Ignoring cross tracks

Few of us have the opportunity to work in fields that are absolutely clean. The vast majority of available tracking sites are chronically contaminated by mice, other dogs, and scurrying rabbits, joggers or schoolchildren taking shortcuts. For this reason it is important to proof the dog on cross tracks, so that it will ignore them and continue following the tracklayer’s footsteps.

Again, the handler lays a straight track for the dog, and then arranges to have a number of different types of cross tracks “cut” it–a bicyclist, a person on foot, a car, etc. It is best if, in the beginning, these cross tracks are greatly different in age than the handler’s track. A few yards past the point where each cross track will cut his footsteps, the handler leaves a reward for the dog–an article or a bait.

As the dog passes over each cross track, it is allowed to, and even should, acknowledge it. However, it if begins to commit to it in any way, the handler gently stops the animal and redirects it back to the track without scolding or punishing it. As soon as the dog is back on the original footsteps, he encourages the animal to continue tracking.

Once the dog has had extensive practice and shows an understanding of the task, the handler can correct it if it commits to a cross track. A quiet “Phooey!” and a light slap on the back with the tracking line should be sufficient.