What should be the primary focus during tracking exercises in dog training?

During tracking exercises in dog training, the primary focus should be on following scents accurately. This is because tracking work is fundamentally about a dog's ability to identify, follow, and interpret scents left by a person or object. A dog trained in tracking needs to develop its natural olfactory skills and learn to process various scent cues effectively.

The emphasis on scent accuracy is essential because it enables the dog to distinguish between different odors, understand the direction of the track, and maintain focus on the trail, ultimately leading to successful tracking outcomes. The training process often involves gradually increasing the complexity of the tracks to hone the dog’s ability to stay on scent despite distractions.

The other options, while they might engage a dog in different ways, do not align with the specific objectives of tracking exercises. Competing with other dogs, performing tricks for treats, and learning new commands may serve their purposes in other training contexts, but they do not contribute directly to enhancing a dog's tracking abilities, which rely heavily on scent recognition and processing.