IGP Multi Dog Tracking Scheduling

IGP Multi Dog Tracking Scheduling That Works In Real Life

IGP multi dog tracking scheduling is the backbone of reliable tracks when you run more than one dog. The order, the fields, the scent aging, and the workload must fit each dog. At Smart Dog Training we use the Smart Method to plan every minute so your dogs track calm and committed. If you want expert help, you can work with a Smart Master Dog Trainer who lives this system daily.

In this guide I will show you how we structure IGP multi dog tracking scheduling for two, three, or more dogs. You will learn how to build a weekly plan, set track order, control contamination, manage scent aging, and adjust reward. Every step follows the Smart Method so your results hold up in trials and on any field.

The Smart Method Applied To Multi Dog Tracking

Smart Dog Training runs all tracking with one goal. Calm, clear, and willing work that holds on any surface. IGP multi dog tracking scheduling follows the five pillars of the Smart Method.

• Clarity. Each dog has set markers, lines, and rituals. The schedule avoids mixed signals.
• Pressure and Release. We guide fairly on the line, then release into stride and reward. The plan builds responsibility without conflict.
• Motivation. Food, articles, and praise are used with purpose. Sessions end with wins.
• Progression. We layer time, length, corners, and surfaces step by step. The schedule sets the pace for each dog.
• Trust. Consistent routines and fair rules build confidence. Dogs learn to love the task and bond with the handler.

A certified Smart Master Dog Trainer will map these pillars to your team and field access. That is how we keep standards the same from week to week and across different handlers.

Why Scheduling Matters When You Train More Than One Dog

With one dog, you can adapt on the fly. With two or more, chaos creeps in fast. Good IGP multi dog tracking scheduling solves the main risks.

• Cross contamination from earlier tracks ruins data and confidence.
• Poor scent aging windows hide mistakes or make the track too easy.
• Uneven workload leads to fatigue or over arousal.
• Random progression stalls learning and causes conflict.

A solid plan balances time, terrain, and track design so every dog gets the right challenge and the right rest.

Build Your Weekly Plan

Start with a simple template that you can repeat. Your IGP multi dog tracking scheduling should include two to four tracking days per week. Link each day to a clear goal for every dog.

• Day 1. Foundation focus for all dogs. Short length, high clarity, simple corners. Food in most steps for young dogs.
• Day 2. Problem solving. One theme per dog such as first corner discipline or article indication.
• Day 3. Stamina and aging. Longer tracks with set scent aging. Variable food density.
• Day 4. Trial prep. Field change, minimal help, and neutral handling.

Keep notes for each dog in a simple log. Record field, weather, aging, length, articles, errors, and rewards. This log guides the next week and keeps IGP multi dog tracking scheduling honest and clear.

Field Selection And Rotation

Pick fields before you leave home. Field rotation is key for clean data. Use a simple rule set in your IGP multi dog tracking scheduling.

• Rotate surfaces. Crop stubble, pasture, sparse grass, and low cover. Each surface teaches footstep discipline in a new way.
• Avoid high cover early. Dogs must learn to stay in footstep scent not chase air scent above the track.
• Control wildlife zones. Heavy game areas add major distraction. Use them only when your dog is ready.
• Map wind and dew. Plan start points so wind hits the dog from the side or front for most sessions.

Plan tracks from clean edges toward the middle to avoid trampling your next layout. Flag tracks only as needed to keep clarity without fence posting the dog to the flag.

Track Layer Logistics And Contamination Control

Cross contamination ruins learning. Your IGP multi dog tracking scheduling must fix this before it starts.

• One track layer per track. The handler is best for most work. A second person is fine for advanced aging but keep roles clear.
• Track in clean shoes. Use a set of tracking shoes for all tracks. Do not wear them in the car.
• Walk clean lanes to track starts. Do not cut across another planned track. Think like the dog. Your feet are scent.
• Space your tracks. Leave at least 20 metres between parallel tracks and 40 metres before any cross track.

When you run more than one dog, lay all tracks first, then run in the right order to keep aging windows true. Avoid letting non tracking dogs roam the field. They add scent and movement that change the task.

Set Scent Aging Windows That Fit Each Dog

Scent aging is the time from when you lay the track to when the dog starts. It must match skill and goal. In IGP multi dog tracking scheduling, use fixed aging windows for each dog.

• Green dogs. 5 to 15 minutes with food in most steps.
• Developing dogs. 20 to 45 minutes with lower food density.
• Advanced dogs. 45 to 90 minutes with focused problem design.

Use a timer. If you plan four tracks with aging at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, you must lay them in reverse order of run. This simple rule keeps the schedule tight and results repeatable.

Order Of Dogs And Staggered Start Times

Decide the run order before you arrive. Match order to aging needs and arousal levels. A simple approach for IGP multi dog tracking scheduling is next.

• Dog A that needs shortest aging runs first.
• Dog B runs second after a small break.
• Dog C that needs long aging runs last.

Stagger start times with five to ten minute buffers. Use the break to reset your own head, prep the next dog, and log notes. Do not rush. Calm handling is part of the Smart Method and it starts long before the first footstep.

Track Length, Corners, And Article Planning

Each dog gets a plan that matches skill. Track length is a tool not a goal. Your IGP multi dog tracking scheduling should keep clear steps.

• Length. Start at 80 to 200 metres for green dogs and build to 300 to 800 metres for advanced dogs across the week.
• Corners. Use open right angles at first. Then add blind corners, curves, and distance between corners.
• Articles. Begin with one to two clear articles. Build to three or more with varied material as the dog matures.

Place articles where you want the dog to think. Use them to reduce speed, hold focus, or confirm a choice after a corner. Reward at articles with a clear marker and calm praise.

Food Density And Reward Strategy

Smart Dog Training uses food and praise to build quiet focus. We do not let reward destroy tracking posture. Keep these rules in your IGP multi dog tracking scheduling.

• Food in footstep. Use small, even pieces. Do not bait random patches.
• Fade food by zone, not at random. For example, first 50 metres baited every step, then every third step, then none.
• Article reward stays calm. Food at article or a quiet pat. No party at the track end.
• Finish with a neutral walk out. That keeps the dog in a thinking state for next time.

Markers matter. Use the same verbal marker for correct article indication every time. That is Clarity in the Smart Method and it keeps motivation clean.

Pressure And Release On The Line

Pressure and Release gives the dog guidance without conflict. It also shapes your timing. In IGP multi dog tracking scheduling this sits in your plan for line handling.

• Set line length. Use a fixed length for each dog that suits its stride and drive.
• Keep steady contact. Do not allow slack and yank cycles. Hold a light, even feel.
• Release into correct choices. When the dog solves a corner with care, soften the line and give quiet praise.
• Reset after errors. Stop, let the dog settle, back up one step, and allow a new choice.

Fair pressure builds accountability and calm. It pairs with clear reward so the dog learns to own the track.

Warm Ups, Cool Downs, And Rest Between Dogs

The time around the track is part of training. Set short warm ups to lower arousal. Add cool downs to avoid the dog rehearsing pulling back to the car. For IGP multi dog tracking scheduling, run this pattern for each dog.

• Warm up. Five minute loose lead walk. Calm sit or down at the car. No obedience reps.
• Pre start ritual. Fit harness, attach line, then a short pause in heel at the start flag.
• Cool down. Walk the dog back on a loose lead. Offer water and shade. Remove harness with calm hands.

Use crates to rest dogs between tracks. Keep them out of sight lines if another dog is working to reduce vocal stress.

Equipment Hygiene And Readiness

Clean gear is part of scent control. Build this into your IGP multi dog tracking scheduling so nothing slips.

• One harness and line per dog. Do not swap between dogs.
• Wash lines and harnesses as needed to remove food and scent build up.
• Carry flags, articles, bait, water, and a small first aid kit.
• Keep a track layout kit with extra markers in case wind or birds move them.

Simple gear habits protect your tracks and save time when you juggle more than one dog.

Weather, Wind, And Field Moisture

Weather can ruin a plan or be your best teacher. Map it into IGP multi dog tracking scheduling from the start.

• Dew and moisture. Light dew helps green dogs. Dry brittle ground exposes holey footstep work.
• Wind. Cross wind is ideal for learning. Hard tail wind demands slow, deep work. Head wind can blow scent forward.
• Sun. Heat raises arousal and dries scent. Shorten tracks and raise water intake.
• Rain. Light rain can help scent settle. Heavy rain washes and spreads scent which changes the task.

Note the conditions in your log. Over time your plan will predict what each dog needs on a given day.

Data Logging And Review

Good IGP multi dog tracking scheduling lives in your logbook. Smart Dog Training keeps data simple and clear. After each track, record next items.

• Field and surface
• Wind, sun, moisture, and temperature
• Scent aging
• Length, corners, articles, and food density
• Errors and corrections used
• Rewards and markers given

Review logs each week. Your next plan should reflect the data not guesswork. If a dog missed the first corner twice, start the next week with short single corner reps, then rebuild length.

Common Mistakes In Multi Dog Scheduling

Most problems come from the plan not the dog. Avoid these errors in IGP multi dog tracking scheduling.

• Running dogs in random order that breaks scent aging.
• Letting one dog watch another work which spikes arousal.
• Changing food density every ten steps which hides learning.
• Tracking too long too soon which adds stress and speed.
• Skipping notes and guessing next time.

Keep the structure simple. Repeat good patterns. Progress in small steps. That is how the Smart Method delivers steady results.

Sample Three Dog Schedule For One Week

Here is a simple template you can adapt. Use it to shape your IGP multi dog tracking scheduling across seven days.

Team

• Dog A. Young green dog. Short aging and high food density.
• Dog B. Developing dog. Medium aging and simple problem sets.
• Dog C. Advanced dog. Long aging and lower food.

Monday Foundation

• Fields. Damp pasture with light dew.
• Lay tracks in reverse run order to hit aging windows.
• Dog A. 100 metres, 1 corner, food every step. Aging 10 minutes.
• Dog B. 200 metres, 2 corners, first half food every third step. Aging 25 minutes.
• Dog C. 300 metres, 3 corners, food only around first article. Aging 45 minutes.

Wednesday Problem Solving

• Fields. Short cover grass, light cross wind.
• Dog A. Corner clinic. Three short 40 metre L tracks. Food every step. Aging 8 minutes.
• Dog B. Article focus. Two 120 metre tracks, two articles each. Reward at article only. Aging 30 minutes.
• Dog C. First cross track. 350 metres with one gentle cross at 200 metres. Aging 60 minutes.

Friday Stamina And Aging

• Fields. Sparse grass. Dry sun.
• Dog A. 120 metres, 2 corners, food every step for the first 50 metres then every third. Aging 15 minutes.
• Dog B. 300 metres, 3 corners. Food every third step for 150 metres then none. Aging 40 minutes.
• Dog C. 600 metres, 4 corners. No food. Three articles. Aging 90 minutes.

Sunday Trial Prep

• Fields. New location pasture.
• Dog A. 150 metres, 2 corners. Food light. Aging 20 minutes. Calm article indication.
• Dog B. 350 metres, 3 corners. Low food. Two articles. Aging 45 minutes. Minimal handling.
• Dog C. 700 metres, 4 corners. No food. Three articles. Aging 75 minutes. Neutral handling and quiet reward.

Keep notes after each track. Adjust the next week based on results. That is how IGP multi dog tracking scheduling creates steady growth across all dogs.

Ready to turn your dog’s behaviour around? Book a Free Assessment and connect with a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer - available across the UK.

How To Coach Multiple Handlers On One Field

Many homes have more than one handler. Or you may train with a friend. Your IGP multi dog tracking scheduling should include the people plan.

• One voice per dog on track. The primary handler gives all cues and markers.
• Observers stay out of the scent cone. Stand well off the track and behind the start line.
• Shared duties. One lays tracks while the other preps crates and logs data. Swap roles next session.
• Debrief after each dog. Quick, factual notes. Keep emotion out of it.

Smart Dog Training keeps the same standards across all handlers. That is how we protect Clarity and Trust for the dog.

Adapting The Plan For Puppies And Veterans

Not all dogs are in the same stage. IGP multi dog tracking scheduling must be flexible.

• Puppies. Keep tiny tracks. One to two corners, heavy food, short aging. Stop while the pup wants more.
• New adults. Build foundations fast. Clarity and steady food placement with clean lines.
• Veterans. Preserve joints and focus. Fewer but smarter tracks. Use mental challenge over miles.

Use the same markers, the same start rituals, and the same calm handling for all ages. This keeps the system stable and makes switching between dogs simple.

Signs Your Schedule Is Working

Great IGP multi dog tracking scheduling shows in small wins.

• Each dog starts calm and steady at the flag.
• Speed matches scent. The dog slows in tough patches without handler talk.
• Articles are clean, still, and confident.
• Aging windows no longer worry the dog. They trust the work.
• Your notes show fewer repeats of the same error.

When these markers show up, progress can increase. Add length in small steps, test on a new field, or raise aging by five to ten minutes.

Fixing Problems Without Losing Structure

Setbacks happen. Do not throw out the plan. Use the Smart Method inside your IGP multi dog tracking scheduling to fix issues.

• Missed first corner. Shorten the track. Run corner reps with high food density. Rebuild to length over two or three sessions.
• Rushing and air scenting. Track on damp ground early morning. Add food density and lower handler input.
• Article chewing. Break the chain. Reward with calm food on the ground. No toy at the track.
• Line fighting. Practice line handling off track. Teach the dog that steady feel brings release.

Problems are data. Treat them with clear steps, not emotion.

When To Seek Professional Support

If your schedule keeps slipping or results stall, get help. Smart Dog Training offers direct coaching in IGP multi dog tracking scheduling. We will analyse your logs, build your plan, and coach you in the field. You can Find a Trainer Near You and work with a certified SMDT who understands multi dog logistics and high performance standards.

FAQs About IGP Multi Dog Tracking Scheduling

How many tracking days per week are best for multiple dogs

Two to four days suits most teams. This gives time for rest and review. It also lets you manage scent aging across dogs without rushing.

What is the best run order for different skill levels

Run the dog with the shortest aging first, then the mid level, then the long aging dog last. Lay tracks in reverse order of run to match those windows.

How far apart should parallel tracks be

Use at least 20 metres between parallel tracks and 40 metres before any planned cross. More space is better on windy days or light cover fields.

How do I fade food without losing focus

Fade by zones. Keep food every step in the first zone, then every third step, then no food. Do not fade at random. Use articles as calm reward points.

What should I log after each track

Record field, weather, scent aging, length, corners, articles, food density, errors, corrections used, and rewards. This data guides the next plan.

How do I avoid one dog watching another track

Crate dogs out of sight, use car spacing, and manage setup so waiting dogs cannot see the working dog. This keeps arousal down and focus up.

Can I train with a friend without cross contamination

Yes, if you plan it. Use separate lanes, clear map of tracks, and walk clean lines. Keep each person to their own tracks and roles.

What if weather changes the plan mid session

Shorten tracks, raise food density, and reduce corners when heat or high wind hits. Keep aging windows realistic and safe.

Conclusion

IGP multi dog tracking scheduling is more than a diary entry. It is a structured system that balances scent aging, field choice, track design, handling, and recovery. When you plan with the Smart Method, each dog gets what it needs at the right time. Cross contamination stays low. Motivation stays high. Pressure and Release builds quiet responsibility. Trust grows with every flag.

If you want a plan built for your dogs and your fields, Smart Dog Training is ready to help. We will map your week, set your order, and coach your handling so your results hold anywhere.

Your dog deserves training that truly works. With certified Smart Master Dog Trainers (SMDTs) nationwide, you'll get proven results backed by the UK's most trusted dog training network. Find a Trainer Near You