The dogs that I've taught to FST have all been started by following my foot steps. In FST, I think it's more of a taught game/exercise rather then following an individual. JMO!
If you lay the track that the dog is commanded to track what are you attempting to accomplish? I would say you want the dog to run the track and it does not matter who it belongs to. That is all fine and dandy if you and the track layer are the only ones present. Where are you going to find those conditions in the real world? Your not going to.Does any one lay there own tracks for their dog? I was asked a question the other night, when I stated that I have layed my own tracks. The question was, why does the dog not just go to the handler when he is started at a scent pad, if the handler layed the track? Why will the dog continue along the trail until he reaches the object be it food or a toy? I gave an answer but wanted to see how some of you might have answered it.
I almost never let any one else lay my tracks maybe 2 times in three dogs I've done Schutzhund with Only on trial day dose someone else lay my tracks. This is pretty much the norm for Schutzhund tracking training.great point terry--i never thought about it like that before (which is why i'm on here). i will certainly keep it in mind when i seriously start tracking w/Ike this spring. even tho i'm "only" doing Sch tracking, it's still a darn good point. have to round up some volunteers....