Tracking
Doin' What Comes Naturally
by Susan Ammerman

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If you have ever taken your dog for a walk and watched her lock onto a scent with her nose, you have watched your dog track. Tracking is a natural activity for our dogs and one they are quite good at. Dogs can differentiate scent particles just as people can differentiate slight changes in color. Whether it is critters, another dog or a human they are familiar with, the intensity and excitement your dog experiences while she follows the scent is infectious. Since a dog's sense of smell is one of his strongest assets, it is easy to imagine why tracking becomes most dogs' favorite activity.

Westies are especially good at tracking. In fact, Westies attain more AKC tracking titles each year than any other terrier breed. Low to the ground with big strong bodies, a big black nose and lots of determination, they are built perfectly for the sport. Westies also like having a job, and finding a lost glove that happens to be filled with food is a game that can be enjoyed by both you and your Westie. By tracking, you enhance your relationship with your Westie by developing a trusting partnership. In other performance activities, your Westie learns to follow your lead. You determine the behaviors and he gets rewarded for doing them. In tracking you will learn to follow your Westie's lead since he has the talent to track and you do not. In return for this trust, your dog will take you into his world for a brief time and show you his amazing ability to scent. Whether you track with your Westie for fun or decide to pursue a title, the time you spend tracking with your Westie will always be fun.

Beth Bowling and Betz

Gettin' started

If your dog likes food, then teaching her to follow a human scent line is easy. To get started, you must first make a track for the dog to follow. Keep in mind that you are creating a scent line so pick a spot in your yard that you don't frequent often. You need to have soft food, like chicken, cheese or hot dogs, that your dog likes and will show up well on the grass. Take an old pair of stockings, place a rock and a few pieces of food in it. Tie it fast to your leg and then walk a straight line, marking the exact path you walk with flags or markers. As you are walking drop small pieces of food every six to ten inches for the entire length of the track. Leave an old glove filled with food at the end for your dog to find. Using a buckle collar or harness and a six-foot lead, take your dog to the first piece of food and tell her to "Find it." Some dogs will take off and follow the human/food scent line while others may need to be shown the scent line for the first several steps until they get the idea. Once the dog follows the track eagerly, you can reduce the amount of food along the way and use the glove as the jackpot at the end. Have a party when she finds the glove!

Ann Karrick and Moose

Give tracking a try and you can be sure that your dog will love it. The time you spend tracking with your dog will become some the best time you spend with him and your relationship with your Westie will be all the better for it. But be warned: You might just get hooked!

Other Performance Events:

• Agility
• Earthdog Tests
• Obedience
• Rally

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