SPORT TRAILING

sport trailing

his sport requires the dog to use their amazing sense of scent to find a “lost” person (i.e., their trail layer).  The trail layer may leave items along the trail, but the dog must always find the correct person at the end of the trail.  In more advanced exercises, “decoy” people are involved, so the dog discriminate between the trail layer and the other people they find along their trail.  It doesn’t matter if the dog tracks the person or air scents (or both).  Finding the trail layer at the end of the trail means a reward for the dog.

Dogs in sport trailing work in a manner similar to dogs involved with search and rescue and police work.  The only difference is that we do it for fun and to give the dogs an opportunity to utilize their scenting skills.  Instead of finding a missing person or a criminal at the end of their trail, the dog finds a person with a reward.  Some dogs prefer food rewards, while others prefer playing with a favorite toy.  We use whatever the dog finds the most motivating and fun!

This sport is especially fun for dogs who REALLY like people.  While you might think this sport wouldn’t be suitable for dogs who don’t particularly like people (or finding them), we can set these dogs up for success, too.  We have lots of tools in our toolbox to help all types of dogs be successful in sport trailing.