Fun Games to Play with Your Dog: Tracking

If you are looking for a great way to spend some time with your dog, why not try some tracking? Dogs have wonderful noses and tracking games are universal for all breeds. While some may be more naturally inclined than others, dogs of all breed, shape and size can have a great time tracking. Best of all, it’s easy to teach and play with.

Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Find a clear area and teach your dog his “Treat Path”

Start out in a fresh, clean area like a mowed lawn. If you have a dog who’s extremely distracted, you may want to start inside the house. Try to find an area that’s as lightly traveled as possible.

• Have your dog sit and watch you as you set up the game
• Take 5 treats and working in a straight line, place one about every foot
• 1 foot after the last treat, place a jackpot pile (4 or 5 treats), a special treat like a chunk of steak or your dog’s favorite toy if they are toy motivated
• With your dog on leash, take them to the first treat in the line and tell them to track. You can use any cue word you’d like — I use “Track it”. Walk as quietly as possible behind them, only using the leash to stop them from getting too far off of the track. If they get lost on the…