I don't know an awful lot about dog searching, but could a search dog be commanded to backtrack the Lab? But it might be a specialized skill...
That brings to mind another idea for people with a dog and children. I have a very smart dog (herding breed, it comes naturally) that I taught a game called FIND IT! as a puppy. The object was to find hidden food, and she soon excelled at it.
I also taught her to chase a tennis ball, which she loved, and that wording was PLAY BALL.
One day, I threw the ball but she was looking at the neighbor's dog and she didn't see where it went. So I wondered if she could put the two commands together, and I told her to FIND BALL. She looked at me for a few seconds, and then I saw the light go on, and she started casting through the tall grass for the ball and found it. LOTS of praise.
People with small children especially might consider teaching their own dog to find their kids. It might prove useful.
Sue
Great question Susan. While any breed can track, training is essential. Most dogs really love tracking and the training that goes with it. Perhaps we should start a separate thread on tracking with our dogs. You've hit the nail on the head that they need a command and to know what is expected of the command. I do competition tracking with my two dogs and when I say search their noses hit the ground looking for the scent.
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