The complete kit for teaching your dog to track wounded deer. The DogBone Tracking Dog Training System gives you the tools and step-by-step guidance needed to build real deer tracking skills in any breed and any age dog. Using our realistic BloodTrail scent, real deer hide drag, and detailed training manual, this system helps your dog learn how to follow scent trails the way nature intended.

What’s Included:

• DogBone BloodTrail Scent (2 oz): Handmade by Jeremy Moore from real deer parts sourced by our team's yearly harvests; this scent simulates a real wounded deer trail.
• RealHide™ Drag: A real chunck of deer hide, fleshed and cut by hand by our team in Green Bay, WI for laying authentic scent lines.
• EZ Clip: Heavy-duty clip to secure the drag to the drag line.
• 10 ft Drag Line: Strong, flexible line for laying scent tracks in training sessions.
• Training Manual (Booklet): Step-by-step instruction that takes you through designing and executing tracks from your dogs first training lines to actual in the field deer recoveries.

Why This System Works:

Tracking is instinctive, and every dog has it in them. The DogBone Tracking Dog System helps you to bring those inherent traits out of them, teach them what scents to follow, and help you and your dog become a deer tracking team. Whether you’re starting a young dog or puppy, cross training an adult duck dog or bird dog, this kit gives you what you need to mold your dog into a wounded deer tracking partner. 

How to Use the Tracking Dog Training System:

• Start with scent introduction: Use the BloodTrail Scent on the RealHide drag to begin scent association exercises.
• Create short, controlled tracks: Lay deliberate scent lines with the drag line in low-distraction areas.
• Increase complexity over time: Make tracks longer, add turns, and introduce varying terrain. Many things can make a track more difficult, including aging your tracks, new locations, and more.
• Read body language: Interpret your dog’s body language and cues while training to understand what he/she is telling you. This is how you become a tracking team! 
• Progress to real scenarios: You can never fully re-create the real track in training. When the dog is ready, you must put him/her on the real track. Make sure your first tracks are positive, successfull, and end in an exciting recovery!

Who This System Is For:

Hunters who want a dog that can assist with wounded deer recovery. Dog owners beginning scent training or refining tracking skills. Anyone who wants a structured, proven approach instead of guessing what to do next. This system is built to train any breed that has the desire to follow a scent trail. Tracking wounded deer with your dog is a game. The more they do it the better they will get... teach them that game with the DogBone Tracking Dog Training System!

Train scent, build confidence, and prepare your dog for real tracking work in the field.

We've also created a Deer Tracking Dog Training Bundle that contains everything we recommend for both training and actual deer recoveries, as well as 30 day access to our DogBone Video Training Library, where there is an entire category on training tracking dogs. 

FAQ:

What age dog can I start using this tracking system with?

You can begin introducing puppies to scent as early as 8–10 weeks using short, simple tracks and visual "sight chase" drills. Older dogs with no previous tracking experience can start at any time.

Does this kit work for any breed of dog?

Yes. Any dog with the desire to use its nose can learn to track. Hounds, retrievers, spaniels, shepherds, mixed breeds and many more have all been successfully trained with this system. 

Can my dog that is already a duck dog, bird dog, or gun dog be trained to track deer?

Absolutely, and many of the traits overlap. The traits needed for a good deer tracking dog are the same traits a duck dog needs to track a crippled duck, or a pheasant dog to hunt out a running bird. One only helps the other.

How do I use the BloodTrail Scent?

Apply the scent to the RealHide Drag or a drag line to simulate a blood trail. Start with short tracks and increase distance and complexity as your dog progresses. You can also use the scent in a variety of other drills, such as the "Hunt Command" drill, which you can learn about in our DogBone Training Library!

How do I use the RealHide Drag?

Prior to laying a track, you want to re-hyrdate the hide in water, bringing back it's natural scent and bacteria (which is the source of scent). After your training session, place the hide in a ziplock bag and freeze the hide to prevent hair slippage and spoilage. Simply take it out and let it thaw before your next training session!

How long should my first tracks be?

Begin with short, straight tracks of 10–30 yards. As your dog builds understanding and confidence, gradually increase distance, add turns, and introduce different terrain.

Do I need a special tracking leash with this system?

A tracking leash is not included, but many handlers pair this kit with the DogBone RigidBuilt Tracking Leash for better line control and feel during early training and real-world recoveries. Many states require your dog to be on lead while tracking. 

How long does the BloodTrail Scent last?

Used properly, a bottle lasts through many short training sessions. A little scent goes a long way, especially when applied to the re-hydrated RealHide Drag. 

Is the training manual included?

Yes. The kit includes a step-by-step training manual that guides you through introducing scent, designing tracks, and progressing from simple to advanced scenarios.