Using the Long Tracking Leash
This is the first long leash lesson for using a long tracking or trailing leash for Family Search dogs is split into 3 lessons that are listed on the Lesson Link Page click to see all the free lessons.
The 1st lesson is Lesson 5 Leash Work 1
The 2rd is Lesson 6 Leash Work 2
As we discussed in previous lessons the Bloodhound and tracking dogs often use a long lead or leash when they are working. This lesson will teach you how to handle and use a long trailing and tracking lead.
First a leash is often called a lead. Both are the same thing.
The long leash is anywhere from 20 ft to 50 ft depending on what the purpose of the leash is. A lounge line for a horse works well for large dogs and long leashes can be purchased in any weight or width to fit any size dog. Buy one to fit your size dog. Even the smallest dog can be used with a long leash and plenty of practice.
The nylon material the leash is made from will give you a bad rope burn on your hand if your dog is one to bolt off and the leash slides through your hand.
Dogs that are not use to being given room or those who are use to being in the back yard may be so excited by the freedom or they may see something they want, like a cat or another dog that they take off without you expecting it.
Be careful when you first put your dog on a long leash in an open area and gloves are always a good idea.
Do not put your dog on this leash for play, or exercise until the dog is well trained to trail or track. This lets the dog know that when you have this long leash they are going to be working. They will learn to expect and love the time spent on this long leash as if it is a tracking game. They know the different equipment and rules for each game they play and we will use this to our advantage.
You will also need a harness for your dog although a harness is not absolutely required and many dogs work with a collar as well but using a harness lets the dog know that they will be doing the tracking game otherwise they may think you are expecting them to play a different game, like obedience.
With multi-purpose dogs, those who do different jobs, the different equipment is their clue to what will be expected and then they can get in that mind set. A police dog knows when his handler is in uniform they are working.
Your family pet is very much a multi-purpose dog and you should use the harness during training to help the dog understand this is not obedience work or taking a walk down the street exercise. Read the lesson about harnesses before practicing this lesson often with your dog.
After a few lessons when you walk up to your dog with the long leash and harness then they will get excited knowing what’s to come. This is when you know they really understand.
Order a Search Dog Equip Kit from me via the Contact page above...I will have a page up soon to order from too!
Look at the page menu to see if the page is there yet or email me for Handmade UK Dog Leads, Collars, and high quality Harnesses used by professional k9 handlers worldwide.
Recommended Dog Training Equipment
Check out my books to teach your dogs to find you and your children in emergency!
Here is a great leash to use for training and trackingRecommended Dog Training Equipment
Check out my books to teach your dogs to find you and your children in emergency!
Here is a harness with Tracking Patches so people know your dog is working!
Here is a harness for small and medium sized dogs
