Author Description

Modern Enthusiastic Tracking, The New Step-by-Step Training Handbook (2017) lays out a step-by-step training plan for those starting a dog with the goal of earning both the TD and TDU titles, while also building a firm foundation for more advanced titles. The book continues with detailed plans to train for and earn the TDX, VST and the coveted Champion Tracker. Included is a specific plan to transition a field-only TD or TDX dog to achieve the TDU and VST. This systematic manual will be your constant training companion and guide. It is a unique resource which is ideal for trainers who want a well laid-out plan with a history of successfully training dogs to track. Sil s popular 1998 book, Enthusiastic Tracking, The Step-by-step Training Manual, 2nd ed., was successfully used by new-to-tracking novices, experienced trackers, and tracking instructors to train their dogs to the TD and TDX titles. This book represents another 20 years of observation and training experience, learning how to train his own and his students dogs for both field and urban tracking. For the past decade Sil has been developing the techniques illustrated in this book, adapting and adjusting the training exercises and exercise progressions so they encourage optimal learning, and refining the way the methods are explained in writing. Many individual students and seminar participants contributed by presenting their in-training dogs with skill short-comings, trying these exercises, and providing feedback on the techniques viability and success. Illustrated with 106 diagrams, 75 images, and 5 artistic drawings, the book is divided into four major parts: The first part parallels and expands Part I of Enthusiastic Tracking. In particular, Part I now prepares a dog for the urban TDU test as well as the traditional field TD test. Part II continues field tracking training by focusing strictly on the TDX. To make the training process simpler and more straightforward than the 1998 book,