A Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Superior Tracking Teams

For over 35 years, Clifford Samon has trained working dogs, including police and search-and-rescue K9s. In Training Working Dogs to Track, he shares his proven, five-level approach to tracking, used daily in his work with the Ontario Provincial Police. This systematic method builds drive and gradually develops skills, progressing from rural to urban environments. Designed to enhance both the dog’s ability and the handler’s expertise, it ensures peak performance without shortcuts.

Whether for police, military, or rescue work, this guide is an essential resource for maximizing a dog’s tracking potential.

Learn how to:

• Test a dog’s innate tracking ability to ensure they’re a good candidate for training.
• Develop skills beyond the standard Canadian K9 training programs to create an unstoppable tracking team.
• Equip your dog to track in a variety of challenging terrains, including concrete, bush, and snow.

Clifford Samson has over 40 years in law enforcement and emergency services, mainly as a K9 trainer and handler. He currently trains for the Ontario Provincial Police and has worked with various detection dogs. Cliff served as President of the Canadian Police Canine Association and co-founded CLEAR, an accreditation agency for K9 trainers in Canada.

Clifford Samson's profile page