what we do is just drive up next to a wood in the truck or walk them there and let em go. . . . .then u can tell by the sound of how they are howling if they are on the trail. . .it will take a little practice with your dog,sometimes they tree them a mile into the woods sometimes 10 ft into the woods. . . . .i would definatly recomened u buy a used dog that has been already trained and is good if are just starting or buy a pup out of a good family and run it with another dog that knows what ity is doing, but if it is a ouo it may be till his 2nd year before he really participates in the action. . .. .gool luck