Tracking & Scentwork
- Do you find that no matter how long or far you walk your dog, they just don’t seem tired?
- Are you worried your dog is getting bored, even after plenty of play and exercise?
- Would you like a way to mentally challenge your dog that’s as stimulating for you as it is for them?
If so, training your dog to be a sniffer dog might be the perfect solution! Tracking is an interactive and engaging activity that taps into your dog’s natural abilities, bringing you closer together while giving your dog a fulfilling mental workout.
Tracking Ticks All the Boxes
If you asked your dog what he wanted to do today, the answer would be tracking!
Quite simply because it ticks so many boxes: mental enrichment, physical outlet, and time with you to name a few.
While humans experience the world visually, dogs are olfactory creatures and their smell is an important sense to them. The part of a dogs’ brain that processes scents detected by their noses is approximately 40 times larger than in humans, relative to total brain size.
Therefore, engaging this part of the dogs’ brain for tracking is both mentally and physically stimulating!
Why Choose Tracking?
- Satisfies Natural Instincts: Tracking lets your dog use their incredible scenting ability, tapping into their innate desire to sniff, search, and find.
- Builds Confidence: Being introduced to different environments and articles to track means it's a great way to enrich and build confidence in mobile individuals such as puppies, rescues, frustrated, anxious or reactive dogs by allowing them to gather information about the world around them.
- Great for All Breeds and Ages: The activity is suitable for any age or breed of dog. Once you have a strong relationship with your dog, you can start with a 12-week-old puppy, right up to a dog in their senior years.
- Strengthens Your Bond: This activity encourages you to slow down, be present, and work as a team, deepening your relationship with your dog.
What You Get
Personalised Support from Start to Finish
- Discovery Call: In our initial conversation, we’ll discuss your goals, assess your dog’s specific needs, and identify any current challenges. Together, we’ll create a personalised training plan that’s right for you.
- 4 x In-Person Lessons: Each in-person lesson is designed to build on the previous one, layering skills clearly and simply, allowing you and your dog to progress at your own pace.
- Online Course Access: Free enrolment in our online tracking course (worth £40), where you can develop indication skills, learn at your own pace, and access refresher content.
- Video Notes & Action Plans: After each session, you'll receive detailed video notes with step-by-step instructions on what to practise at home.
- Video Feedback: Submit your practice videos between sessions for critique and guidance, so you’re not left wondering if you're doing it right.
- WhatsApp Support: Get ongoing support and answers to any questions between sessions, ensuring you feel confident and never stuck.
- Exclusive Community Access: Join our members-only Facebook group to share your journey, get inspired by others, and gain access to exclusive events like group tracking classes.
The End Goal
By the end of our training together, you will have mastered:
- Tracking Skills: Navigate a 50m+ track with corners.
- Article Work: Teach your dog to find and indicate articles.
- Progress at Your Own Pace: With the skills and tools you need to continue tracking at home.
Case study
“I have been so lucky to find Emma at Anglian Dog Works. I have a very energetic and cheeky Sproodle who needs a great deal of stimulation both physically and mentally. With Emma, we have great fun at agility club, we’ve learnt how to track and also had a go at gundog training and took part in the recent scurry. She is so knowledgeable and is always available to answer any questions. All these activities have helped with Charlie’s recall and behaviour. Thanks Emma. I can wholeheartedly recommend ADW. Give it a try!”
– Jo and Charlie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tracking: More Than Just Exercise
Tracking is not only about tiring out your dog but also giving them an opportunity to explore the world in a way that feels natural and fulfilling. It’s especially beneficial for:
- Reactive or Anxious Dogs: Helping them feel calm and in control in new environments.
- High-Energy Breeds: Giving them a breed-appropriate outlet.
- Dogs That Can’t Go Off-Lead: Providing a safe way to stimulate and satisfy them without the need for off-lead freedom.
Meet Your Trainer: Emma at Anglian Dog Works
I’m an experienced trainer and a member of the IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers). I’ve seen the transformational effects of tracking on a wide range of breeds, from Spaniels and Shepherds to Terriers and Dobermans. My journey started with my own Working Cocker Spaniel, who needed a lower-impact way to stay engaged after years of agility and gundog work. Introducing her to tracking has been a game-changer, allowing her to stay mentally sharp and satisfied even in her senior years.