Post by DogGoneGood on Jul 16, 2008 19:50:15 GMT -5
INDICATIONS
While on a track your dog will give you certain indications of whether or not he's on the right track or not. Not all dogs indicate the same way and you will have to watch your dog carefully to learn how he indicates to you. Below are some examples and things to watch out for when it comes to indication...
LOSS OF TRACK:
Dog's Head - Normally dogs will track with their head down. When the head either comes right up all the way or part way he has lost the track.
Dog's Tail - May be carried down and stiff while tracking. When the tail suddenly becomes erect, standing up above the dog's back he has lost the track.
Dog's Course - Will be a straight line when on the track. Zigzagging or an erratic course or swerving to one side or the other indicates loss of track.
Dog's Direction - The dog will abruptly turn 180 degrees and head toward the handler.
TRACK DISCOVERY:
Dog's Head - Will appear as if he snagged his nose on a hook of some sort while the body continues across the track.
Dog's Tail - May start wagging as he crosses the track and settling into a down and stiff position when he resumes the new direction.
Dog's Course - The dog will come out of his circling abruptly and move out in a straight line away from the handler, slowly at first the npulling with a surge as his speed picks up.
Dog's Direction - The dog will search while moving at a constant speed, suddenly stopping to investigate a particular scent closely. He then changes direction, moves out slowly in a straight line until at the end of the line where he sinks into the harness and pulls.