Variable Reward Intervals – Soft Surface Tracking

In this episode, Jerry Bradshaw discusses:

The differences between hard and soft surface tracking (see episode 53 for more on hard surface tracking).
Advantages of soft surface tracking.
Having multiple ways to reward a dog during tracking.
The importance of variation and its relationship to hope.

Key Takeaways:

To start, begin in shorter grass. Taller grass will hold human scent more than short, manicured grass.
Think of your track as a story with a beginning, middle, and end. It is important that the dog is engaged at every part of the story, or track, and not just anticipating the end.
It is important to know where your tracks are and to train yourself to be a less intrusive handler.
Unpredictability increases intensity and focus on the track, especially as you increase the distance and spread in your track.

“The unpredictability of when the reward is going to come is going to keep the dog pinned into the track and concentrating on every aspect of the length of that track.” — Jerry Bradshaw

Get Jerry’s book Controlled Aggression on Amazon.com

Contact Jerry:

Website: controlledaggressionpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Tarheel Canine Training: www.tarheelcanine.com

Youtube: tarheelcanine

Twitter: @tarheelcanine

Instagram: @tarheelk9

Facebook: TarheelCanineTraining

Protection Sports Website: psak9-as.org

Patreon: patreon.com/controlledaggression

Slideshare: Tarheel Canine