Our dog tracking training class is a specialized program designed to teach dogs and their handlers the skills necessary for effective tracking. Tracking is the ability to follow a specific scent trail left by a person or animal, and it is often used in search and rescue operations.  Our program is designed around recreation and sport that we can do with our dogs.  However, if someone is looking to do more with their dog such as search and rescue, we can provide training for the handler and dog to achieve a high level of tracking.

Introduction to Tracking:

The class begins with an introduction to the concept of tracking, explaining the importance of the skill and its practical applications in different fields.
Understanding Scent and Tracking Principles:

Participants learn the basics of how scents behave, the impact of environmental factors on scent trails, and the principles of following a track. Understanding scent dynamics is crucial for both handlers and dogs.

Handler Skills and Communication:

Handlers are trained on how to effectively communicate with their dogs during tracking exercises. Clear signals and commands help the dog navigate the track accurately.

Scent Discrimination:

Dogs are taught to discriminate between different scents and focus on the specific trail they are meant to follow. This skill is essential for tracking tasks where the dog needs to follow a particular individual's scent.

Trail Laying Techniques:

Instructors demonstrate how to lay scent trails effectively, considering factors such as wind direction, terrain, and the difficulty level desired for the training exercise.

Basic Tracking Exercises:

Initial training involves simple tracking exercises, gradually increasing in complexity. Dogs learn to follow a straight track, negotiate turns, and identify changes in the trail.

Variable Terrain Training:

Dogs and handlers are exposed to different types of terrain, such as grassy fields, wooded areas, urban environments, and more. This helps them adapt to diverse tracking scenarios they might encounter in real-world situations.

Distraction Training:

Dogs are exposed to distractions along the track to simulate real-world conditions. This could include other scents, noise, or environmental factors that might interfere with tracking.

Tracking in Different Weather Conditions:

Training often includes tracking exercises in various weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, wind) to prepare dogs for tracking under diverse circumstances.

Team Coordination and Timing:

Handlers learn how to coordinate effectively with their dogs, interpreting their signals and adjusting their pace accordingly. Timing is crucial in tracking, and the class emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steady pace.

Search and Rescue Simulations:

In more advanced stages of training, simulations of real search and rescue scenarios are conducted, allowing handlers and dogs to apply their tracking skills in practical situations.

Continuous Evaluation and Feedback:

Overall, our scent training class is a comprehensive and structured program that aims to develop the skills and abilities of individuals or animals for specific tracking tasks.  Our objective is to help you create stronger bond with your dogs, by providing a mutually enjoyable recreational activity.  You can do just the basics, or you can push to a very high degree of tracking.

This program runs the alternate Thursday nights of when scent detection is running.  This is from 6-8 PM.  This class will have a limit of 8 training slots.  If the class is full, a person can audit the class.  This means they can come to watch but will not get to work their dog with the trainers.  There is a pre-requisite for this program.  The dog has to have been through either our General Obedience or Day Training program.  As it is defined right now (subject to change), there are three levels of achievement for advanced obedience.  If the dog is already solid on obedience but hasn’t been through our programs, we will assess on a case by case basis if the dog is ready to start this program.  Cost of this program is $50 for a training slot, and $25 per session as an audit.  Every dog will progress at a different pace.  You can come to all the classes, or come when you can, you will always resume from where you left off.  The training sessions are opportunities for you and your dog to work with the trainer and learn new concepts.  However to progress, practicing at home is how the handler and dog will become a better team. 

If you would like to get signed up for any of these programs please send an email to Michaela@elevatecanine.com and she will get you registered to attend any of the classes that we are offering.  We do require payment when registering for a session.

We currently are running scent detection training every other Thursday from 6 PM – 8 PM.  We do have a dog limit of 8 training slots in our introduction to scent work program.  If the class is full, a person can audit the class.  This means they can come to watch but will not get to work your dog with the trainers.  This program focuses on the detection of trained odors.  All dogs start out learning to smell the same odors.  Once the dog can discern the difference in the scents we are working on, the dog can then start training for additional odors.  As it is defined right now (subject to change), there are 4 levels of progression.  Starting with intro to scent detection.  Each time the handler and dog level up, it will become more difficult and take longer to move on to the next level.  The fee for this program is $50 per session for a training slot, or $25 per session as an audit.  Every dog will progress at a different pace.  You can come to all the classes, or come when you can, you will always resume from where you left off.  The training sessions are opportunities for you and your dog to work with the trainer and learn new concepts.  However to progress, practicing at home is how the handler and dog will become a better team.  There are no prerequisites for this program.

If you would like to get signed up for any of these programs please send an email to Michaela@elevatecanine.com and she will get you registered to

attend any of the classes that we are offering.  We do require payment when registering for a session.