by mike » Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:33 pm
i am slightly confused as to what you are training, tracking or trailing?, the method of training is very different for each discipline.
going by the way you describe the track layer and TD standards i will take it you are doing tracking.
how did you start the dog off, did you use a food reward on track, is the dog always on a tracking line and harness whilst being trained. you say you are leaving someone at the end of the track for the dog to find, why ?, if the dog wont indicate on one article correctly why have 3-5 on the track.
sorry if i sound a bit negative but it sounds like you are rushing things.
instead of having someone at the end place out a toy, it stops the dog lifting his head and helps it concentrate.
if it is tracking use a food reward after so many paces ( a very small piece of hot dog sausage ) gradually increasing the gap between pieces. ( put each piece in the heal of the foot print).
once he will do a 30ft leg well then put in a turn, not forgetting wind direction, once he is doing two legs well put an article on track with a piece of food underneath, he will soon stop as he now knows what food means on track.
finally YOU control the speed he goes, your connected to the dog, a steady walk is as fast as you want, you will know where the article is so you slow down as he gets near.
i could go on for ever as tracking is an absolute art form when done properly and enthrawling to watch when trained well.
take your time and try and find a local club as its best taught not learnt from a book or forum.
mike