6-Week Beginner Dog Tracking Course

Learn to track with your dog. No experience required.

Mondays at 5:30pm | Kyogle High School | $300

Course Starts October 5th 2026

6-WEEK FOUNDATION COURSE

Practical, Small-Group Training

Unlock your dog’s extraordinary natural scent-tracking abilities. Over six progressive weeks, you’ll learn foundational handling techniques while your dog learns to map and follow tracks in a highly supportive, distraction-controlled environment. Perfect for beginners looking to build confidence, focus, and a deeper working relationship.

THE ART OF SCENT

What is Tracking?

Tracking is the natural ability of a dog to follow a specific scent trail left by a person. It involves the dog using its nose to detect ground disturbance and individual scent particles, working through various terrains and environmental conditions. In our course, we focus on teaching you how to read your dog and build a strong partnership through this incredible natural skill.

Is this right for you?

Who Is This Course For?

Our introductory tracking course is built specifically for everyday dog owners. You don’t need elite athletic dog skills or complex training backgrounds just a desire to learn a fun, natural activity that both you and your canine companion will love.

THE 6-WEEK JOURNEY

What You’ll Learn

A highly structured, field-tested tracking curriculum designed to build your dog’s scent mechanics and handler confidence from the ground up.

WEEK 01-02

Phase 1: Foundations

Foundations & Scent Motivation

Everything starts with desire. You’ll learn how to successfully introduce your dog to scent association using high-value rewards. We cover starting line protocols, building initial focus drive, and ensuring your dog happily links human scent with a clear target objective.

WEEK 03-04

Phase 2: Core Tracks

Basic Tracks & Turns

Transition from straight scent pads to true linear paths. We’ll introduce basic 90-degree turns and simple natural obstacles. This block focuses extensively on leash handling, reading your dog’s distinct micro-signals, and understanding atmospheric wind factors.

WEEK 05-06

Phase 3: Testing and assesment

Advanced Challenges & Distance

Take tracking to the next level by aging the scent trail and lengthening the total distance. At the end of the course, we put our training to the test in a 100-meter long track with your dog, including at least one corner.

OUR PROGRAM STRUCTURE

How It Works

1 Session Per Week

Manageable weekly training sessions designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule without overwhelming your dog.

Small Group Training

Learn alongside a small, curated group of dogs, ensuring a calm, controlled atmosphere with minimal distractions.

Dogs Worked Individually

Your dog receives dedicated one-on-one attention from the trainer while other dogs rest safely, maximizing focus.

Practical Homework

Clear, realistic training assignments to practice at home, ensuring long-term success in real-world situations.

SECURE YOUR SPOT

Ready to Train Your Tracker?

Limited to 6 handlers per class to guarantee personalised coaching.

Course Begins Monday 4th October

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COURSE

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I or my dog need any tracking experience?

Not at all. This course is specifically designed for absolute beginners. We start with the very basics, teaching you how to motivate your dog and read their body language as they follow a scent path.

What is dog tracking?

Tracking is teaching your dog to find a specific person or object by following the scent trail on the ground. It harnesses a dog’s natural scenting ability and channels it into a structured, rewarding activity.

Does my dog need to have good obedience?

No. Advanced obedience is not required. In fact, tracking is often excellent for dogs that struggle with traditional obedience, as it builds focus, confidence, and a deep working bond with you.

What types of dogs can participate?

Tracking can be enjoyed by dogs of almost any breed, shape, or size. From Chihuahuas to Great Danes, all dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can participate in tracking.

Is my dog too young or too old to participate?

No. Tracking can be enjoyed by dogs of almost any age. Puppies can start learning basic scent games early on, and older dogs benefit greatly from the low-impact physical and mental stimulation.

My dog isn’t great around other dogs. Can we still participate?

Yes. Dogs work individually during tracking exercises and are kept at a safe distance from other participants. It is a highly controlled environment, making it perfect for reactive dogs.

What happens if I miss a week?

You won’t be left behind. Your course includes six weeks of access to The Tracking Club online training program, allowing you to ctach up at hoe and upload your training for feedback.

Can I practise between classes?

Absolutely. We highly recommend short, 5-to-10-minute training sessions a few times a week to reinforce what you’ve learned. Consistent practice makes a huge difference.

Do I need a lot of space to practise at home?

No. You don’t need a massive backyard. In the early stages, simple tracks can be set up on a sporting field or backyard.

What equipment will I need?

You don’t need to purchase expensive gear. To start, you just need a standard non-restrictive harness, a longer leash (approx. 5–10m), high-value treats, and a favorite toy.

Where and when is the course held?

The course is held at Kyogle High School, utilising the spacious and secure outdoor training fields. Sessions are scheduled on Sundays at 5:30pm

How much does the course cost?

The complete six-week course is $300. This includes all practical coaching sessions, 6 weeks of online tuition, personalized feedback, and graduation certification.

How many people are in each course?

Places are deliberately limited to 6 dog and handler teams per instructor. This ensures everyone gets individual attention, plenty of working time, and direct feedback.

What happens after the six weeks?

You’ll leave with the foundations of a rewarding new lifelong hobby. Many teams progress to intermediate tracking groups, competitive trials, or simply continue enjoying tracking games at home.