How to Train Dogs to Track Lost People

Dogs have been an integral part of human society for centuries. Originally domesticated as working and war implements, dogs have become more widely known as family companions than tools. Dogs are still used to help humans in a variety of ways, including hunting down lost or injured people. Training a dog to track lost people is not a difficult process, and the lives saved will be well worth the time and effort.

Things You'll Need

• Tracking harness
• 30-foot tracking lead
• Crate
• Treats

Instructions

1. Find a large open space free of obstacles and distractions to train your dog in. An empty field or vacant park works well.

2. Fit your dog with a sturdy tracking harness and 30-foot tracking lead. The tracking harness spread pressure evenly and prevents your dog from hurting himself if he pulls too enthusiastically. The long lead allows him to track at a distance while staying under your control.

3. Place your crate on the field and put your dog inside to keep him secure while you lay a scent pad. A scent pad is a small area of land that you walk back and forth over to embed with your scent. Walk a 3-foot by 3-foot square, pressing your feet down firmly over the entire surface to coat it with your scent.

4. Remove your dog from his crate and walk to the scent pad, placing a few small pieces of treats over the surface of the pad. Give your dog the command to track and encourage him to pick up the treats. He will inhale your scent as he picks up the treats and will associate the track command with sniffing for a scent.

5. Sit your dog on the scent pad and tell him to stay as you lay a short track. Walk 10 or 15 feet in a straight line away from the scent pad, turning around and walking back towards your dog over the same path. Drop a few treats along the path as an incentive for your dog s he works.

6. Give your dog the command to track and set him on the short track, holding the lead to keep him from wandering off. Encourage the dog to sniff out every treat and praise him as he follows the track without deviation.

7. Repeat this process, extending the track a few feet at a time, adding turns as your dog becomes more confident in his tracking ability. Decrease the number of treats you place along the track to transition your dog from looking for treats to tracking off of scents alone.

8. Continue your dog's training by having a helper lay a track and encourage your dog to seek out the helper. Show the dog an article of clothing the helper has worn and allow the dog to sniff it and take in the helper's scent. Your dog will lower his head looking for the helper's scent and should follow the track. Walk behind him at a distance and praise him lavishly when he tracks correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• Work with your dog in short sessions. Ten- to 15-minute training sessions will allow your dog to learn and take in new experiences without becoming bored.

• Stay close to your dog and work him slowly to prevent mistakes as he learns to track. It is much easier to train your dog to track correctly the first time than it is to have to correct poor tracking habits later on.

• Never hit your dog if he wanders off the track. Striking your dog not only causes physical harm, but can make him reluctant to work for you in the future.