In the training phase, a number of points are important:
- Building motivation so the dog will love to work.
- A step by step approach, gradual increase in the level of difficulty.
- Specific exercises are trained seperate.
- Practising double blind trails; without support.
- Reality, remaining within the limits of what is feasible.
- Working on leash handling skills.
Pictures by Julia d’Ailly
Motivation
A dog that is moving a lot is not necessarily a dog with a lot of drive and motivation. Often that dog is just too excited to work. We believe that motivation is related to a conscious focus for a task.
To create the right focus, we strive for a good balance between:
- Confidence
- Emotion
- Arousal
- Motivation
Step-by-step approach
Variations
- Surface changes: from sandy soil, grass, woods, to trailing on hard surfaces, such as paving stones, pebbles, gravel, asphalt, sidewalks and gutters.
- Crossing roads and paths.
- Strong winds from various directions: dispersal of the trail.
- Decoy scent of other animals and other dogs!
- Distractions such as traffic, screaming kids but also people with other dogs, etc.
- Trailing near obstacles such as buildings.
- The age of the trail before it is pursued.