Critical Reviews of Modern Enthusiastic Tracking
Kyla Smay, who trained her two CT Belgian Tervuren Ethan and Rhys using her own methods writes in October 2019:
I finally purchased Modern Enthusiastic Tracking and have just finished reading it. I made it a priority to read as I am preparing to give a presentation about training for VST, and I wanted to see what’s out there available for people to use as a guide after the seminar. I present concepts and ideas, tips and techniques, but not a step-by step plan, and some people really need that.
Let me just say the detail in your book is incredible. It is no small feat to develop a plan of action to take people step by step towards the skills they need for TD/TDX/TDU and VST, trying to think of every contingency. Not only that, but to also create a separate path for those who want to do only urban, only field, and/or Canadian titles. And THEN to attempt to anticipate potential problems, to help people identify what problems they’re facing, and to create a review path for them as well. The mind boggles.
It was probably harder to read through the whole thing at once, rather than just taking one step at a time and really diving in while training a dog. People who love detail and a schedule to follow will really appreciate all the work you’ve done.
I was rather pleased to read about your description of "squaring up the transition". For years I've been calling that same phenomenon "the 90 degree crossing phenomenon" as I first noticed it with path and road crossings. When I first tell some people to expect it, they will tell me, "my dog doesn't do that" and then I video tape them, and sure enough, they do. I find that so fascinating!
Another similar thought process we’ve had is about what you call "choice points" and what I call "decision points". I really like the way you discuss that in your book along with the photo of a track and identifying the choice points - including sun to shade/shade to sun transitions, etc.
I was also impressed with how you incorporate contamination tracklayers through the process.
Naturally, there are some things we do quite differently, but overall our styles are very compatible, and I will be happy to recommend your book for those who would like a detailed and logical approach to training.
I finally purchased Modern Enthusiastic Tracking and have just finished reading it. I made it a priority to read as I am preparing to give a presentation about training for VST, and I wanted to see what’s out there available for people to use as a guide after the seminar. I present concepts and ideas, tips and techniques, but not a step-by step plan, and some people really need that.
Let me just say the detail in your book is incredible. It is no small feat to develop a plan of action to take people step by step towards the skills they need for TD/TDX/TDU and VST, trying to think of every contingency. Not only that, but to also create a separate path for those who want to do only urban, only field, and/or Canadian titles. And THEN to attempt to anticipate potential problems, to help people identify what problems they’re facing, and to create a review path for them as well. The mind boggles.
It was probably harder to read through the whole thing at once, rather than just taking one step at a time and really diving in while training a dog. People who love detail and a schedule to follow will really appreciate all the work you’ve done.
I was rather pleased to read about your description of "squaring up the transition". For years I've been calling that same phenomenon "the 90 degree crossing phenomenon" as I first noticed it with path and road crossings. When I first tell some people to expect it, they will tell me, "my dog doesn't do that" and then I video tape them, and sure enough, they do. I find that so fascinating!
Another similar thought process we’ve had is about what you call "choice points" and what I call "decision points". I really like the way you discuss that in your book along with the photo of a track and identifying the choice points - including sun to shade/shade to sun transitions, etc.
I was also impressed with how you incorporate contamination tracklayers through the process.
Naturally, there are some things we do quite differently, but overall our styles are very compatible, and I will be happy to recommend your book for those who would like a detailed and logical approach to training.
Naia Stier who trained CT Gibson, CT Bender & Jett TDX using these methods:
The wait is over! Sil Sanders in his latest book Modern Enthusiastic Tracking: The New Step-by-Step Training Handbook delivers a comprehensive training plan to take you and your dog from your first track through achieving a VST pass. This handbook provides not only detailed exercises and a clear and thorough explanation of tracking basics but also dives deep into motivation, problem-solving and test preparation for both field and urban tracking. If you have wondered how to teach both field and urban tracking simultaneously, you need this book.
Sil’s classic tracking text from the late 90’s Enthusiastic Tracking was read and used by an entire generation of trackers training for the AKC TD and TDX tests. His new book Modern Enthusiastic Tracking incorporates much of that original content while updating and expanding on it to provide insight and instruction on techniques, particularly for the urban TDU and VST tests, that were developed more recently. Maintaining high motivation is critical to success in the sport of tracking, and this is central to Sil’s philosophy and lessons. The book gives instruction throughout on how to make adjustments in training that will increase and maintain the dog’s motivation.
Although this book includes a proven training plan for a handler training alone, it can also serve as a tremendous resource to those working with a private trainer or group class who are looking for supplemental ideas for problem-solving. The book is full of ideas for tracks or exercises to help with specific issues a dog may be experiencing. Whether you are integrating both urban and field tracking equally or just focusing on one venue due to geography or preference, Sil provides a modular plan that can be customized to fit your need.
The wait is over! Sil Sanders in his latest book Modern Enthusiastic Tracking: The New Step-by-Step Training Handbook delivers a comprehensive training plan to take you and your dog from your first track through achieving a VST pass. This handbook provides not only detailed exercises and a clear and thorough explanation of tracking basics but also dives deep into motivation, problem-solving and test preparation for both field and urban tracking. If you have wondered how to teach both field and urban tracking simultaneously, you need this book.
Sil’s classic tracking text from the late 90’s Enthusiastic Tracking was read and used by an entire generation of trackers training for the AKC TD and TDX tests. His new book Modern Enthusiastic Tracking incorporates much of that original content while updating and expanding on it to provide insight and instruction on techniques, particularly for the urban TDU and VST tests, that were developed more recently. Maintaining high motivation is critical to success in the sport of tracking, and this is central to Sil’s philosophy and lessons. The book gives instruction throughout on how to make adjustments in training that will increase and maintain the dog’s motivation.
Although this book includes a proven training plan for a handler training alone, it can also serve as a tremendous resource to those working with a private trainer or group class who are looking for supplemental ideas for problem-solving. The book is full of ideas for tracks or exercises to help with specific issues a dog may be experiencing. Whether you are integrating both urban and field tracking equally or just focusing on one venue due to geography or preference, Sil provides a modular plan that can be customized to fit your need.
Maureen Fielding, Canadian Tracking Instructor who trained CT & TC Orrin and the first All-American CT & TC Griffin:
Modern Enthusiastic Tracking is the most detailed step by step tracking manual I have seen for CKC and AKC field and urban tracking. Sil’s love of tracking, and his desire to share his wide experience gained as a handler, trainer, and judge, have inspired him to create this comprehensive curriculum for the tracking community.
Designed in modules, it can instruct handlers of all experience levels who diligently practice the lessons and exercises to achieve success in tracking. It is particularly valuable for handlers who may not have other trackers or a coach/trainer nearby. Handlers and coaches can also customize their own training plan and goals: field or urban first, both simultaneously, or based on site availability and personal preference.
As a tracking instructor and coach, I often use it as a workbook, having students practice a specific lesson during class time, and then completing related exercises for homework. Modern Enthusiastic Tracking (or MET) provides a fully integrated plan for keeping both long and short term goals clearly in sight.
I had the pleasure of “test driving” with my own students some of the urban hard surface and contaminated grass lessons and exercises while Sil was writing them into MET and am proud to have contributed constructive feedback on their value in improving each team’s incremental skill building.
I am very excited to see the launch of this manual into the tracking community and into the hands of new dog handlers across North America. I would highly recommend Modern Enthusiastic Tracking as a resource for every tracker’s library.
Modern Enthusiastic Tracking is the most detailed step by step tracking manual I have seen for CKC and AKC field and urban tracking. Sil’s love of tracking, and his desire to share his wide experience gained as a handler, trainer, and judge, have inspired him to create this comprehensive curriculum for the tracking community.
Designed in modules, it can instruct handlers of all experience levels who diligently practice the lessons and exercises to achieve success in tracking. It is particularly valuable for handlers who may not have other trackers or a coach/trainer nearby. Handlers and coaches can also customize their own training plan and goals: field or urban first, both simultaneously, or based on site availability and personal preference.
As a tracking instructor and coach, I often use it as a workbook, having students practice a specific lesson during class time, and then completing related exercises for homework. Modern Enthusiastic Tracking (or MET) provides a fully integrated plan for keeping both long and short term goals clearly in sight.
I had the pleasure of “test driving” with my own students some of the urban hard surface and contaminated grass lessons and exercises while Sil was writing them into MET and am proud to have contributed constructive feedback on their value in improving each team’s incremental skill building.
I am very excited to see the launch of this manual into the tracking community and into the hands of new dog handlers across North America. I would highly recommend Modern Enthusiastic Tracking as a resource for every tracker’s library.
Anne Hershey, an AKC & ASCA Tracking Judge who trained CT Blaze, Bear TDX, Mittens TDX & Kestrel TDX:
West Coast tracking pioneer Sil Sanders is famous for the pains-taking, step-by-step training methods he has developed over a lifetime of training, exhibiting, judging and instructing in the sport. His new book, Modern Enthusiastic Tracking, is updated to include urban tracking along with field tracking. The text, lavishly illustrated with diagrams and photos, describes in precise detail Sil’s training methods for all levels of tracking. The instruction-packed, how-to chapters are lightened with paragraphs that explain the reasoning behind his methods, and with entertaining sagas derived from Sil’s personal tracking test experiences.
This book is a wonderful comprehensive resource for tracking enthusiasts -- rank beginners as well as experienced judges and instructors. It occupies center stage on my dog-training bookshelf, but it won’t stay there long. Whatever I’m training, whatever problems arise to bedevil me or my tracking students, I’ll reach for Sil’s book first, to look for strategies.
West Coast tracking pioneer Sil Sanders is famous for the pains-taking, step-by-step training methods he has developed over a lifetime of training, exhibiting, judging and instructing in the sport. His new book, Modern Enthusiastic Tracking, is updated to include urban tracking along with field tracking. The text, lavishly illustrated with diagrams and photos, describes in precise detail Sil’s training methods for all levels of tracking. The instruction-packed, how-to chapters are lightened with paragraphs that explain the reasoning behind his methods, and with entertaining sagas derived from Sil’s personal tracking test experiences.
This book is a wonderful comprehensive resource for tracking enthusiasts -- rank beginners as well as experienced judges and instructors. It occupies center stage on my dog-training bookshelf, but it won’t stay there long. Whatever I’m training, whatever problems arise to bedevil me or my tracking students, I’ll reach for Sil’s book first, to look for strategies.