TRACKING Demo and Practice Workshop

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Scent Tracking is similar to those skills required for Search & Rescue. Tracking is a sport in which every dog regardless of size, age, temperament, previous training (or none at all) can fully participate. There are no previous training requirements for either the dog or handler.

On the second Saturday of both February and March, we will offer introductory training and practice sessions in which to further introduce this exciting sport. We will begin the workshops with demonstrations by your Organizers, Tiff and Jennifer. Following the demos, we will teach participants how to train your own dogs to track. Each of you will have the chance to try tracking and, as time permits, everyone should have the chance to do this several times. There is no time limit and the Organizers are willing to continue assisting members for as long as there is interest.

Members are welcome to RSVP for one or both of these workshops. Though much of the information will be repeated at the March session, the more times that you attempt to track, the faster you and your dog will progress. You are encouraged to come to both of the scheduled sessions although just one will give you enough information to be able to practice tracking at home.

Each participant will need to bring with them a few items that will be needed for Tracking.

Harness - Well fitting (snug) with a ring on the top of the back (not at the neck) to attach the leash. The "easy walk" harness and other styles that are designed to prevent your dog from pulling are not appropriate for tracking. 20 Foot Leash - This can be purchased or made from a length of rope with attached buckle. If you choose to continue in this sport, you will eventually need a 40 foot leash/rope. Two Fabric Articles - The first (usually an old sock) is placed at the beginning of the track and the second (most often a glove) will be at at the end. A washcloth or other small piece of fabric can be used instead of the sock and glove. Treats -These should be treats that are a bit more alluring than those that you normally use. Pieces of hot dogs or cheese can work well but commercial treats can also be used. When you arrive at FairPlay, do not let your dogs run free or enter the fields as there will already be demonstration tracks laid. Keep your regular collar on your dog and switch to the harness when it is your turn to track. If your dog will be difficult to manage while waiting his/her turn to track, the temperatures should be cool enough that your dog can wait in your vehicle until the demonstrations have been completed. There will also be a few crates available for your use if you do not have one of your own.

Following the demonstrations by your Organizers, everyone will have the opportunity to also try to Track (probably many times). Following the Tracking, there will be a chance for Off Leash Play In The Fields. This free play time will only be available to those who came to participate in the Tracking portion of these events and will not be open to the entire Meetup membership.

As always with our events, friends and family are welcome to join us. As there will be a limited number of openings available, please only RSVP for just yourself unless your guest will also be bringing a dog and participating in the Tracking.

As the weather warms to become more accommodating, we will offer a series of Tracking events to which there will be a fee charged. Therefore, it is suggested that members come to one or both of these free sessions in February and March. These should serve to assist you with deciding if these workshops are something that you are willing to financially commit to in the future.

Now for the usual information included in every Dog THAF event description:

The evening prior to the event, specific directions to the location will be sent to everyone who RSVPd "Yes" to attend.

Water will be available in buckets (and, weather permitting, little kiddie pools) for thirsty and hot dogs.

A small donation will be accepted from those Dog THAF Members who choose to assist with the fees charged by Meetup to Organizers. Donations are much appreciated but completely voluntary and everyone is welcome to attend whether or not you wish to make a donation.

All dogs should be in healthy condition at each of our Meetup events. If your canine is showing any sign of illness on the day that we are scheduled to Meetup, please do not have your doggie attend! This includes vomiting, diarrhea, or listlessness. Also do not attend if your canine is not up-to-date with routine veterinary care and vaccinations. If your dog shows ANY sign of illness or has been in contact with any ill canine within the previous week, please do not bring him/her to this Meetup.

Your canine should have been recently dewormed or have had a veterinarian perform a fecal analysis to prove that he/she is free of parasites. If your dog should defecate in one of the fields at Tiff's, there is no need to clean up if it happens to be a distance from the action. Droppings in the yard or driveway should be picked up. Bring plastic bags to do this and - please! - help out the rest of us with this chore! There will be plastic trash bags hung from the fences near the gates to the fields in which to dispose of your full plastic bags.

Participation in any activity with the Dog Training Hiking And Fun Meetup is at your own risk. To the fullest extent allowed by law, all participants waive any claims against, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Dog Training Hiking And Fun Meetup group, it's organizers, affiliates, employees, officers, directors and contractors from all claims of liability of every type (including court costs and legal fees) for injury or death to any person or dog or for damage to property arising out of or relating to your participation as a member. This agreement applies to you, your dog(s) and to any other party who may accompany you in these endeavors.