I love this website (Dogwise). It’s my go-to place for serious dog books. Here are links for (a)tracking and (b)general nosework.
http://www.dogwise.com/Browse/SubCatList.cfm?SubCat=Tracking
http://www.dogwise.com/Browse/SubCatList.cfm?SubCat=Nose%20Work
These are the only areas where we humans must defer to our canine partner. We cannot smell, so we show our dog what we want and then, we follow. I think scentwork is one of the most fascinating things available to cement the man/dog partnership.
And, best of all, you do not necessarily have to own a hound or a Labrador to do tracking or other nose games with your dog friend.
Ok, blind people must defer to a guide dog. But scent work is the only sport in which we must put all of the trust (once trained) in our dog.
I will definitely check out these links. I did some research yesterday and found a SE Michigan Hound rescue org, so I saw a lot of good stuff on their site. When I think Buford and I are ready, I will contact them and I am sure that they can recommend a “scent sport trainer.” I think that we would both enjoy that.
I have another question for you. I will be at work for about 9 hours a day and will need to have Buford crated for that time. Do you think that is do-able for him?
Thanks again for the help. Just so you know, I will be in and out of FR all day. I just don’t want you to think I am blowing off any of your responses.