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Book Review: How to Train Police Bloodhound and Scent Discriminating Patrol Dog by Kevin Kocher

Why This Is the #1 Must-Read Book for Beginner Trackers - Not Just for Bloodhounds


If you’re just starting out in the world of tracking and trailing dog training, this is the book you need on your shelf. Kevin Kocher’s How to Train Police Bloodhound and Scent Discriminating Patrol Dog might sound breed-specific, but let’s be clear: this book is not just for bloodhound handlers.

Whether you're training a shepherd, a malinois, a lab, or a mutt with a strong nose, Kocher lays down a framework that builds one thing better than any other method I’ve seen. Drive. Serious, relentless, focused drive.


Why This Book Stands Out

At over 300 pages, this isn't just a "tips and tricks" manual, this is a deep dive into the art and science of mantrailing. It combines decades of practical experience with a straightforward, step-by-step progression. And it's not watered down. Beginners will be challenged. Experienced handlers will feel validated.

But most importantly, dogs trained with Kocher’s system LOVE the work. That’s the hallmark of a great system, when your dog can’t wait to get to the start line.


Builds Relentless Hunting Desire

Kocher’s method is based on one foundational principle: make the game rewarding and deeply fun for the dog. He shows you how to start with short beginner trails that light the fire, and how to fan that flame until you have a dog that lives to trail.

This is how you build a search-obsessed working dog. No e-collar required. Just instinct, handler patience, and Kocher’s masterfully crafted step progression.


Key Highlights of the Book

  • Not Just for Bloodhounds: Every example may use a bloodhound, but the process is applicable to any scent-driven breed.

  • Drive Over Obedience: You won’t see the word “heel” until the dog is already hunting like a machine.

  • Step-by-Step Curriculum: It lays out trail progression in increasing levels of difficulty, including:

    • Fresh trails

    • Long aged trails

    • Scent article work

    • Multiple subjects

    • Cross tracks

  • Scent Discrimination: You’re not just teaching your dog to trail a human, you’re teaching them to trail the right one, a vital skill in real-world deployments.

  • Handler Tips: Body language, reading your dog, knowing when to support vs. when to back off. It’s all in here.


Who This Book Is For

  • New to tracking? This is your Bible.

  • Want to train your own dog for SAR, trailing games, or real deployment? Start here.

  • Already in LE, SAR, or sport trailing? This book will either challenge your current methods or help you refine them.


Real-World Application Examples

If you're an owner or trainer working toward mantrailing, this book can be used to:

  • Ignite strong hunt drive in a puppy or young dog

  • Train a pet or sport dog to locate a hidden person with enthusiasm

  • Help a reactive or anxious dog find confidence through a purpose-driven task

  • Create a fun game that also builds structure and impulse control

  • Teach scent discrimination for urban or rural searches


Recommended Gear

Here’s what you’ll need if you follow the Kocher method:

  • A non-restrictive harness (shouldn’t pull the shoulders tight)

  • A long line (15–30 ft, biothane or climbing rope work great)

  • Scent article containers (ziplocks or screw-top jars)

  • Training logs to track progression and patterns

  • An enthusiastic subject willing to be "lost" and give out amazing rewards


Recommended Tracking Gear:

  • Blue-9 Balance Harness

  • Biothane Long Line (15ft)

  • Training Logbook for Scent Work


Final Thoughts

Kevin Kocher’s book doesn’t waste time on fluff. It’s technical, passionate, and effective. While it focuses heavily on law enforcement-style work, the methods are completely adaptable to pet training, working dog development, or high-level sport.

If you're starting from scratch, or struggling to get your dog to really care about the track. This book will show you how to build obsession, clarity, and confidence all in a way that honors the dog's natural instincts.


Check out what this method is capable of!


 
 
 

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