Commonwealth Dog Obedience Training Club presents

ALL-LEVEL TRACKING SEMINAR

At the Camp Shenandoah Boy Scout Camp (Link Here)

October 30 & 31, 2010, 9 to 5 Saturday, 8 to 4 Sunday

Speaker: Allison Platt

Allison Platt will present a two-day seminar and workshop for beginning through advanced trackers and those who would like to know more about the sport. Allison Platt has been involved in tracking for more than 20 years and is an AKC tracking judge for all levels. She was the Tracking Training Director of Oriole Dog Training Club in Maryland for about 10 years, developing one of the largest tracking training programs in the country. Her Westie Ch. CT Sprite, ME, AX, OAJ, RN was the first VST/CT terrier in the US, and Sprite's son Chad was the second Westie to earn a VST. The seminar will include:

SATURDAY: In the morning, presentations on the different AKC tracking titles and requirements, discussions on scent theory, equipment, and various training methods, including serpentines, a method adapted from Schutzhund by Ms. Platt for use in starting AKC tracking dogs. In the afternoon, there will be demonstrations by TD and TDX dogs, demonstrations of tracklaying methods, and starter tracks for the beginning dogs. At the end of the day we will discuss putting in tracks for the more advanced dogs, and walk the fields to assign areas for tracks in the morning.

SUNDAY: In the morning, we will run the tracks and follow each dog. Afterwards, questions, training programs, and next steps will be discussed, and we will finish up discussing scent issues TDX and VST, incorporating VST into early training, and discussion of issues and problems with more advanced dogs.

WHAT TO BRING: for beginning dogs bring your dog, a buckle collar and at least a 6- foot lead (no flexis) or tracking harness and lead if you have it, appropriate clothing for the weather, a considerable quantity of soft food your dog really likes (hot dogs, meat, cheese), and a leather glove with your scent on it. Tracking flags will be provided. Advanced trackers should bring their usual training gear and supplies.

COST: $50.00 per day, $100 for both days. You may work only one dog per person at the seminar. Please bring a chair. Morning coffee and snacks will be provided. Lunch is $5 per person and will include sandwich fixings, and soup or chili. There are no restaurants within 20 miles of this site.

Registration form is here.