As their breeder, you have done everything you can to socialize your puppies before they go to their new homes, and you’ve gone the extra mile to accomplish this in the face of challenges due to COVID-19. But one thing that is very different now is the puppy’s first visit to his new vet. Veterinary […]

There have been a lot of changes in the world since COVID-19 appeared. Every day we have to figure new ways to do lots of things differently to protect ourselves and our families. We have always had to think about how to protect ourselves from the bad guys.  We know the bad guys are always […]

Sample TSA Procurement Test This is an example of the TSA procurement assessment process and average dogs accepted for training. This is not to be interpreted as "the gold standard," we are simply trying to give people an idea of what the process looks like. TSA has since moved to new testing facilities which are […]

https://www.akc.org/akc-detection-dog-task-force/akc-pilot-detection-puppy-rearing-program/blogs/trainer-development/problem-training-plans/ In an earlier post I spoke of the problem with training plans. Currently we have three large groups of participants with specific breeds and a smaller group of other breeds not represented in the first few. Training a detection dog is a dynamic process. Specifically, it is not A to B to C to […]

How to tease with a toy/towel Examples of exaggerated animation of the towel as a reward object. If the dog is not enticed or excited about playing with the towel, they will likely ignore it. You must bring it to life and remember "The bunny never jumps in the dog's mouth". DO NOT practice play […]

Another great paper! “These findings further indicate the influence of ontogenetic (developmental) effects on canine social cognition and demonstrate potential applications for the identification of suitable detection dogs” https://www.academia.edu/39368208/When_the_nose_knows_ontogenetic_changes_in_detection_dogs_Canis_familiaris_responsiveness_to_social_and_olfactory_cues?source=swp_share&fbclid=IwAR2a9yaFlixgqypHswvIILYQ6NoX1xuExednpXcoNjhpPU9ZIAvfYNIm0mc

[caption id="attachment_113888" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Dr. Jaak Panksepp[/caption] I have discussed anthropomorphism in the past and posted some links on Facebook yesterday on the subject. I always feel guilty for throwing out a “five dollar” word, but its understanding is vital to the success of this program. “Anthropomorphism is the use of human characteristics to describe […]

I watched a very interesting movie last week. The central theme was based on the unreliable narrator. This concept is one of great import to raising and training dogs. Everyone that keeps a dog thinks there is something profoundly unique about their dog. Their narrative is highly biased, based on their feeling for their dog, […]

I will start by stating that I was raised as an Air Force brat and was told I could never have a dog, because we moved so frequently. So, being an obstinate child, I asked for a dog for every birthday that I was old enough to speak. When I was 14 I “borrowed” a […]

[caption id="attachment_113888" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Dr. Jaak Panksepp[/caption] I have discussed anthropomorphism in the past and posted some links on Facebook yesterday on the subject. I always feel guilty for throwing out a “five dollar” word, but its understanding is vital to the success of this program. “Anthropomorphism is the use of human characteristics to describe […]