Tracking Classes

Tracking I, II, III: Each class is limited 3-5 students. Contact Sue at 815-590-8008 to for time and location.

Tracking I: INTRODUCTION TO TRACKING: This four-week course covers the fundamentals of tracking. We define terms like air scenting, trailing, track laying, etc. We review the equipment. We teach you how to lay tracks and how to read your dog. This course is a good way to know if you and your dog want to move to the next level. Requirements: New clients must bring shot records. Puppies should be over 10 months. You must have basic control over your dog.

Tracking II: TRACK LAYING: This course is for graduates of the Intro class. We add new substrates and refine your handling skills. Requirements: Knowledge of track laying, documentation, and weather conditions.

Tracking III: FIELD TRAINING: This is a proofing course for advanced dog/handler teams. Requirements: 300 hours of tracking. Professional SAR or K9.

Tracking is an excellent way to spend time with your dog. If you enjoy the outdoors and playing with your dog, tracking may be for you. Dogs love it. I have trained 2 patrol dogs (German Shepherds) for tracking and article recovery. I have trained several dogs for cadaver and live finds. I taught Schutzhund tracking for Mittelwest Kennels (Seiger show winner 2006) for 2 years. Unless you plan to compete in foot-step tracking, I don't train using that method.

9 out of 10 dogs can track!

Teach your puppy how to play hide and seek. Look at the joy in his face when he finds you.

The first patrol dog I trained, K-9 Dundee (Warren County) tracked a burglar from the scene of the crime 13 urban blocks to the backdoor of a house. The officers blasted thought the door and found the criminal counting the money at his kitchen table. K-9 Dundee backtracked and recovered the gun in the bushes. The track was over one hour old, was contaminated, and there were 3 surface changes (pavement, grass, concrete).