I'm trying to get started teaching one of my dogs to follow a blood trail(for hunting purposes). I know it's easiest to have the dog know how to follow a trail first, and have a command for it. I'm just at a loss as to where to start. I have a dog with a great nose, and a desire to track, but I don't know where to begin or how. Will they take a natural interest in the scent? Do they lose interest quickly? (Of course, I realize every dog will have a different attention span.) My dog is very highly motivated by toys, but also food....should I use food at the end of the track as a low-level reward, and a toy at the end as a jackpot?
Maybe I'm overthinking this, but I just don't know where to start. Any tips please?
Maybe I'm overthinking this, but I just don't know where to start. Any tips please?