Direction subject is traveling. Number of persons being tracked. Number of prints, type of prints and patterns found. The age of the track can be very important. The fresher the track, the closer you are to the person.
Age is determined by comparison and is difficult for an inexperienced visual tracker.
In order to determine this, you must have a good knowledge of local terrain and weather conditions and it s effect on the soil. You must spend time comparing tracks that have been aged to ones that are fresh in the different types of terrain and under different conditions. Training Records Training records should be kept from the time the dog is acquired. Handlers should keep accurate training records for every training session. Records can be used to validate the competency of a dog and as a creditable tool in court proceedings.