Trailing Or Tracking

Trailing is the most interesting phase of the training process for those real friends of the dog who wish to go into training more scientifically. This new department differs markedly from all of the lessons and exercises in which we can assist the dog to grasp ideas or, as it were, force exercises upon him. Not alone does it afford knowledge of a dog's character and too, of his ability to perform lessons like those which have preceded, but it proves a high standard of mentality.

There are many exhibitions put on at shows or other public performances. However, like the so-called "scent discrimination" test in which the dog retrieves an article belonging to his owner, these constitute entertainment rather than real work. Scent discrimination, as practiced today, is a splendid preparation for beginners, though far removed from actual trailing practise. I refer now to scent discrimination of an article belonging to a stranger, out-of-doors, never in a closed hall; also to the distinction between objects dead and alive, co the readiness to attack, to full and concentrated attention to the trail regardless of temptations, etc. These are the things a perfect trailer must know and do.

To teach correct trailing, for many years, has been my favorite exercise, which is probably why I wish to describe in the greatest detail the handling and training of the dog for trailing. How strange it seems that this type of training, which could be of such enormous assistance to police and to many of a community's institutions, is so neglected! The great prevalence of crime, including fatalities to children, to people lost in the woods, of amnesia victims and countless similar tragedies could be reduced considerably: crimes could be solved and perhaps prevented by the use of well trained dogs. While almost all European countries employ hundreds, yes even thousands of trained police dogs, it seems strange that such a progressive step has yet to be introduced in this country.

In training classes which I have conducted, the enthusiasm of participants has been especially pronounced following my lectures on the subject of trailing; everybody, in fact, seems determined to begin at once on this interesting feature. But sad to relate, after several experiments which as a rule do not turn out very satisfactorily, interest wanes. Or, what is equally as unfortunate, a slight momentary success is exaggerated and the trainer bitterly disappointed when results fall short of his expectations. Lack of experience, lack of knowledge and lack of patience constitute the reasons for such failures.

All three of the foregoing are points of prime importance.

Now this exercise should not, perhaps, be undertaken without first consulting a reliable trainer who has had real success in this particular field; more, one who has studied dogs in addition to all available literature on the subject. Although there are several good books on the market, the prospective trainer should not get the idea that, insofar as this exercise is concerned, he can make a successful trailer from book directions alone. While it is true that training books arc of real assistance, it is true likewise that the dog's character must first be studied and then the training system adjusted to it. What I mean is that the trainer must use his own imagination and creative thinking while engaged in trailing lessons.

Therefore, let us endeavor to understand, in its larger aspects, this activity called trailing, and let us also try to learn from the experience of others. I myself have been given wonderful assistance and advice by authorities such as Captain von Stephanitz, Th. Zell, Gersbach, Most, Dr. Friedo Schmidt and others who have made names for themselves through research and experimental work. And I have made many experiments of my own. Of these I shall mention the most successful in an effort to save the amateur from the very disappointments I experienced, and to encourage him along the road to success.

Of greatest importance is the breed of dog which is endowed with the highest type of innate ability for this kind of work. Truly, my heart bleeds when I see dragged through obedience tests dogs lacking in temperament, in character and spirit. On top of that, a so-called scent discrimination exercise is perhaps put on in a very restricted, indoor hall, or in a smoke-filled room amid earsplitting noises, just after the dog has been lying for hours tied up in an all-too-tiny stall. The exercise, then, becomes nothing more than an automatic performance or routine drill: it is not trailing work!

Let us take this work with utmost seriousness and, from the bottom up, investigate the problem ahead.

1. What breeds are suitable for trailing?
2. What is scent?
3. How can scent be used by the dog?

On innumerable occasions I have heard it said that hunting dogs are especially good trailers simply because it is their nature to trail in the field. Now there is widespread error prevalent concerning the trailing of human scent. Animals possess but a few variations of foot, body and blood odor, while man has millions, and no two alike. The odor of hands, feet and under-arms differ in degree in every human being which alone constitutes proof that few hunting dogs are adapted to trailing man, or articles in constant contact with man. Animal blood scents, which are far easier to follow, are the determination for hunting dogs.

Dogs with flat noses, such as Mastiffs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs and Pekingese are not well fitted for trailing human beings. Toy dogs—Pomeranians, for instance—are house dogs, and close contact with man in houses, apartments and similar indoor places, destroys or at least weakens their sense of scent. Such weakness is due to warm temperature as well as to sudden changes from outside to inside, especially in wintertime. This is another reason why dogs of this type are not suited to trailing.

An occasional Schipperkc, Chihuahua and dogs of similarly small kinds, brought up under identical conditions can, it is true, claim a few show successes in obedience test trailing, but at the same time they are exceptions. These exceedingly few successes cannot be said to controvert the real facts I have explained under breed suitability.

Best suited to trailing are German Shepherds, Doberman pinschers, Airedales, Rottweilers, Irish terriers and Schnauzers, in short, the working breeds. And even among these appear many exceptions. Dogs brought up indoors, for example, lose their trailing ability while dogs living outside, in the open air retain their natural trailing sense.

For centuries the secret of trailing, or tracking, was considered to be vibrations to which the dog's nose reacted favorably. Later was advanced the theory that certain radiations or rays were responsible. Modern science, the science of chemistry especially, exploded these theories with proof that human perspiration is of value to the dog in detecting a scent. And as the agent of scent, ii is perceptible only to the highly developed sense of smell in dogs.

Human scent is caused by perspiration, a chemical combination of various acids produced by certain glands in quantities more or less, and left in the track of every human being, on the ground as well as in the air. Causes of profuse perspiration may be illness, atmospheric conditions, excitement or fear, and alcohol. Strangely, the scent of an intoxicated person is quite distasteful to the dog though he will follow it more intensively than any others.

Human sex scents appear to be different, hence it is true that a male dog tracking a female criminal is more interested than a bitch in working out the trail of a criminal of her own sex. Which proves that the opposite sex attracts, and greater success attends when a dog of opposite sex is employed to track a suspected criminal.

Perspiration in the greatest amounts is transferred normally by the feet in walking, or by the hands in touching articles. Almost all trails are left by the feet, and though the perspiration odors of hands, feet and underarms differ, their scents are closely related, thus easily followed by the dog. The hands and feet have highly developed sweat glands which constitutes the reason why perspiration produced by these members is stronger than that of any other part of the human body. Possibly, if all could live under a uniform standard, that is, eat the same food, live in the same climate under exactly the same conditions, the difference might not be so great. However, this is impossible, with the result that every human being gives off a somewhat different vapor.

Each one of us, irrespective of his condition of health, is subject to a constant activity of the sweat glands, which develops a certain steam or vapor of sufficient intensity to go through clothing as well as shoes. With every step our shoes leave on the ground an infinitesimal layer of perspiration, which is perceptible to the fine olfactory nerves of the dog. Limited space forbids explanation of the complete transfer and evaporation of perspiration, but let me assure you, it is a most interesting chemical process. Much research and experimentation along these lines has been done, and considerable credit is due Dr. Freido Schmidt who has done more in this field than any other specialist in the world.

The above will serve to familiarize us with a trail's process of development. Now comes the question: How long will the trail last before evaporating to the point where it will no longer be perceptible to the dog? The answer to the question is essential in order to acquaint the guide with those obstacles he must consider in "how scent can be utilized by the dog."

Intensity or freshness of the trail, weather conditions and the condition of the ground arc of great importance, not alone to the experienced guide of trained dogs but also to the amateur who must take these things into consideration from the start if he would save himself disappointment.

When a dog is actually set on the trail, it is natural that the scent should be more pronounced because of the excitement of the fugitive. The latter's rapid heart beat causes increased glandular activity resulting in more than the normal quantity of perspiration and thus accentuating the trail.  This is of real assistance to the dog.

Next, consider the age of the trail. Just so long as it is fresh, the dog can follow it with comparative ease. The longer the time that has elapsed between discovery of the crime and the call for the trailing dog, the more difficult the job. And in the event that new trails have been made by spectators or visitors passing over the same ground, it willbe even more difficult, perhaps impossible for the dog to find a point at which to start his work.

All these factors are regarded as so vital by police departments, in Europe especially, that the only persons allowed at the scene of a crime are, first, the finger-print expert and, second, the police guide with his dog. The presence of all others is banned, which may be one of the reasons why crimes committed in European countries are solved so much more readily than here.

Weather conditions constitute another factor to which the guide must give heed, especially when starting to train his dog for tracking. Hot, dry weather will evaporate a trail in a short time, while high humidity will hold scent in damp ground much longer because it absorbs the perspiration.

In proof of the foregoing statement, an interesting experiment was made with a heavy blotting pad. A man whose feet perspired abnormally stood on a blotter for a few moments while the moisture was absorbed. For a period of six hours the blotter was exposed to the sun which naturally killed every bit of odor. The same blotter was then held over steaming water, with the result that the sharp, penetrating odor became apparent again in its full strength. The ground has the same power of absorption as the blotter, which proves how great is the influence of the weather upon the duration of a trail.

The ground also must be carefully considered. Dusty ground, sandy or naked, stony ground is not good for trailing, especially when heavy traffic passes over it. Before the start of trailing, it is helpful to pour fresh water over the dog's nose to do away with any dust particles that may have lodged in the channels.

Wind direction is of great importance too, especially to the novice. Here, as in the preliminary obedience training, all possible aid must be given the dog to assist him in understanding what is wanted. If trailing is started with the wind, work will be rendered unnecessarily hard for the dog and disappointment may result. In the beginning, therefore, lay the trail against the wind, so that the scent may be driven toward the dog, thus helping him to get on the right track.

The dog's condition is a point often overlooked by the novice who can find no explanation for his failure. Mention has been made previously that the dog out of control, or lacking in obedience, is not fitted for trailing. Furthermore, the trainer must make certain that the dog is absolutely fresh, and not in the least excited. In fact, it is inexcusable to practise trailing after the dog has gone through his daily exercises because, more or less in a state of excitement, he will pay little or no attention to the work at hand.

Excitement is not at all difficult to detect because of its almost invariable sign—the tongue hangs out of the mouth. A dog cannot trail properly with his month open! He seeks objects with his eyes and will not keep his nose on the ground because he cannot use it. This attitude of open-mouth seeking has been called by experts, "high nose" and so it is, exactly that.

Trailing must begin before any other exercise is started, regardless of time or circumstance and that means on the training field. It is advisable to change the field, or training territory as often as possible.

The time to practise is of especial importance, night practise being most essential.   It is truly amazing,  the way a dog will work in strange territory, and particularly at night, not only in these trailing lessons butin ordinary obedience exercises as well. It has interested me especially to lay a trail late in the evening and allow the dog to work it out in the early morning. It's not only a thrill for guide and dog but a check-up on the manner in which the dog solves his problems, i.e., it is the stale trail which promotes the dog's skill.

Regarding the equipment for trailing, a leash of about ten yards is necessary. Manyguides, especially novices seem to take pride in the trailing harness but this I have never considered an important tool. Dogs that I have trained have developed into satisfactory trailers by use of nothing more than a good collar and the above mentioned long leash. Often, too, have I employed the reversed training collar. As a trailing object, the dumbbell is a natural, permeated as it is with the scent of guide and dog both, hence the dog will regard it as his own special property.

As a foundation for trailing, we begin with scent discrimination, and as soon as this little problem is solved satisfactorily by the dog we must combine the exercise with trailing of the guide's own trail. Trailing should be started and practised in the beginning in this manner. The dog then becomes familiar with the sight of several articles, and he will learn to use his nose to distinguish between articles of his own and those belonging to his master, as well as those giving off an entirely different scent. Recognition, of course, comes through the familiar scent of his own property.

I bring together several guides, each one carrying a standard-sized dumbbell which is marked with a number, or colored with thoroughly dried paint. It is a well known fact that dogs cannot distinguish colors, likewise that the odor or taste of painted articles causes them to refuse to take or to retrieve them. For this reason it may be advisable to mark the dumbbells by burning their number into the wood. And bear in mind that in order to become a good trailer, a dog must first be a good retriever.

The preparatory work explained thus far should now enable the guide to begin with SCENT DISCRIMINATION.

SCENT DISCRIMINATION

No difficulty should be experienced in this the easiest and simplest of all trailing exercises. Execution is the same as in the retrieving lesson save that there is more than one article or dumbbell on the ground. For this reason a group of several guides with obedience trained dogs is very advisable.

Arrange guides and dogs in a row, the dogs in sitting position. At the command STAY, the dogs remain sitting while the guides walk forward about ten yards and place the dumbbells on the ground fairly close together but not piled up one on another. The dogs observe the procedure, then the guides return to their original positions beside the dogs.

All of the dogs are leashed except the one that is to retrieve his dumbbell from the group placed on the ground. To leave all free might prove too great a temptation to run after their dumbbells upon hearing the command FETCH. And, too, jealousy is created when a dog sees a rival too close to his own property.

Now, the dog that has been freed is given the command FETCH. Familiar with the order, he starts off immediately in the direction he saw his master take when putting down the dumbbell. Of course he finds several dumbbells on the ground but instinctively his sense of smell directs him to pick up his own and then retrieve it in the correct style.

FAULTS and CORRECTION-Seldom docs a dog fetch the wrong dumbbell though occasionally such a mistake may happen due to huddling the dumbbells too closely together or placing one on top of another. It may happen too, through lack of attention, when he picks up the first dumbbell he comes to, just as he would in merely retrieving. He does not put his mind to nosing out the right one! Sometimes the distance between guide and dumbbell is too great and should be lessened. Still another handicap is the use of a new dumbbell which has not been carried about until permeated with the scent of the guide. This of course is essential.

Scent discrimination.

Conversation between guides during this exercise must be avoided. We cannot blame the dog for inattention when the guides themselves do not pay attention or interest themselves in their own work and observation alone! When a dog retrieves the wrong dumbbell, he should be given a sharp command, NO which will cause him to drop it. At the same time, he must be encouraged with the command, FETCH and the encouragement continued until he retrieves the right one. If too many dumbbells are used, the number must be reduced, then gradually increased until the desired result is accomplished.

Just as soon as the dog has retrieved his own dumbbell, the latter should be returned to the group in order that all the dogs be given the same competition. The number of dumbbells placed on the ground should of course be identical for each dog, that is, if there are six guides in the group, six dumbbells arc used for the purpose of providing each dog with an equal chance.

Repeat the scent discrimination exercise several times untilthe dog learns to retrieve his dumbbell in the correct manner, then gradually extend the distance to about twenty yards. Now because at this distance the dog's vision begins to fade, we use at this point a new command which will have a very important meaning in the coming exercise as the initial preparation for tracking.

FIND IT-FETCH is the combination-command employed at the twenty-yard distance. And as the dog is already familiar with FETCH, he will soon associate the new command withthe act of retrieving. Most important is constant, steady encouragement which should be lavishly supplied.

The novice may question the statement that, at a distance of twenty yards, the dog's vision is imperfect. It is, however, a well established fact that the eyesight of the dog is not especially good. Aging dogs often become blind, in fact, the spots appearing on the eyes of many is the first indication of impaired vision. How often we observe a dog, sitting in front of a store, sniffing at everyone who emerges, in the hope of detecting the master he knows has gone inside. Even at such a very short distance, the dog uses his sense of smell simply because his eyesight is so poor he can no longer depend upon it to recognize people he knows.

The distance of the combined retrieving and twenty yard searching should be practised for a few days, then the distance extended little by little until the limit of thirty yards is reached. The conscientious guide willobserve that some dogs have learned, at this distance, to keep their noses to the ground when following the scent, which of course is a good sign.

Dogs too lively, those which go storming right up to the dumbbell with "high nose" (without using the nose), must be quieted down by use of the long leash, especially for the real lesson of TRAILING.

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