Tracking Dog Question with a Twist

[Mike Theis]

I have a 3 Brittanys, 2 of which hunt birds. The 3rd is a rescue dog that has been blind since birth. She can't hunt birds very well, because of the separation from the hunter thats necessary. But, she has the heart of a lion, and the nose of a blood hound. No small morsel is safe anywhere, and LOVES the smell of deer blood on my hunting clothes. Could a blind dog track deer? Is this practical? Is it possible to attempt tracking solely on a leash?

I think she would be a willing participant, and I have been thinking, what a great way for her to participate in outdoor adventures with me.

(I can hear the laughs now- Gee, If a blind dog could find it, what's the matter with you! LOL)     :D

[7 Lakes]

All dogs need a job, give her a chance. Even if she just can't do it I'm sure she will enjoy the training.  Keep her on a close leash so the briars don't get her in the face.

Brittany's have way too much energy to sit around with nothing to do.    

Now where is that acorn.

[Hatrick]

7 Lakes, Mike, hit the nail squarely on the head.

And kudos to you for taking in the blind Brittany. They're great dogs.  

[maxwell]

Deer search in NY which has been around a fair amount of time recommends using a leash. I even think it is the law in NY.  I used a Dachshund (wire hair) for many years on a leash; worked very well.

[Hess]

Awesome!  I bet that dog'll hunt....Can Ray Charles play the Piano?

Give her a shot.

[rastaman]

But, she has the heart of a lion, and the nose of a blood hound ...

Absolutely give her a chance!

[JAG]

All my dogs do something.  Some to it better than others.  One of my favorites to take tree rattin', is my old deaf Blue Heeler.  She can tree with the best.  If you shoot it, she'll find it.  So BIG YES, give her the chance!  She may suprize everybody.  Be sure to keep her on a string, so that she'll know what you want, and where you are.
Gotta love them dogs, that got HEART!

[Mike Manassa]

Mike,if she has the drive to do it,I would sure get her started on short easy tracks with real deer blood..You'll be surprised how good she will probably be.Mkie Manassa(Police K-9 trainer)

[kpete]

that like a great opprotunity to enjoy the talents of the dog. What a thrill it would be to have that dog do productive work.  Sounds like she will be a gamer.  The blindness might allow here to concentrate on the scent and not be distracted by what she sees.  Good luck.  Everything is better when  dog helps with the work.

[2treks]

Most bloodtrailing is done on a 30' leash. and many states make this law. I think you will have a blast with this training. The dog will like it more. Good luck and keep us posted.
Chuck

[KellyG]

heck they say in people if one sense goes the others become stronger. If it happens in a dog just think of how powerful her nose really is.

[TxAg]

Sounds like it couldn't hurt to try. Keep us posted.

[Mike Theis]

We are going to give this a try. The rifle season just closed last weekend, but the muzzleloader season is open, and the archery season reopened as well here in WI. I am going to pass the word among my hunting buddies that I want to try this. I can get some deer meat from the freezer for blood, etc - but I'd like to get a deer on the hoof. We still have time to try this somewhat this year. We'll keep you posted on our progress.

Thanks for the input and help.

[lbows]

Please keep us posted,dogs give us all they have to give asking very little in return.

[wildgame]

being blind might not handycap but the other way around! take away one sence and will problly highten the others!! i do alot of tracking with dogs and i always have them on a leash. hope to hear more on how the training goes!  

[stik&string]

Mike what part of the state are you in? I ask because one of the member of my hunting club drew blood tonight, planning on tracking tomorrow. PM me if you would be interested.

[Mike Theis]

PM sent - Thanks!