Tito Puente and myself are headed back up to Olympia, Washington this weekend to prepare for our March 20th trial, which includes tracking in beautiful orchard grass fields. In the meantime, I hope you’ll get outside and enjoy some tracking of your own.
What You Need to Start Tracking
You only need a few simple items:
- A leash
- Dog food or treats
- A patch of grass or field
- A small marker (like a flag or stick) to mark the starting point
Best Surface for Tracking
Freshly cut grass works great because footprints are easier to see, but any soft ground—lawns, parks, or fields—can work.
Optional: Articles
Later, you can introduce “articles” (small objects placed on the track for your dog to find). This adds challenge and fun, and we’ll cover it in a future post.
How to Lay a Track for Your Dog (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Start With a Motivated Dog
A slightly hungry dog is more motivated to search. Try feeding their meal on the track instead of in a bowl.
Step 2: Create a Scent Pad
At the starting point, stomp down a small square of grass to create a scent-rich area.
Sprinkle food on this spot so your dog learns:
“This is where the game begins.”
Step 3: Lay a Short, Straight Track
Walk forward in a straight line:
- Take slow, deliberate steps
- Place one piece of food in each footprint
- Press your foot down firmly to leave scent
- Keep the track short—15 to 20 steps for beginners
At first, your dog will follow the trail of treats. Over time, they’ll learn to follow your scent and the crushed grass instead.
Step 4: Help Your Dog If Needed
If your dog gets confused:
- Point to the first footprint
- Encourage them gently
- Avoid corrections—this is exploration, not obedience
There’s no wrong way to learn here.
Step 5: End With a Big Reward Party 🎉
At the final footprint, reward your dog with:
- Extra treats
- Praise
- Petting
- Excited encouragement
Make the end feel like hitting the jackpot so your dog stays excited to play again.
You’ve Laid Your First Track!
Congratulations—you’ve just created a new enrichment activity for your dog.
Tracking gives you:
- A fun daily game
- A calmer, more fulfilled dog
- Mental exercise without physical strain
- A deeper bond built through teamwork
You don’t need a working dog, expensive gear, or formal training—just a patch of grass, a handful of treats, and a willingness to play.