Mastering Variable Surface Tracking: The Component Training Approach

Description

Mastering Variable Surface Tracking:  The Component Training Approach

by Ed Presnall

ISBN:  9781617812842

Publisher:  Dogwise Publishing

Publication Year:  2004

Format:  Trade Paperback

Pages:  131

From the back cover:

“You and your dog can earn an AKC Variable Surface Tracking title!

Are you looking for a new challenge for your tracking dog? Are you interesting in trying the sport of AKC tracking with a young dog? Both experienced tracking teams and newcomers to the sport can achieve a VST title using the Component Training Approach now in a combined book and workbook training manual.

Component Training (TM) is widely recognized as THE way to teach Variable Surface Tracking. This method works equally well for dogs that have already achieved Tracking Dog or Tracking Dog Excellent titles or for beginning trackers. Component Tracking breaks a complex track down into easily manageable elements. This method teaches each individual component and component chaining into a complete track. It offers both handler and dog the opportunity to perfect each element while assuring a higher rate of success.

Mastering Variable Surface Tracking: The Component Training Approach provides excellent information about the sport of tracking. VST, the newest AKC tracking title, the training principles relate to all levels of tracking and experience. Sample training maps and tracking notes show you how to use the components in training and how to evaluate your progress.

This is the information you will learn about Variable Surface Tracking!

• The history of Variable Surface Tracking
• The American Kennel Club requirements for a VST track
• The theory of scent and how dogs use it to track
• The differences between TD, TDX and VST
• What Component Training (TM) is and how to use it to train your tracking dog
• A step-by-step program that will help you and your dog become a successful VST team
• How to map and evaluate your training process

‘The tracking community is fortunate to have the benefit of Ed Presnall’s fountain of knowledge about Variable Surface Tracking in this very thorough book.’ – Lois Ballard, AKC Earthdog Judge, owner & trainer of AKC Mini-Wirehaired Dachshunds.

‘Mastering Variable Surface Tracking is a necessary and enlightening addition to the tracking enthusiast’s library.’ – Ev & Anne Campbell, AKC Tracking Judges, owners & trainers of AKC Golden Retrievers.

‘What impressed me about Ed’s practical approach is its scientific bent, which incorporates not only animal behavior but also the physics and chemistry of scent.’ – Dana Vaughan, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Department of Biology, owner & trainer of multi-talented AKC dogs since 1977.”