How to Start Tracking? What to Prepare?

Since you’re here, I assume you want to do more with your Akita than just walks. Great! Your dog will definitely appreciate it. Personally, I believe tracking is one of the most neutral dog sports, as almost any dog that doesn’t suffer from mobility issues can try it. Plus, every dog already has the necessary equipment: its nose!

So where to start? First, you will need: a suitable instructor (the best instructor is one with whom you can establish a good rapport, and whom your dog feels comfortable enough to ignore), a dog (unfortunately, it will be very difficult without one), a decoy and/or a scent item, a 10-meter leash, a harness that doesn’t restrict movement, and most importantly, a lot of enthusiasm and good rewards for your Akita’s work.

Once you have all the necessary equipment, hold on tight, because this is where the philosophy begins. If you’re like me, for the first 3 to 5 tracks, despite theoretical courses and webinars, you won’t have much of an idea what’s happening in the forest, even though your Akita will quickly catch on to the game. After all, what’s so hard about it? The dog knows that some stranger just took its food and ran off into the bushes. But not with this dog! He’ll find the person and reclaim what’s his.

And that’s pretty much what the first tracks to build your furry friend’s motivation will look like. It’s like chasing a rabbit, and your role will be to make sure he doesn’t get lost or tangled in the leash. That’s it, your whole role: don’t lose the dog and don’t let him get tangled, or at least that’s what I thought at the beginning...