In tracking, an Army dog is trained to follow a ground path and discover any clothing that has been left behind. The capability of an Army Dog can be long as well as short. It depends upon the habit of the dog. Some dogs are lazy and some dogs are enthusiastic. Ground scenes and body scents are two main categories. Dogs can recognize a combination of human odors and environmental odors emitted by a person to create a track scent. The direction of a trail is then determined by the strength of the overall smell, and they follow that path. Using some sort of information, tracking over time entails matching objects in particular frames. In essence, object-tracking techniques look for consistent relationships between various image information parameters (such as position, velocity, color, texture, and shape) between frames. There are two approaches to training. Although tracking was once thought to be a hunting strategy, it is now a common activity.
Tracking Mechanism
Animal communication entails the transfer of information between a sender and a recipient through chemical signs. A chemical sign can be created without a dog and discovered without the person who created it. It is described as both representation and signification. This means that even in the absence of other people, dogs can lay their signs and find those that have already been laid. Dogs can follow both visual and olfactory signals, but it seems that scent is the most reliable source of information for them.
Phases of Army Dog Tracking Skills
Three separate phases involve
Searching Phase
The initial phase is searching. In the search process dogs inhale breath, using the track. It will take time. Time will depend upon the different breeds of dogs. Searching time also depends upon the training of dogs that how well the dog has been trained.
Deciding Phase
After the searching phase, There will be deciding phase of the dog starts. When the search will complete the dog will decide on the place.
Tracking Phase
When the tracking phase will start. The activity level of the dog will increase.
Methods of tracking
Dogs use physiological methods to find scent trails, but based on the environment they are tracking in, they use these methods in various ways. A scent is produced by the personal odor of the person being monitored or by an odor of environmental disturbance brought on by the tracked person’s moves. Depending on the situation, a dog may track a person, a plant, or a scent in a variety of methods.
Recognizes Air Scent
In particular, a person’s ability to leave their smell on the ground or in the air affects a dog’s capacity for scent tracking. When human odors from perspiration, cells, or gland secretions circulate easily in the open air, it is said to have an air scent. Dogs are exposed to by-products from the bacteria that adhered to dead skin cells.
Recognizes Ground Scent
The soil disturbs by human footprints making up a ground fragrance. The disturbed earth allows moisture to escape and kills plant life, producing an additional byproduct. Each footprint emits a fresh odor that is stronger than the nearby, undisturbed vegetation.
Recognize Track
As the smelling ability of the dog is very strong. A dog can use both air and ground scent for tracking. When the dog is going to recognize at any crime scene. He will follow a particular track.
Enhance the Tracking Skills of Army Dogs by using Training
Build a Relationship with Dogs
Firstly, when you meet your new dog you have to build compatibility. If you want to take a new puppy, first training you have to give your puppy you have to establish a relationship with your dog. With other dogs, you drop a food pan twice a day for your new puppy. If the handler partner himself drops a portion of food to their new puppy it becomes a good bond. Dogs can easily associate if better things are provided to them. If we can’t use the best means to train dogs then we can’t build a friendly relationship with dogs. Then these dogs become very serious about their job. A good relationship is necessary for Army Dog training.
Train your Dog daily
First, you have to build a rapport with your dog, laying foundations for a good relationship it will also build a foundation for the best training. If you aren’t accepting things don’t give them. If the behavior of the dog is good then give them rewards like treats and play with them and give attention to them. If training gets a start, then there is a need to consider that do not miss a day because it will disturb the routine of your dog. Use the same area for the same training. Keep your voice tone at an equal level. Use the way command the same as the first day. When a dog follows any command then provide a reward. Don’t command them when you are not able to provide a reward.
Army Dog Training takes Time
Dog instruction must be taken slowly. Different dogs learn things at different rates. It can take four to seven months of fundamental skills training. You can’t progress to more difficult tasks if your dog isn’t understanding the basic things. The important of all further instruction is obedience (sit, down, and stay). Master the fundamentals slowly and periodically review them. Experts with years of expertise who receive almost daily refresher training in obedience. Maintaining proficiency is much simpler than fixing an issue you have ignored for too long.
Every day can be different
You’ve spent weeks teaching your dog. He’s doing well until one day when he simply won’t work for you. He refuses to take a seat. He appears to be lazy or exhausted. If the dog doesn’t appear to be learning then stop providing training to them. Every day can be different depending upon the mood of the dog. Even Army dogs experience terrible days. They simply don’t want to do work some days. You will become frustrated and angry if you attempt to force it, which seldom provides positive outcomes. Recognize that a medical problem may be present. Usually, sick dogs can not work properly.