(

You shouldn't have any problem in Cross Training...The only problem would be if you're planning on having a dog that is in Higher level type work...I mean like having your dog be perfect at one...because they will fall back onto other training at some point...But I'd say have fun and enjoy your dog...

~Bob~

I use different commands for different styles. For example, I use "such" for schutzhund tracking, and train it accordingly. When doing searching, I use the term "find" and the dog is allowed to freestyle his nose/scent detection method. I use "find" everyday around the property when the dog has to find his ball that was thrown or placed in the bush, or now, in the snow. The dog knows the difference between the command to footstep-track and the freestyle method, so if you use different teaching methods and commands it shouldn't be a problem. Dogs are associative learners, and as long as you teach them to associate a certain command with the desired action you shouldn't have issues with "cross-training".

Here is an example of a "freestyle" find on the property.  While he was kenneled, I hid his ball on top of a rock (under some moss) and waited for 25 min. before starting his search.   The flexi-lead was part of the experiment as I haven't had him on it since he was a pup.    He did a combination of tracking and trailing to closely follow my path to his ball.     Not a long track but a successful one.   

https://youtu.be/UQvhuX0ufwM

 

I am training my puppy in both tracking (IPO) and nosework. I did start with tracking and waited several months before stating nosework with her. She isn't having any problems with knowing the difference between them and is doing well at each. I do use different commands for each.

I know plenty of dogs that do both. They are very different environments, the dog usually can tell. A lot of people use different harnesses, leashes or signals to notify their dog what the task at hand is.
Vonrivera

Dogs are animals that are great at "Associating" things...A type of collar for this...A particular type lead for that...
Schutzhund Tracking is an Obedience Routine (When it comes down to it)...Trailing is different and is more Natural...
Dogs Normal way of finding things is to use all of their senses to locate something...
In Schutzhund Tracking you're just limiting their choices in how to find something...

~Bob~

When teaching a police K-9 class I start tracking first and once he is proficient in locating the quarry I then introduce open areas and building search which mostly requires working with his nose high looking for mostly airborne scent.

"Seek" plus placing on the harness are cues we will be tracking a bad guy. "Find em" while being held by the collar and announcing a verbal warning are the cues used to air scent for the perp in open areas such as large fields, yards, and buildings.

Once he is tracking proficiently there should be no problems with nose work.

Thank you SO much, everybody! Great information!!

Koots thanks for the video!

I talked to the nosework instructor at my obedience class last night. She did say she tracked first and then did nosework. She also reiterated the theme you all mentioned about using different commands and equipment. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experiences. This is the Forum at its best!!! Hope you all have a wonderful New Year!!!