WHAT IS K9 TRAILING?
K9 Trailing is a dog "job" where the dog follows an individual human's scent trail. The skill is often utilized by police in order to find a person who has committed a crime or by search and rescue teams to find a missing person. In recent years K9 Trailing has gained a lot of popularity among pet dogs - after all, all modern dogs are descendants of wolves and hunting for prey using their nose is in their blood.
WHY TO CHOOSE K9 TRAILING?
Neither we nor our dogs need to hunt for survival anymore, however the hunting instinct is still present in both species. Maybe the acknowledgment and satisfaction of our hunting drives is what we and our dogs really miss in today's urbanistic society? And what can be better than to spend amazing, fulfilling time with your dog in beautiful Latvian Nature and forget for a moment of human problems?
BENEFITS OF K9 TRAILING
Trailing training
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Challenges your dog’s soul, mind and body
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Promotes dog's self-esteem
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Mimics hunting activities but does not increase the urge to follow and confront animals
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Enhances your dog’s life by allowing him to use his nose for a good purpose
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Increases sense of trust and colleagueship between the dog and human
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Brings a lot of outdoor fun
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Accessible for most dogs and puppies
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It is a low impact activity. It is gentle on the dog's joints and usually is accessible to dogs with mild to moderate hip or elbow dysplasia and similar orthopedic conditions*
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Beneficial for puppies and dogs with a fear of humans (the dog works in an environment with people around, but is not forced to interact until ready)
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Accessible to dogs with aggression towards other dogs (dogs work in turns without other dogs in close proximity)
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No prior training is required and no obedience is needed.
HOW THE TRAINING WORKS?
K9 Trailing is a team game. Each team consists of a dog and a handler and the goal of the team is to find a "missing person" by reconstructing the route he or she traveled. As we, humans, are badly equipped for this kind of olfactory game, the dog will be our team leader. The team guided by a dog nose and amazing scent discrimination abilities will follow the "missing person" scent and (hopefully) make a find. The team leader will be rewarded with hugs and kisses as well as his favorite treats or toy.
CAN MY DOG PARTICIPATE?
Most dogs can participate. Though some breeds (such as typical sniffer dogs like a German Shepard or different scent hounds) are more susceptible to man-hunting game, 99% of dogs can enjoy the class. The only skill that is essential for each dog in this class is to be able to be left alone in the car.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE CLASS?
A well-rested and hungry dog plus your dog favorite treat and/or toy. A dog should wear a well fitted collar and harness. A human should wear comfortable outdoor clothes and shoes.
IMPORTANT NOTE!
Each session lasts approximately 3 hours
* some dogs may require a consultation with veterinarian before enrollment to the class
