Chicago Trackers

Early in the summer of 2007, some of our members decided to try out tracking with their Kangal Dogs. We approached Jane Masterson of Canis Sapiens in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago to form a class. Jane located a tracking instructor and we started a class that ran for five weeks.

After the class, the participants decided to continue and we formed a club that meets every Saturday at 8am behind the Museum of Science and Industry in historic Jackson Park. Our original instructor still attends every so often to help out. Open to all breeds.

Some of the club members might be interested in competition (VST and TDX) tracking eventually. Others are planning to pursue and learn more about SAR and mantrailing. Almost all of us are interested in a fun activity that we can do with our dogs.

Tracking is a great relationship builder! The handler must learn to trust in the dog's instincts and read their dog's body language. Check this page often for educational information, reading recommendations, and personal stories on teaching dogs scentwork.

A good start: read Susanne Clothier's Following Ghosts: Developing the Tracking Relationship. Books can be purchased at dogwise.com