WHEN IT’S ALL ABOUT THE NOSE

 

   Does your Wheaten use his nose to find his toys, the kids, or the next door neighbor’s cat? Then tracking may be the sport for you.

   Tracking shows off a dog’s natural ability to follow a scent. With noses up to 100,000 times more sensitive than humans dogs can find missing persons or other animals by following the scent they leave behind. While training with an experienced tracker is best you can also find good how-to information in books or online. A dog with a good nose can even find things under water.

   If you liked to play “Follow the Leader” as a kid this may be something you and your dog can enjoy. Have you ever noticed your dog presses his nose to the air vent in your car when you are going for a ride? He is air scenting and using his nose to figure out where you are going. Are you headed to the park, the beach, or the vet? He may not use his eyes as we do; he is using his nose to navigate.

   Most trackers practice very early in the morning and you need a field and something to find (often training involves laying a track and then following it.) You will need a harness and a long line for the dog and a good pair of shoes to go over hill and dale for you.

   If you and your dog enjoy being outside, have the stamina for long walks, and some innate detective skills this may be just the thing for you.

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May it only be dew at your knees.

If the ground ‘neath your feet should quiver and shake,

I hope you’ll be standin’ with ease.

And never go hungry or wantin’ for much;

May God grant you all that you need.

 

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May your doctor never earn a dollar out of you,

May your heart never give out,

May the ten toes of your feet steer you clear for misfortune.

And before you’re much older,

May you hear much better blessings than this.