BARRC TRACKING PRACTICE
Dec 19, 2009

The first BARRC tracking practice at Fort Ord Public Lands near Salinas on Dec 19, 2009 was great fun. We had a good sized group with eight handlers and their Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Pictured above from left to right: (Poppy) Emily Moss, Elizabeth Moore (Midnight), Candy & Larry Smith (Kruger), Kay Werner (Leo), Brian Hiatt (Mister), Sue McNeill (Sumo), and Carol Vesely (Sienna).

The basics of tracking were discussed and then Carol and Joie demonstrated a nice 150 yard long track that was 1 hour old and had several turns in it. The first time tracking dogs were given 'heel to toe' tracks about 10 yards long with hot dog slices used to teach them where to sniff. Their handlers were shown how to lay short tracks, encourage tracking behavior, and reward their dogs. Lots of questions and lots of ideas were shared. It was fun to see so many dogs with their nose down and actually starting to sniff their tracks. Good work by all those who came out to practice. Hope to see all the North Bay Area BARRC trackers at the next practice in January as well the trackers from the first practice. We'll have exercises for both first time and more seasoned dogs at the January event. Joan will post the exact location for the January practice around January 1st

LAGOON VALLEY PARK BARRC TRACKING PRACTICE
Jan 20, 2010

From recent rescue to seasoned show champion we had all types of Ridgebacks give tracking a try. Our youngest tracker was just 12 weeks old and our most mature dog was 10 years. We gave all the first time dogs a 'taste' of tracking by making a simple straight track with hot dog slices laid every few steps along the way. At the end there was a scented article like a glove stuffed with a jackpot of hot dog slices. After three tries the dogs start to get the idea they are trying to find the glove with its big jackpot reward. Every Ridgeback without exception stayed tuned to the exercises and gained drive by the third try. A few dogs were practicing longer tracks as they have had some practice before. Each one was increasing gradually the length and difficulty of their tracks while still getting hot dogs rewards along the way to the jackpot. Everybody was encouraged to work at home and always remember to make it fun and give lots of rewards.

Rocky did a demonstration of what was suppose to be an easy advanced track but it was anything but easy. A feisty jack rabbit showed up on the track when we went to work it, ran off a short ways, and then stayed within view for the first half of the track. We got to see an amazing demonstration of Ridgeback dual purpose behavior as Rocky had to decide weather to run as a sight hound after the jack rabbit or work as a scent hound for the reward he knew was at the end of the track. Scent Hound won!