Mastering Variable Surface Tracking

Train your dog for tracking in the urban environment!Are you looking for a new challenge for your tracking dog? Are you interested in trying the sport of AKC tracking with a young dog? Both experienced tracking teams and newcomers to the sport can achieve a VST title using the techniques in this new book and workbook set. SAR and Police K-9 units will find this information invaluable in their work.Component Training™ is widely recognized as THE way to teach Variable Surface Tracking. This method works equally well for dogs that have already achieved TD or TDX titles or for beginning trackers. Breaking the complete track down into individual elements and teaching each challenge before putting together a complete track offers handler and dog the opportunity to perfect each element and assures a high rate of success.255 B & W photographs & illustrations (book), 110 diagrams (workbook).This is the information you need to learn about Variable Surface Tracking!•The history of Variable Surface Tracking. •The AKC requirements for a VST title. •The theory of scent and how a dog uses it to track. •The differences between TD, TDX, and VST. •What “component training” is and how to use it to train your tracking dog. •A step-by-step program that will help you and your dog become a successful VST team. •How to map and evaluate your training process.Here's what experts say about Mastering Variable Surface TrackingThe tracking community is fortunate to have the benefit of Ed Presnall’s fountain of knowledge about VST in this very thorough book. Lois Ballard, AKC Earthdog Judge, owner & trainer of AKC Mini-Wirehaired Dachshunds.Mastering Variable Surface Tracking is a necessary and enlightening addition to the tracking enthusiast’s library. Ev & Anne Campbell, AKC Tracking Judges, owners & trainers of AKC Golden Retrievers.What impressed me about Ed’s practical approach is its scientific bent, which incorporates not only animal behavior but also the physics and chemistry of scent. Dana Vaughan, PhD., University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Department of Biology, owner, trainer, and exhibitor of multi-talented AKC dogs since 1977.Author Ed Presnall is a consultant, instructor and tracking judge who is recognized as one of the leading trainers in the sport of tracking. He spends much of his time teaching, training and writing about dogs. He has earned multiple VST and Champion Tracker titles with his dogs. As a multi-award winning member of the Dog Writer’s Association of America, his articles and stories are published in many dog related magazines, newsletters and websites. Mastering Variable Surface Tracking is his fourth book. Read more