A cute Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog sniffing the grass in a park, with a woman in a blue jacket walking her dog in the background, surrounded by trees.

What is Tracking?

Tracking is a specialised dog sport where dogs are trained to follow a human scent trail to locate a person hidden in the environment, much like search-and-rescue operations performed by police dogs. Whether you're new to tracking and looking to explore the sport for fun and engagement, or you're a more experienced handler aiming to prepare your dog for ANKC-level trials, we offer classes to suit all skill levels.

Tracking tends to have a calming effect on dogs as it encourages them to focus and rely on their sense of smell, promoting a deeper sense of calm and confidence. By honing this natural ability, dogs often become less reactive to external stimuli such as sound and sight. Tracking provides both mental and physical stimulation, empowering dogs and enhancing their focus.

All classes are held at our Burwood location.

Tracking classes are generally offered from May to September but Track & Search classes are offered most of the year.

A person with gray hair wearing a black coat with fur trim tracking a dog on a leash through a wooded area with green grass and trees.

Beginner Tracking Classes

In this introductory course, we will teach your dog to track a human scent in order to locate a person hidden in the environment. This process mirrors the work of police dogs trained for search-and-rescue operations. Initially, your dog will learn to track you while another person handles your dog. By the end of the course, you will be able to lay your own track, return to your dog, and have them follow the track to the reward you left behind.

Tracking is highly engaging for dogs, and it’s remarkable to witness the progress made in such a short period. The sport is especially beneficial for both anxious and high-energy dogs, as it provides mental and physical exercise that results in a calm, content dog by the end of the session.

This 5-week course will teach you and your dog the fundamental skills of tracking. Upon completion, you will have the knowledge and experience necessary to continue your training independently or progress to the next level classes.

Course Capacity: Maximum of 5 dogs per class, with training tailored to each dog’s individual needs.

Course Highlights:

  • Understanding the fundamentals of tracking

  • Learning how scent works

  • How to set a track

  • Recognising external factors that affect track difficulty

  • Proper lead handling techniques

  • Teaching your dog to indicate articles found during tracking

  • Progressively increasing track difficulty while maintaining motivation

Prerequisites:
To attend this course, your dog should:

  • Be at least 4 months old

  • Be friendly toward humans

  • Ideally be comfortable being left in a car for short periods when you are handling someone else’s dog

  • Be non-reactive toward other dogs (social interaction is not required, and dogs can be kept separate)

Note: There are no obedience requirements for this course. Tracking requires the dog to work independently, which often suits dogs that are not heavily obedience-trained.

Included in the Course:

  • 8 markers for track-laying

  • Articles to be placed on the track

  • A pair of gloves suitable for tracking (to prevent rope burn during high-energy tracking sessions)

  • 12 months access to the "The Sniffers - On Track Dog Training" Facebook group for additional support, resources, and community engagement

Note: Location may change due to unforeseen circumstances. A minimum number of participants applies.

Woman doing a track with a dog in a forested area

Intermediate / Advanced Tracking Classes

For more experienced dogs, it is essential to track in a variety of environments to enhance their skills. We are fortunate to have access to a range of diverse tracking areas, providing the perfect opportunity for your dog to advance.

This course focuses on refining existing skills and increasing the complexity of the tracking exercises.

Course Highlights:

  • Improving article indication

  • Tracking at an optimal speed

  • Executing change-of-direction with precision

  • Increasing the dog's drive and engagement

  • Advanced lead handling techniques

  • Developing handler skills

  • Tracking in various terrains (e.g., bush, grass land, sports grounds)

  • Lengthening track distances and adding more turns

  • Practicing without the use of markers

  • Utilising the Dog Tracks application to see how the dog has tracked compared to how the track layer walked. Identify reasons for deviations and potential areas for improvement.

  • If your dog is highly skilled, there will be an opportunity for track-and-search exercises

Prerequisites:
To attend this course, your dog should be able to:

  • Complete a track of approximately 200 meters with 2 turns

  • Indicate articles (e.g. socks) found along the track

  • Track not only your scent but also the scent of other track layers

Additionally, you should be able to:

  • Lay a track as instructed

  • Handle your dog independently on the track

  • Teach your dog how to indicate articles (sock indication)

  • Understand the factors that influence track difficulty

We look forward to helping you and your dog develop the skills to excel in this rewarding and engaging sport. If you have any questions or would like to enroll, please don't hesitate to contact us!