A PASSIONATE JOURNEY IN IGP TRACKING.
Lars Lentz, a seasoned IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshunde Prüfungsordnung) enthusiast, shares his insights on tracking, training, and the often misunderstood “low-drive” dogs. With decades of experience, Lars challenges conventional wisdom and encourages handlers to embrace their dogs’ unique abilities.
Abhai: Lars, it’s a pleasure to have you here. Let’s dive into your experiences and insights.
1. The Unconventional Mascot
Abhai: Your story about the rat mascot is delightful! It’s amazing how creativity can emerge from unexpected places. Could you tell us more about how this quirky mascot became a symbol for your coaching?
Lars: Certainly! During the pandemic, when I couldn’t travel for seminars, I turned to online lessons. My language limitations made it challenging, but then my grandchild’s toy rat came to the rescue. I used it as a visual aid to explain concepts to my students. Little did I know that it would become a marketing sensation! People started making T-shirts and stickers featuring the rat. It reminds me that fun and smiles are essential in dog sports.
2. From Novice to World Competitor
Abhai: Your journey from a novice to a world-level competitor is remarkable. What inspired you to start working with German Shepherds and delve into IGP?
Lars: As a young adult, I had no experience with dogs. But when my wife and I moved into our rst place, she wanted a dog. We chose a German Shepherd—the most popular breed in Den- mark. Training with that dog ignited my passion. I realized that hard work could compensate for any lack of talent. Discipline and determination drove me forward.
3. The Early Days and Learning Challenges
Abhai: The early days of dog training sound fascinating. How did you learn and improve without the resources we have today?
Lars: Back then, Danish clubs were volunteer-based, and money wasn’t a factor. We relied on videocassettes from Germany and the United States. We’d watch them, try to understand the content, and even learn the languages to grasp the techniques. It was a tight-knit community, and we helped each other grow.
4. Social Media’s Impact
Abhai: Fast-forward to today—social media has transformed everything. Why do you think people seek you out now?
Lars: Social media has indeed changed the game. I’ve been in the sport for 40 years, competing extensively. Sharing knowledge, experiences, and glimpses of my training journey on plat- forms like Instagram and YouTube has connected me with enthusiasts worldwide. It’s a powerful tool for spreading the joy of dog sports.
Decoding Low-Drive Dogs and the Art of Tracking
Abhai: mentioned that tracking is your favorite phase. What draws you to it?
Lars: Indeed, tracking holds a special place in my heart. What I love most is that it’s a phase you can tackle independently. No excuses—just you, your dog, and the scent trail. While others complain about the lack of helpers, I believe in taking ownership of the track. And here’s the truth: I’ve yet to encounter a dog that couldn’t learn to track.
Abhai: Some people dismiss certain dogs as having no natural talent for tracking. They label them “low-drive.” How do you re- spond to that?
Lars: Ah, the low-drive debate! Look, every dog has some drive— even if it seems minimal. I won’t name speci c bloodlines or dogs, but let’s address the issue. First, we must respect those who train with the dog they have. Instead of constantly advising people to buy a di erent dog, let’s work with what’s in front of us.
Abhai: Agreed. But what makes tracking so special that even low- drive dogs can excel?
Lars: Excellent question. Tracking taps into a dog’s primal instincts. It’s about following scents—the ancient art of hunting. Here’s the secret: We build the foundation around food drive. Even if a dog has very low food drive, we can nurture that tiny spark. Patience, consistency, and creativity are key. So, handlers, don’t give up. Your dog isn’t “dead” in terms of drive—it’s just waiting to surprise you.
What makes a German Shepherd Dog Special
Abhai: What are the defining characteristics of a German Shepherd that make it well-suited not only for IGP but particularly for tracking?
Lars: While I won’t claim they track better than all other dogs (noses vary, after all), what truly stands out for me is their cooperative nature. German Shepherds are intuitive. They want to work with you, be on the same wavelength. Unlike some breeds (no names mentioned!), they don’t resist change or challenge. Communication flows effortlessly.
Abhai: Fascinating! You’ve had the privilege of working with influential dogs in breeding programs. How has this shaped your perspective?
Lars: Indeed, my journey has led me to remarkable dogs— the backbone of working lines. Health and workability are paramount. I’ve gained insights into what works and what doesn’t. These dogs have taught me about balance—phys- ical and mental. They’re not just numbers in pedigrees; they’re living legacies.
Abhai: Now, let’s explore what makes a dog truly special. Beyond mere cooperation, what traits do you value?
Lars: For me, it’s about nding that sweet spot. I prefer dogs that aren’t too ery (not too “hot”). Softness appeals to me. And yes, nerviness—there, I said it! Nervy dogs have an edge. They’re sensitive, attuned to their surroundings. Stress isn’t always negative; it’s a driving force. A nervy dog yearns to please, to learn. Fear of the unknown doesn’t de- ter me; it’s a canvas waiting for me to paint resilience.
Abhai: So, we’re talking about handler sensitivity and envi- ronmental stress. But stability matters too?
Lars: Absolutely. By one year old, stability is non-negotiable. My puppies explore the world—the bustling train station, the noisy bar. They adapt, thrive. We’re not dis- cussing “bad or unstable” dogs; And yes, my definition of nervous might differ from others’. It’s about harnessing that spark—the willingness to learn, to evolve.
Abhai: You’ve mentioned that IPO sport is a circus—an illusion. Can you elaborate on that?
Lars: Absolutely. First, let’s acknowledge that this is my per- spective. IGP/IPO (formerly known as Schutzhund) began as a breeding program—a way to assess working dogs. Over time, it transformed into a sport, complete with judges, rules, and point systems. But here’s the twist: It’s an illusion. Allow me to explain.
Abhai: Please do.
Lars: In protection work, we send dogs around blinds where there’s no real helper. The dog knows it, we know it. We put a ball there, and suddenly the dog is “searching” for the helper. It’s theater. Similarly, obedience routines are choreographed il- lusions. The send-out? A scripted performance. But tracking— ah, that’s where it gets interesting.
Abhai: Tell us about tracking.
Lars: People approach tracking di erently. They put food on the ground, hoping the dog will follow the scent after the food is re- moved. But for me, it’s about perpetuating the illusion. I study judges’ preferences, then teach my dog those behaviors. Is my dog dragging? Maybe. But it’s not about real-world tracking; it’s about winning points in the circus.
Abhai: So, you’re saying it’s all orchestrated?
Lars: Precisely. We’re building muscle memory—teaching dogs to perform unnatural behaviors. Take a naturally good tracker; I’ll still ne-tune it. Imagine removing a dog’s skull, rearrang- ing its brain, and putting it back on. That’s what we do. And the old-timers who reminisce about “the good old days”? They’re stuck in nostalgia. The circus evolves; we adapt.
Abhai: Interesting. Now, let’s talk about innate hunt drive. Is it crucial for tracking?
Lars: Yes, but not as much as people think. Hunt drive matters, but it’s not the whole story. We’ve created a system where dogs follow footprints, even if it’s an illusion. Real-life police dogs track differently—they’re efficient, not point-chasers. So, yes, hunt drive matters, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Abhai: Lars, your perspective challenges tradition. What’s your message to fellow enthusiasts?
Lars: Embrace the circus! But remember, it’s an illusion. Set new challenges, adapt, and keep the spirit alive. And those grumpy old men? Let them grumble. We’re here to push boundaries, not cling to the past.
Abhai: You’ve gone from making 6 points to a whopping 100 points on the same track. What changed?
Lars: Ah, the evolution! Imagine my cocky self strutting onto the eld, declaring, “Step aside, the king is coming!” But reality humbled me. I made 6 points, blaming every- thing but myself. Then came the wake-up call—a private competition in the U.S., where I scored 21 points. Ouch! But the real revelation? Tracking is an illusion, a circus. And I was the ringmaster.
Abhai: So, what shifted?
Lars: Everything. I trained with Helmut Raiser, the Godfa- ther of Protection Work. His wisdom reshaped my approach. I realized that tracking wasn’t about real-world skills; it was choreography. And the scorecard? A re ection of our illu- sions. But here’s the kicker: We haven’t changed tracking in 50 years! It’s still 650 paces, four corners—the same circus.
Abhai: Why the stagnation?
Lars: Excellent question. We’ve adapted in other disci- plines—obedience, protection—but not tracking. We’re getting fewer points, yet we cling to old methods. Imagine a brilliant protection trainer. Why not apply that brilliance to tracking? It’s personal growth, not ego.
Abhai: You’ve questioned why we don’t create problems in the blind in protection. Can you elaborate?
Lars: Certainly. Imagine a brilliant protection trainer. When correcting a dog, they choose the corner, not the blind. Why? Because the corner is like the blind—a high- drive, high-reward scenario. But on the track, we do the op- posite. We correct in low-drive, low-reward situations. It’s counterintuitive.
Abhai: Interesting. Why not apply obedience principles to tracking?
Lars: Precisely! Imagine a dog in heat. It stops, sniffs intensely, drools. You can’t drag it away. That’s the opposite re ex of release pressure. Now, apply that to tracking. In- stead of forcing the head down, let the dog choose. It’s not rocket science; it’s natural behavior.
Abhai: So, the corner and the blind—why the di erence?
Lars: Great question. In the corner, we x issues because the drive is high. But on the track, we’re stuck in low-drive mode. Let’s change that. The opposite re ex—the dog saying, “I want to stay here”—that’s what we need.
Abhai: Another fascinating topic to explore: handler sensitivity and drive in tracking.
You mentioned that some handlers are afraid of drive when it comes to tracking. Could you elaborate on that?
Lars: Absolutely. Many handlers misunderstand the concept of drive in tracking. They worry that if they build drive in their dogs, the dogs will simply run to the end of the track. But here’s the twist: Who said the drive had to go in a straight line? We can teach the dog that drive is directed toward a speci c goal, even if that goal isn’t necessarily the end of the track.
Abhai: Interesting! So, it’s not about mindlessly following a straight path. But what about the reward? Isn’t it typically at the end of the track?
Lars: Yes, you’re right. The jackpot often awaits at the end. It’s predictable because the track goes straight out. However, there are nuances. For instance, I’ve noticed that some dogs consistently shoot the corners. Handlers correct them, as- suming they’re o track. But what if the corner appeared a few meters earlier? Would the issue persist?
Abhai: Ah, so timing matters. If we correct the dog too late, it’s like scolding them for missing a sit command after they’ve already stood up. But how do we determine that critical moment—those 10 steps before the corner?
Lars: Excellent question. We tend to track too much straight out, making it hard to discern if the dog is genuinely tracking or merely following the easy path. If we consistently miss cor- ners, it’s a clear sign that our dog wasn’t tracking. Maybe we should rethink our approach and challenge the dog more.
Abhai: So, instead of cleaning the dog’s hard disk with straight- forward tracks, we should introduce complexity. But what about novice dogs? How do we handle their tracks?
Lars: Great point! When I train my IGP1 dogs, I intentionally make their tracks straightforward. But after that, I step up the di culty. When a dog con dently indicates the last ar- ticle during a trial, I know I’ve done my job. But then I have to convince the dog that it won’t always be easy—it’s not a coincidence.
It’s about keeping the dog engaged and avoiding trial-day surprises. Imagine our dogs sitting in front of the trial flag, think- ing, “Oh, here comes the difficult track!” Let’s keep them guessing and maintain the joy of the game.
Abhai: Thoughts about judges and subjectivity?
Lars: You see, judging is a subjective process, especially in dog sports. Di erent judges may interpret rules di erently, and sometimes it can be frustrating when their decisions don’t align with what’s written in the rulebook. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve become more understanding. After all, judges are human beings, and their perspectives will naturally vary.
Abhai: That’s a great perspective. Now, you’ve emphasized the importance of focusing on the quality of the track rather than fixating on how the dog reports to the judge. Could you elaborate on that?
Lars: Certainly. I’ve noticed that some handlers become over- ly concerned about how their dogs approach the ag or report to the judge. While obedience is crucial, we shouldn’t sacri- ce the dog’s natural drive. If we’re too rigid in our approach, we risk dampening their enthusiasm. Instead, let’s celebrate a well-executed track and appreciate the dog’s abilities.
Abhai: Excellent point! You also mentioned an interesting scenario during one of your seminars. Could you share that with our audience?
Lars: Of course. During a recent live seminar, I asked ten clients to lay a track. To my surprise, all of them started tracking straight out from the flag. It struck me that this was akin to telling their dogs, “Hey, just go straight; don’t concentrate.” But that’s not how tracking works. Dogs thrive on challenge and variety. So, I encouraged them to approach the flag from different angles, engaging the dog’s mind right from the first footprint.
Abhai: That’s a valuable lesson. Now, let’s talk about leash handling during tracking. You’ve mentioned that a tight leash is poison. Could you explain why?
Lars: Absolutely. A tight leash creates tension, and dogs in- stinctively pull harder against it. On a track, this can hinder their natural movement and focus. Handlers should main- tain a loose leash, allowing the dog to work freely. Remem- ber, it’s about teamwork and trust between handler and dog.
Abhai: Wise advice! Lastly, you cautioned against relying solely on treats during tracking. Could you elaborate on that?
Lars: Certainly. While treats have their place, they shouldn’t be the sole solution. Some handlers show up with gourmet treats like salmon, expecting miraculous results. But dogs can become desensitized or demand even fancier rewards. Instead, let’s focus on building a strong bond, using praise, play, and occasional treats strategically.
Abhai: You mentioned that knowing your own dog is crucial for effective training. Could you elaborate on that?
Lars: Absolutely. Knowing your dog intimately is the foundation of successful training. Each dog has unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. When you understand your dog’s behavior, body language, and preferences, you can tailor your training methods accordingly. For example, during tracking competitions, a handler who knows their dog well can sense the dog’s intensity and determine whether it’s actively tracking or not.
Abhai: That makes sense. But sometimes, handlers blame their dogs for being stubborn or uncooperative. What’s your take on that?
Lars: Ah, the classic “stubborn dog” complaint! Often, it’s not the dog’s fault. Handlers may misinterpret their dog’s confusion or inability to understand cues. Instead of blaming the dog, we should reflect on our communication. Are we clear in our commands? Are we consistent? Dogs thrive on consistency and clarity. So, before labeling a dog as stubborn, let’s examine our own communication skills.
Abhai: Fair point. Now, let’s talk about fairness during tracking competitions. How do you ensure fairness for both the dog and the handler?
Lars: Fairness is paramount. First, we must know the track thoroughly. It’s shocking how often handlers forget the track layout during a competition. If we’re unsure, it’s better to simplify the track than to punish the dog needlessly. I’ve seen handlers correct their dogs harshly when the dog was actually on the right track. That damages the dog’s self-confidence. Honesty and humility matter—admit when you’re uncertain instead of blaming the dog.
Abhai: Agreed. Building trust and confidence between the dog and the team is crucial. What exercises would you recommend to foster that bond?
Lars: Balancing self-confidence and correctness is key. In obedience, we give explicit commands, but tracking requires the dog to make decisions independently. Here’s an exercise: practice “silent tracking.” Walk a track without saying a word. Let the dog indicate articles and choose directions. Observe their confidence. Also, reward small successes—acknowledge when they correctly identify an article or navigate a corner. Gradually increase complexity while maintaining their confidence. Back then, we corrected dogs relentlessly for overshooting corners or other minor mistakes. But we realized it eroded their self-confidence. Nowadays, we accept some imperfections. Handlers must strike a balance. Correct when necessary, but preserve the dog’s confidence. Remember, a con dent dog performs better in trials. Imagine official track layers leaving 60 cm between foot- prints. If I’ve trained my dog to move from footprint to foot- print, it’s logical that the dog might overshoot by 60 centimeters on a corner. But here’s the catch: the dog’s self-confidence is crucial. If my dog is fighting tooth and nail for that track, I’ll accept a bit of overshooting. Judges may penalize, but my dog’s confidence matters more.
Abhai: So, it’s about finding that sweet spot between correctness and confidence. How do you strike that balance?
Lars: Precisely. Handlers often walk a tightrope. Push the dog too hard, and you erode confidence. But if you’re too lenient, correctness suffers. Nowadays, judges appreciate open-minded dogs that aren’t overly pressured. It’s a dance—know your dog’s limits, but also nurture their spirit. A dog in deep trouble won’t give up if their confidence is intact.
Abhai: Excellent insights. Now, let’s talk about starting puppies. Suppose someone just got a new puppy and wants to lay a solid tracking foundation. What’s your advice?
Lars: First, ditch the food bowl! Puppies shouldn’t get food for free. I make a pact with my pups: food only on the track. If I don’t track, the dog won’t eat. It’s survival logic. But here’s the twist: buying a working dog and feeding them freely is an- imal abuse. Dogs need to work for their meals. Think of bees or monkeys—they forage, learn, and stay motivated. So, leash your pup, scatter food on the ground, and pull them away be- fore they nish. Teach them that nothing comes easy.
Abhai: Fascinating! So, it’s about instilling a work ethic early on.
Lars: Absolutely. Puppies grow into adults, and their mindset sticks. If they’ve learned to ght for their food, they’ll tack- le life with determination. So, let’s raise pups who ght like champions—not just for food, but for everything they want.
Abhai: How do we transition from using food during training to the real deal—tracking without any food assistance? So, in trials, there’s no food. The dog must follow the track, regard- less of how natural or unnatural it might seem. How do we wean them o the food?
Lars: Precisely. First, think of modern healing in obedience. Handlers often walk with food in hand during training. But how long do they do that? Gradually, they take steps away from it. It’s the same with tracking. I introduce a little nega- tive reinforcement. Let me explain.
Abhai: Please do.
Lars: Imagine I’m walking my dog on a at collar. I scatter food on the ground, and the dog eagerly sni s it. But here’s the twist: I apply gentle pressure on the leash. The dog’s nose goes down—it’s a pleasant feeling. But when the dog ghts down harder, the leash loosens, and they get the reward. The dog learns that ghting down relieves the leash pressure. Negative reinforcement becomes a positive because it leads to the reward.
Abhai: Fascinating! So, the dog associates the article with safety. How does this play out during trials?
Lars: Exactly. In trials, there’s no food. The track becomes pressure—pressure to perform, to nd the article, to navigate corners. But the article? Ah, that’s the safety spot. I’ve taught my dog that articles are where they can breathe, where the pressure eases. So, the dog hunts even harder for the article. Speed increases, hunt drive kicks in—it’s all part of the game.
Abhai: And for novices, could you elaborate on perceived pressure and the article as a safe spot?
Lars: Certainly. Perceived pressure is what the dog feels during tracking. It’s the weight of expectation—the need to follow the track, make decisions, and stay focused. But the ar- ticle? It’s like an oasis. When the dog reaches it, the pressure lifts momentarily. Imagine a weary traveler nding shelter—a moment of relief. That’s the article for the dog.
Abhai: Let’s dive deeper into the delicate dance between articles and tracking. When a dog overshoots an article during training, what’s happening there?
Lars: So, picture this: the dog is tracking, and suddenly, it stops for a split second at an article. Logically, it’s saying, “I prefer to track.” But what do we typically do in this situation?
Abhai: Indeed, that’s the million-dollar question. Handlers of- ten correct the dog, trying to bring it back to the article. But does that really make the article more interesting?
Lars: Ah, there’s the crux. Correcting the dog doesn’t en- hance the article’s appeal; it makes it aversive. The poor dog starts avoiding the article altogether. We’ve just increased our problem.
Abhai: So, how can we ip the script? You mentioned applying pressure on the track. Could you elaborate?
Lars: Absolutely. Imagine the early stages: pop, food, pop, food—like a rhythm. Gradually, I increase the leash pressure. Not too hard, just enough to make the dog feel it. The dog realizes, “Hey, if I indicate the article, the pressure eases.” It’s like a boxer hearing the bell—relief from the fight. Even if the bell isn’t physically there, the mental association kicks in.
Abhai: Fascinating analogy! So, the article becomes a safety spot. But why should the dog lie down in the wet grass when there’s food nearby?
Lars: Excellent point. The dog could think, “Why bother with the article? Food awaits on the other side.” But here’s the twist: we play a mental game. Pressure, no pressure. The dog learns that the article is a relief—a momentary break from the track’s pressure. So, it willingly lies down, knowing that the article is its safe haven.
Abhai: Now, some handlers introduce toys during tracking to ease the stress for the dog. What are your thoughts on that?
Lars: My pleasure, Abhai. It’s a common practice, but let’s dissect it. When handlers use toys or treats, the dog’s attention often shifts from the track to the handler. Imagine having a pocket full of cookies—the dog wants it! But during tracking, I prefer to be a small person.
Abhai: Interesting concept. Could you elaborate on being a “small person” during tracking?
Lars: Certainly. In obedience or protection work, me and my dog are a team. But on the track, I step back. The track becomes the focus. If the track can do the teaching, I’m all for it. So, I don’t interfere much—I let the track guide the dog.
Abhai: Got it. Now, let’s talk about pressure. You mentioned balancing it between the track and the article. How do you create that balance?
Lars: Its a delicate dance! Imagine the last few footprints before the article. Here’s my secret: food pieces. On the rst piece, I pop the leash gently. The next piece, a bit harder. And so on. The dog feels the pressure, almost giving up. But there it is—the ar- ticle! Like being saved by the bell. The dog associates the article with relief.
Abhai: Fascinating! But how do we avoid overdoing it? Too much pressure, and the dog won’t want to leave the article.
Lars: Precisely. Balance is key. Gradually, the dog must under- stand the article’s signi cance and where it is. And here’s a golden rule: introduce problems early. Provoke the dog to miss the track, then praise them when they nd their way back. It reinforces the right behavior.
Abhai: Lars, you’ve probably noticed people using those double leashes under the belly for tracking, right?
Lars: Yes, I’ve seen it, and I’ve even tried it myself. At first glance, it looks beautiful, and you get quick results. But here’s the problem: it’s like having a steering wheel or a joystick up the dog’s rear end. The dog never learns to deal with challenges independently. I want them to face problems head-on and understand that they can overcome them.
Abhai: Interesting perspective. So, how do you handle it differently?
Lars: When my dog veers o the track, I don’t yank them back. Instead, I apply slight pressure and show them a better alternative. Maybe there’s a piece of food nearby, and I lure the dog toward it. As soon as they make the right choice, I release the pressure and praise them. It’s about fooling the dog into believing they can solve prob- lems themselves, transitioning from bad to good.
Abhai: And let’s clarify what you mean by “pressure.” Some might misunderstand it as punishment.
Lars: Absolutely, Lars. The pressure isn’t punishment; it’s redirection. I’m saying, “Hey, this alternative is more in- teresting than the mistake you’re about to make.” It’s not about hurting the dog; it’s about guiding them.
Abhai: Well put. Now, about prong collars and e-collars— common tools in the United States. What’s your take on them?
Lars: While I appreciate their effectiveness, we eventually have to phase them out. They’re not allowed in trials, and I’ve noticed dogs becoming dependent on them. Why use an prong or E collar if it’s not necessary? Dogs get addicted to it, leaning forward until they feel the prong. So, I’ve taken them away from many dog handlers here.
Lars, on behalf of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) community, I want to express our sincere gratitude for sharing your valuable insights and expertise on tracking. Your thoughtful perspectives have enriched our understanding of effective training methods, and we appreciate your commitment to helping dogs thrive. Thank you for being an asset to our community.