At the beginning and end of each tracking training session, it is a good idea to talk about or write in a journal about problems and goals. At the end of a session, discuss or write about the problems the dog had. At the beginning of the next session, remind yourself what changes need to be made. An example of this would be a severe change in weather conditions from what the dog has been used to. If a particular condition has caused the dog to have a problem, then wait until that condition no longer exists. A difficult track on a hot, sunny, windy day for example, might lead you to make sure the next tracking session is in the cool morning or evening, perhaps even after a period of moisture. This doesn't mean you can't go back to hot, dry conditions; it only means you shouldn't repeatedly train in such difficult conditions.

Recognizing tracking problems and solving them is both an art and a science. It is an art because you have to be constantly on the lookout for subtle signals your dog gives. These signals may have more to do with your close personal bond with the dog than anything really obvious to others. It is also a science because you need to apply a rational, well-thought-out strategy to the problem at hand. This involves considering what information you have, considering your options carefully and deciding on a specific course of action. The most important thing in problem-solving is to be flexible, and only continue doing those things that work.

By carefully observing your dog, planning for conditions you expect at a tracking test and learning along with your dog what works (as well as what doesn't), you can minimize the long term effects of most training problems.

SoftMaple Ringlets Jet-Setter

Swiper doing some Tracking in Sweden

6 November 2006 Swiper, SoftMaple Ringlets Jet-Setter, has passed his bloodtracking degree and is now ready for the open class.

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U-AG1 SoftMaple Frolick In The Wind NJC, TN-N

1/15/2006 Gambol passed her certification track.

Sarah and Gambol

Softmaple Cimramin Journeyman FIN42248/05, Lonkat/Hips: B/B, eyes: OK, GSD IIIa NORMAL

6/2/2006 Softmaple Cimramin Journeyman passed his working test in Finland
To pass the working test, you have to also pass the tracking or Blood Trail part of the test.

Finland's Retriever Association Retrieving test: The natural ability to retrieve is tested. The dogs need not to be trained or retrieve to hand but must work with some cooperation with the handler. Minimum age is 8 months. Variety of small game and fowl may be used but normally seagulls, crows and rabbits are used. One of the four sections of the test comprises a Tracking Section. Tracking section. If the dog has passed the first sections, a trail of some 80 meters long is made in woodland using a dead rabbit. This tests the ability of the dog to enter the terrain deep enough to find the rabbit and retrieve it.

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