How to Train a Dog to Track Deer?

How to Train a Dog to Track Deer? (Expert Guide)

Dogs and people have been buddies for a really long time. Dogs are amazing at many things, and one of those things is tracking. Tracking means following a trail or path, and dogs are great at it. But this trait of dogs comes with proper training. People often ask: How to train a dog to track deer?

In this article, I will describe how you can teach your dog to follow deer tracks, which is useful for hunting and getting closer to nature.

I will explain the basics of deer tracking, what kind of dog is best for the job, the step-by-step training process, and why it is important to do this the right way. So, if you are excited to start this journey with your furry friend, keep reading to learn how to teach your dog to be a good deer tracker.

9 Steps to Train a Dog to Track Deer

1. Begin Early

It is a good idea to start teaching a dog to follow deer as soon as you can. Puppies are naturally curious and eager to learn, which makes training easier. However, older dogs can also learn to follow deer tracks.

2. Let the Dog Smell Deer Scent

The first step in teaching a dog to follow deer is to let the dog smell the scent of deer. You can do this by using deer scent products like deer urine or deer blood. These products can be found at hunting supply stores or online. 

Start by putting a little of the scent on a cloth or rag and let the dog smell it. Gradually use more scent and let the dog smell it again. This helps the dog get used to the smell of deer.

3. Start Practicing in the Field

Once the dog is familiar with the scent of deer, it is time to start practicing in the field. Begin by hiding a piece of deer meat or a deer leg where the dog can easily find it. 

Let the dog find the deer meat or leg and reward it with a treat. Make the hiding spots more challenging and increase the distance as the dog gets better.

4. Make the Trail More Challenging

As the dog gets more experienced, it is important to make the tracking trail harder. To do this, you will need to drag a piece of deer meat or a leg of deer from one end of the field to the other. Start with a short trail and gradually make it longer. Make sure it's challenging but not too difficult for the dog.

5. Use Real Deer Blood and Limbs

To make training more realistic, use real deer blood and limbs. This helps the dog get used to the scent of actual deer and learn how to follow the trail of a wounded deer. Make sure to use fresh deer blood and limbs to keep the scent strong.

6. Use a Harness

When training a dog to follow deer, use a harness. This helps the dog stay focused on the trail and prevents it from getting hurt. Use a harness that's specifically designed for tracking.

7. Reward the Dog

It is important to reward the dog when it finds the deer. You can do this by giving the dog a treat or praising it. Make sure to reward the dog right away so it associates finding the deer with a positive experience.

8. Keep Training Sessions Short

Keep training sessions short to prevent the dog from getting bored or tired. Aim for 10-15 minute sessions with breaks in between.

9. Practice Regularly

Consistency is key when training a dog to follow deer. Practice regularly to help the dog gain more experience and confidence. Train in different locations and under different conditions to make the dog more adaptable.

Mistakes to Avoid When Training a Dog to Track Deer

Training a dog to follow deer tracks can be tricky, and there are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Avoid Using Deer Hides: Don't use deer hides for training. It can confuse the dog because we want them to follow blood trails, not deer hides.
• Keep Track of Progress: Make sure to mark the path as the dog follows it. This helps both you and the dog know they are on the right track and prevents them from going off course.
• Praise Your Dog: Give your dog praise when they do well. Praising them when they find the target helps them learn faster and makes training more fun.
• Don't Overdo Training: Don't train too often. A few times a week is plenty, and as the dog grows, you can make training a bit more challenging. Training too much can make your dog bored and tired, which makes it harder to teach them.
• Watch the Wind: Take note of the direction of the wind. Dogs might cheat and go off track if they catch a scent in the wrong direction. So, be mindful of the wind to ensure your dog stays on the scent trail.

Factors to Consider When Training a Dog to Track Deer

When it comes to the expertise needed for training a dog to track deer, several essential factors come into play:

1. Choice of Dog Breed

Certain dog breeds excel in tracking tasks, making them ideal candidates for deer tracking. Breeds like Bloodhounds, Beagles, and German Shorthaired Pointers have established reputations for their tracking prowess. 

Nevertheless, it is important to note that with the right guidance and training, virtually any dog breed can be prepared to track deer effectively.

2. Age of the Dog

Commencing deer tracking training at an early age is highly recommended. Puppies exhibit a natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, facilitating the training process. However, it's worth mentioning that older dogs are also trainable for this purpose, albeit requiring a slightly different approach.

3. Prior Tracking Experience of the Dog

Dogs with prior experience in tracking other animals, such as rabbits or squirrels, may find it easier to adapt to deer tracking. Nonetheless, even dogs lacking prior tracking experience can be successfully trained to track deer.

4. Training Techniques

The specific training methods employed can significantly influence the ease of training a dog for deer tracking. Employing real deer blood and limbs in the training process adds authenticity and helps the dog become familiar with the scent of actual deer. 

In addition to this, maintaining consistency and exercising patience throughout the training journey is crucial for success in teaching a dog how to track deer.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the process of training a dog to track deer offers a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Key considerations for training a dog to track deer include starting the training early, introducing the dog to the scent of deer, and choosing appropriate locations for training. 

It is essential to gradually increase the complexity of the tracking trail, incorporate real deer blood and limbs, and use a harness for effective training. 

Additionally, rewarding the dog, keeping training sessions concise, and maintaining a consistent practice routine are vital aspects of the training process. Following these principles patiently will enable any dog to become proficient at deer tracking.