Following Ghosts: Developing the Tracking Relationship [Paperback]

John Rice (Author), Suzanne Clothier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996

Based on John Rice's extensive experiences with his all Golden Retriever Police K-9 unit, this approach to tracking focuses on the relationship between dog & handler, and an understanding of scent from the dog's point of view. Find out why variable surface tracking is not the ultimate goal - but the very best starting point! Learn why food on the track confuses dogs. Discover the perfect tracking field - in your own neighborhood. Track anytime, in almost any weather.

Not a how-to recipe book, Following Ghosts offers a revolutionary and challenging look at tracking, canine abilities and ways to help you and your dog reach your tracking goals. Whether you're a tracking novice or an experienced tracker, this booklet will change your thinking.

Find out why tracking judges like Ted Hoesel (the first VST judge), Search & Rescue Units, police departments & others are not only recommending this book, but buying it for their students as "required reading!"

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Rice is a retired forest ranger with an extensive background in K-9 Search & Rescue. He founded & directed a 4 dog, all Golden Retriever K-9 SAR Unit for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (IL), working the dogs in all aspects of police work (except protection) and SAR: evidence, cadaver, water, urban tracking, air scenting, building search, and narcotics. His unique perspective on scent work is the result of 14+ years of observing dogs at work in the demanding conditions of real life.

Rice's co-author and wife Suzanne Clothier is a professional dog trainer, lecturer and an award winning author. Her innovative holistic approach focuses on the mind, body & soul of the dog and the importance of the relationship between dog and handler. Her seminars, given nationwide, cover a wide variety of topics ranging from the canine athlete, behavior, the training relationship & more.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Flying Dog Press (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964652986
• ISBN-13: 978-0964652989
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,253,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Keeps the bigger picture and the lighter side in mind, April 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Following Ghosts: Developing the Tracking Relationship (Paperback)

This is not so much a "how-to" book as it is a book about the concepts and the communication between you and your dog. It focuses on issues such as how your dog uses scent, how your handling of the lead affects the dog, why YOU need to be a skillful track layer, and how AKC tracking is sometimes contrary to the way a dog would economically use its nose to reach a goal. The book also points out several errors handlers make and points out errors of traditional tracking wisdom. I can't wait to make some of these observations in my own dog and make better use of what he's telling me.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars co-author is Suzanne Clothier, October 18, 2006

By 

Just Me (here and there across the USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Following Ghosts: Developing the Tracking Relationship (Paperback)

The co-author of this 56 page booklet is Suzanne Clothier, of Bones Would Rain From The Sky fame. This is the only look at tracking with Suzanne's emphasis on a good dog/handler relationship as key, that I am aware of. Makes you think of WHY you would choose to train in a particular way.

1.0 out of 5 stars do not buy this book, January 4, 2012

By 

Jessica Craft (Steamboat Springs, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Following Ghosts: Developing the Tracking Relationship (Paperback)

The book is very poorly written with very little practical advice. It is more of a polemic from a weird dog person who has lost touch with normal people and normal dogs.