Scent Discrimination- Can your dog, does your dog stay on it?

Just read an article about scent discrimination and dogs jumping tracks. Not sticking to the scent they were asked to locate, but following another scent. 

This article put a lot of blame on the dog. I do not.

I think it comes down the line to foundation and yes handler's response. Surprise, that 'response' word again!!! And, a big one- stamina!!! And, one more- pay check!

Foundation - teaching the dog from day one to stick with specific odor. Working known tracks to keep the dog on source. And, to teach handler how to read and RESPOND to the dog. Before you go and do a bunch of blind tracks you need to be able to read your dog and know what to do with that read.

Many handlers teach their dogs to jump to another odor with out even knowing it. Running a blind track dog stops to say I lost it. Handler stands there waiting, then tells the dog to go back to work as the handler walks forward. What did they just teach their dog? What did they tell their dog to do?  Then the next thing that happens, and I have seen this many times- dog walks forward with handler, starts sniffing the ground and handler says good boy and begins to follow- Tada- what did the handler teach the dog to do?

Yes, we all have miss read our dogs, and we need to to learn. Yet, that is the glory of 90% known 10% unknown. The unknown is a test- not of the dog but the team. And, even the greatest of unknown tracks lead you to lots of work to do on the known.

Your foundation is key in scent discrimination. Your foundation builds trust you have in what your dog is doing, it builds trust in the team! You learn how to read your dog, respond to your dog. That response is what keeps dog on track or gets them off.

Yes, a dog will get distracted with other odor- but if you can read what they are doing and respond to it correctly then your dog will stay on track.

Stamina- another reason I believe a dog may not stick with correct odor. They just get exhausted. Your dog must have the stamina for the job. Tracking is not a weekend warrior sport. And, I will add to stamina for the handler is just as important! We too as humans make mistakes when we are tired as well.

Then there is the paycheck- is the reward worth it in the end. Is your joy and excitement in the finish big enough for your dog. Do they know how much you appreciate their work? Do they feel that down the line?

So here you have it. I believe the top reason a dog will jump a track is because that is what they have been taught to do. No, you did not teach it on purpose, but your dog will pick up on all your cues and try to do what they think you want. Next look at stamina and reward.

Have someone video you and your dog to watch how you are responding. Not just the dog on camera- you too!!!!! 

I believe in the dog's nose, I believe in the dog's ability to stay on odor. If you are feeling a struggle to believe this then get with a trainer have them watch you. Go back to your foundation and basic drills to get you both back on the correct path!

Believe in the nose!