Training a German shepherd to do search-and-rescue is time consuming but, before training can begin, the trainer must first decide how the dog's skills will be used. Whether training for a show title or for a human rescue, using hot dog pieces is the perfect motivator for your pup. The person training the German shepherd for human tracking has to learn the theory of skin rafts and scent first. People drop skin cells on a daily basis, which form "rafts." These rafts are blown by the wind and fall to the ground when people move around. There are 2 ways for the German shepherd to track-one is by smelling the ground and the other is by smelling the air.
Things You'll Need
- Treats, such as hot dog pieces
- Collar
- Leash
- Helper
- Grassy areas, such as a field with trees or a park
- Article of clothing, like a sock or glove
Instructions
Trailing
Start by having the German shepherd sit and stay.
Take some treats, such as hot dogs, and squash a piece with your shoe into the grass. This will release the scent. Walk away, forming a straight line. Drop a piece of hot dog every 6 to 10 feet. Drop an article of your clothing, like a sock or a glove. Once you're about 20 feet away from the German shepherd, place a piece of hot dog onto the article of clothing placed at the end of the track.
Release the German shepherd from his stay and encourage him to smell the ground. Tell him to "Find it!" as he sniffs around to find the scent. Praise him when he follows the scent but try not to distract him.
When the German shepherd has reached the end of the track and found the article, try doing it again by taking steps to either side. Do 3 or 4 short tracks per session. As his tracking improves, slowly start making his tracks longer and start adding turns, curves or corners. Use pegs or flags to mark the track if it's too long; this will ensure the German shepherd is on track and not straying.
Air Scenting
Go to a place that has many hiding places; for example, a field with plenty of trees or a park. Hold the German shepherd by his leash as another person entices him with a treat or a toy. Let the other person get the German shepherd excited using the treat or toy so he will be willing to look for it. The other person should now run and hide where the dog cannot see him.
Wait for awhile, and then let the German shepherd go. Say to the dog "Find him!" Once he finds the hidden person, he should be given the treat or toy and plenty of praise.
When the dog better understands the game, make it more difficult. Have another person run in different patterns or into the wind. Doing this will make the German shepherd work harder to find the hidden person. Once the dog is better at finding the other person, close the dog's eyes or turn him away so he can't see where the other person is hiding.