1. Understand the end goal for a detection dog. This is where behavior assessments and statements of work for purchase are very important (more info available on the website). 2. Use the educational resources on this website. – The blog is short snippets of information that should inspire questions via email or via the Face […]

Some recent articles on why dogs need to use their nose in normal development. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/201902/allowing-dogs-sniff-helps-them-think-positively?fbclid=IwAR3ohjklOiK84SVd28pAboOINeau4Vl4rLT4OOIWLWqYC_6pui6XIudrGhI https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2019/02/finding-hidden-food-in-nosework.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CompanionAnimalPsychology+%28Companion+Animal+Psychology+by+Zazie+Todd+PhD%29 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159118304325?via%3Dihub

We have talked about the importance of generalization before. Generalization is the resilience to perform regardless of changes in context. A recent paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-10089-0  One of the concepts discussed is the separation of learning into two distinct tracks: the context of the learning and the content of the learning. We all have heard a trainer comment […]

https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/fact-sheet/fact-sheet-national-canine-division https://youtu.be/Sz2gTaLFD2o At an EU/US working group meeting I recently attended, there was much reference to the national odor recognition test that was established by the ATF. The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms), DOS (Department of State), and FPS (Federal Protective Service) all mentioned the use of the preliminary test for their certification/validation […]

1. Understand the end goal for a detection dog. This is where behavior assessments and statements of work for purchase are very important (more info available on the website). 2. Use the educational resources on this website. – The blog is short snippets of information that should inspire questions via email or via the Face […]

There are a few agencies that use food reward with their canines. These include ATF, USDA, and I believe the FBI. I like food reward and can see both the benefits and the liabilities involved. The main difference is how forgiving the dog will be with bad training/trainers. You have, in my very humble opinion, […]

I read a dog training quote that said “If we give our dogs treats, rewards, and praise for nothing, what are we left with?” The vast majority of federal agencies using dogs prefer toy reward to food reward. There are good arguments for both. Your puppy will take time to develop the extreme desire to […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2019"] December Understanding reinforcement in detection dogs Play is pay!!! July  Training with food machines Creating behavioral pathways June Let's talk about food reward [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2018"] December An Economy of Resources Generalization versus specialization Self reward/self discovery [/accordion_panel] [/accordion]  

Earlier this month we had a prime training opportunity: a Christmas Market held just two blocks away. With pop-up stalls, crowds, lots of unusual objects, overhead announcements, music, generators, and dancing, the market provides quite a challenge for socialization and environmental stability. We knew that these two pups were not ready for that level of […]

It has only been three days with the new puppy “Trip” but here are some things that might not be second nature to everyone- Patience is my greatest ally- I have 10 to 14 months to bring out the best in this pup. I haven’t put a leash on him yet. I want independence, not […]