Introduction
Tracking dogs, also known as scent hounds, are dogs that are trained to use their powerful sense of smell to follow a specific scent or track (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_(dog)). They rely on their heightened olfactory senses to detect and follow a particular person’s scent across various terrain and conditions. Tracking dogs are highly focused and persistent in following a scent trail.
Tracking dogs are utilized for various purposes, most commonly in search and rescue, law enforcement, and hunting roles. Their ability to detect and trail a specific human scent makes them invaluable for locating missing persons in wilderness areas. Police use tracking dogs to pursue suspects or detect illegal substances. Hunters may use scent hounds to track wounded game. Whatever their working purpose, tracking dogs are prized for their scenting skills, focus, and endurance.
Breeds Often Used
While any dog can potentially excel at tracking with proper training, certain breeds tend to be naturally gifted in this area. Some of the most common and successful tracking dog breeds include:
Bloodhounds – With their famously keen sense of smell and tenacity when on a scent trail, Bloodhounds have long been used for tracking by law enforcement and search and rescue teams. Their loose, wrinkly skin helps trap scents, and they can detect smells up to 300 hours old.
German Shepherds – Known for their intelligence, athleticism and work ethic, German Shepherds are utilized for trackingMissing people, drugs or explosives and more. Their upright ears help funnel scents towards their nose.
Labrador Retrievers – Aptly named, Labrador Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve downed fowl during hunts. Today their excellent nose, focus and eagerness to please make them well-suited for search and rescue and law enforcement tracking duties.
Desirable Traits
Dogs who become successful tracking dogs tend to share certain traits and characteristics that make them well-suited for the task. Three of the most important traits are a highly developed sense of smell, strong motivation and focus, and athleticism with endurance.
A tracking dog’s most vital asset is an excellent sense of smell [1]. Their olfactory abilities allow them to pick up scents from injured animals even hours or days after the animal has passed. Breeds like Bloodhounds and Basset Hounds are prized for their legendary sense of smell. However, proper training can maximize this ability in many dog breeds.
In addition to their nose, successful tracking dogs need motivation, determination, and ability to focus solely on the trail for potentially long periods of time. They cannot be easily distracted or tempted to wander from the task at hand [2]. Their drive and focus keeps them working diligently to follow the trail to its end.
Finally, tracking requires athleticism and physical stamina [3]. Dogs must be able to traverse all types of terrain and cover long distances while relying on their nose to follow the scent trail. Endurance allows them to persist even when conditions are difficult.
Training
Proper training is essential for developing a dog’s tracking skills. Experts recommend starting tracking training early, as soon as a puppy is old enough to focus and pay attention. Using rewards-based methods with plenty of encouragement and praise is the most effective approach. Tracking requires extensive practice in order for a dog to master the ability to follow scents on various terrain and surfaces.
According to the American Kennel Club, “The best way to hone your dog’s tracking skills is to find a Tracking class at your local AKC club. Tracking requires very little equipment. You just need a harness, a 20-40 foot line, and some yummy treats.” They emphasize that tracking takes time and patience to teach the dog how to use its nose effectively.
As explained on ActiveDogs.com, there are five main phases of scent training that dogs progress through: imprinting, scent discrimination, scent tracking, trail tolerance, and problem solving. This comprehensive process allows dogs to develop the skills and experience needed for tracking in diverse real-world conditions. With proper rewards-based training starting early in a dog’s life, any dog can potentially learn how to track.
Certification
To formally test and certify a dog’s tracking ability, there are titles that can be earned through organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC offers tracking tests and titles for different levels of skills.
The Tracking Dog (TD) title is the introductory title for a dog that can follow a track laid by a person. The dog must complete the track in a reasonable time per the judge’s assessment. This begins to certify the dog’s tracking ability at a basic level.
The more advanced Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) title requires the dog to follow a much more complex track with turns and obstacles. The track is aged longer before the dog attempts to follow it. Earning the TDX title demonstrates significant skill and training.
Finally, the Variable Surface Tracking (VST) title is the highest and tests tracking over an extremely challenging course across different surfaces and environments. Completing the VST certifies a dog as an expert tracker ready for high-level work.
Earning these AKC titles through passing the rigorous testing is the main way to officially certify a dog’s tracking proficiency (Source: https://www.akc.org/sports/tracking/). Other organizations like the International Tracking Association offer similar tracking titles and tests.
Working Roles
Tracking dogs serve in a variety of essential working roles. Some of the most common are:
Search and rescue: Many tracking dogs are trained to locate missing persons, disaster victims, and criminals on the run. Their sensitive noses can detect human scent and follow a trail. Search and rescue dogs require extensive training to be certified. They are valued for their ability to cover ground much faster than humans and detect scents from distances (source).
Police/military work: Law enforcement agencies utilize tracking dogs to help locate suspects, find missing evidence, detect narcotics, and assist in investigations. Military groups train dogs for tactical tracking and to detect explosives or chemical weapons (source). These dogs must demonstrate disciplined focus during high-stress operations.
Hunting: Many tracking dog breeds were originally developed to track and tree game. Today, tracking dogs are still valued by hunters for their ability to locate and pursue animals using scent. Common hunting roles include tracking wounded deer, locating fowl, and detecting sheds. These dogs require training on recall and remaining quiet on the hunt (source).
Considerations
Training a dog for tracking requires a major time commitment. According to the AKC Tracking Regulations, it takes most dogs 12-18 months of consistent training to prepare for a tracking test. Handlers need to commit to daily tracking sessions and keep up with ongoing maintenance training even after certification. Not all dogs have the natural aptitude for tracking work.
The AKC states, “The judge must keep in mind that tracking ability is inherited. While training and conditioning are important in developing a tracking dog, some dogs have more inherited ability than others.” According to the article Tracking Training for Dogs and How to Get Involved from The Honest Kitchen, “Some dogs simply aren’t cut out for scent training and tracking, while others take to it like a fish to water.”
Before embarking on tracking training, handlers should honestly assess their dog’s temperament and abilities. Highly food-motivated dogs who get distracted easily may struggle. Independent workers who are focused and confident tend to excel. The time investment is high, so handlers should ensure their dog has the drive and potential before committing.
Success Stories
There are countless stories throughout history of dogs whose remarkable tracking abilities have helped save lives (Source). Some of the most famous tracking dogs include Buddy, a German Shepherd in the 1930s who located 200 people buried in debris from various disasters. His sensitive nose and determination to keep searching saved countless lives (Source). More recently, search and rescue dogs deployed after 9/11 located survivors in the rubble thanks to their tracking skills. Their tireless efforts brought hope to many families.
Everyday pet owners also have amazing stories of their dogs locating missing loved ones. One woman’s wire-haired Dachshund tracked her injured husband nearly a mile through dense bush and alerted her to his location, enabling a safe rescue (Source). Whether it’s finding a lost child in the woods, locating an Alzheimer’s patient who wandered from home, or tracking an escaped convict, dogs with superior scenting ability and determination have proven time and again how invaluable their tracking skills can be.
Adopting Tracking Dogs
Many tracking dogs come from specialized rescues or breeders who focus on training dogs with high potential for scent work. According to https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/ltc-home/, rescues like the Search Dog Foundation have programs to adopt out fully trained tracking dogs. They assess each dog’s unique abilities and match them to new owners looking for a tracking companion. Before adopting, the rescue vets potential owners to find the right home. Rescues like the Search Dog Foundation ensure tracking dogs get lifetime care.
Rescues advising those looking to adopt should focus on the dog’s temperament, drive, health, and energy level, according to https://dogsfindingdogs.com/. Certain breeds like Bloodhounds and German Shepherds often have high potential thanks to their physical traits and temperament. However, any breed or mix can become a successful tracker with the right training and dedication from the handler. Key is finding a dog who shows enthusiasm for using its nose to follow specific scents. The perfect tracking dog has an energetic yet focused personality. It’s also important to consider your own lifestyle and experience when adopting a tracking dog.
Conclusion
Most dogs can learn the basics of tracking with the right training, but it takes a considerable investment to progress to advanced tracking skills. Whether you want to teach your dog for fun or have aspirations of competitive tracking, the most important requirements are patience, consistency and making training enjoyable. While certain breeds may have natural advantages, any healthy and energetic dog can become a competent tracker with enough practice.
The key is introducing tracking lessons from a young age using positive reinforcement. Start with simple scent trails and slowly increase the difficulty as your dog masters each step. Proper certification involves many hours of advanced training and testing. But the hard work pays off through an enjoyable activity that strengthens the bond with your dog.
Tracking skills serve important purposes from search and rescue to law enforcement. Yet any dog owner can benefit from teaching their companion the foundations. Tracking provides mental and physical stimulation, and allows dogs to follow their natural scenting abilities. With a patient hand and persistent training, almost any dog can learn to find the way.