Training Records                                                                   

KEEPING TRACK! Every time you train with your bloodhound, keep a record of the training. Training records, actual search reports, and training received, will become a part of the handling process. A three ring binder makes an excellent notebook. Make sure that your training records include the date, time of day, weather conditions, age of the trail, obstacles, runner's name, and a written summary of how the dog performed. Detail the dogs' reactions when given the scent article, and any signs of excitement that he may show at certain places, special interests, and how he acts when he makes a find. As you and your dog become more experienced, the trails should become more difficult. Changes in terrain, weather, age, or length of the trail and other variables keep training interesting for both you and the dog. Do not forget to get him out into the night, as many of the searches are during the hours of darkness. An experienced handler nearest to you will be assigned to assist and answer any questions that you may have or help you as you train and work your dog. You are encouraged to ask questions and be ready to train and work. After a while, you will observe a pattern of behavior in your dog that will enable you to read your bloodhound and understand when he is either on or off the trail, and when he is approaching the subject and how he identifies the runner. You will learn what kinds of conditions are good or bad for trailing. You may notice indications of a scent pool or pool scent (the heavy scent area left when a person has rested for some time in the same spot). This is a place where your hound will show a great interest and sniff eagerly. Look around, there may be something there, which the subject dropped, or which would help identify the missing person. The notes and information in your notebook will indicate that you have trained your bloodhound and how you have trained your bloodhound. This is in the event that a case ends up as a criminal case and you are called to court to testify as to what your hound did on the search.
KEEPING TRACK
If you take part in an actual search, keep a written report (complete record) for yourself and send a copy to the training officer that will be forwarded to the newsletter editor for publication.
Clip and save any newspaper articles that mentioned you, while on that search. Try to complete the search report to the best of your ability. The report also requires a summary of what your hound did, your mileage and time, and other information.
Scent articles are one of the most crucial items to understand. A scent article often determines success or failure of a mission. If possible, obtain the scent article yourself. This is covered in the COMPLETE BLOODHOUND but is worth emphasizing.
Institution personnel and many law enforcement officers will not be familiar with proper collection or isolation of a scent article. Often the individual will be completely unrealistic in choosing, handling, or transporting a scent article.

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Last modified: 01/31/08 19:19:32 -0800 71024721