Frequently Asked Questions

What is K9 Tracking?

Tracking is essentially maximizing your dog’s natural ability to follow a scent trail

What is K9 Tracking?

Tracking is essentially maximizing your dog’s natural ability to follow a scent trail

Can any dog do tracking?
If your dog has a nose, they can do tracking and/or nosework! If you have let your dog out into a yard, you’ve probably seen them tracking on their own (bone, animal, or food). We just take that natural ability and maximize into a fun, rewarding, and stimulating game!
What can my dog track?
Your dog can track just about anything! From a person, clothing article, or almost anything with a scent!
Do you accept credit card payments?
Yes, we accept all credit cards and ACH.
Can I bring friends and family members to watch?
We love to have spectators come and watch classes and runs, however we ask that they respect the dog’s concentration in the ring and not call the dog’s name and sit quietly while classes are in session. We find noises and running outside the ring to be distracting for the dogs.
Do you offer private lessons?

Yes, all of our lessons are private!  We also offer private lessons in obedience, nosework, behavioral modification, therapy certification, and service dog certifications, as well.  Check out www.offleashk9training.com for more information on those.

When are your classes?

Our regular classes typically are in the evening for one night a week for one to two hours. Our tracking classes vary by session. Contact us for specific openings!

Do we still have class in bad weather?

In severe weather classes will be canceled. Call (888) 413-0896 to see if classes are canceled. Tracking classes are generally still held in the rain, if you are unsure contact your tracking instructor.

Do you offer a discount if we sign up for your obedience training, too?

Yes! Email us at [email protected] in order to get a customized quote!

Are there official tracking certifications or is it just for fun?

Both! Many people do it just for fun with no desire to compete!  As far as being certified, The American Kennel Club (AKC) is probably the best known, but allows only purebred dogs. For the beginner level, or Tracking Dog (TD) title, the dog must follow a track 440 to 500 yards long with three to five turns and aged 30 minutes to two hours. At the end, he must indicate a scent article, such as a glove, to the handler. The Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) title requires intermediate tracking skills. At the most advanced level, or Variable Surface Tracking (VST) title, the track is 600 to 800 yards long with four to eight turns, aged three to five hours, and covers three different ground surfaces, mimicking an urban environment.

What equipment is needed?

For the first class you only need to bring a hungry dog (if food motivated) on a buckle collar (no slip collars or leads), a 30ft leash, and high value treats. The first week you need a harness, buckle collar, 30 ft leash, a piece of cloth (shirt, hat, etc) to use as articles and high value treats. It will also be more enjoyable if you have comfortable clothes and shoes or boots as you will spend a lot of time walking mostly in fields. We will have class regardless of weather and you need to practice in all types of weather – this is how you and your dog learn to track under different conditions. Weather can have a huge effect on your track.

Are there any prerequisite for the tracking class?

There are no class or age prerequisites for the tracking classes. Because the class is outdoors and with other dogs we do require that you have your dog on preventative medications such as flea and tick control and heartworm and other parasite preventatives. Your dog will be on leash at all times in this class, even when tracking.

How old should my dog be before beginning tracking?

There is not age limit to begin training your dog to track. As long as a dog is physically able to handle long walks they will be fine. For puppies we can modify the training to keep it shorter.

I am interested, but still have a couple questions!

No problem! Email us at [email protected] or call 888-413-0896.