The detection dog capable of working undistracted from its task in any environment is a very rare dog. European vendors selling dogs to the United States government, with many years of experience, often have an acceptance rate under 50%. In a government supported breeding program for detection dogs, the acceptance rate was under 20% for […]

I have said it before here on this blog and it is often said in the dog training community that “The only thing two dog trainers can agree upon is what a third dog trainer is doing wrong”. That paradox makes agreement to methodology always under scrutiny and debate. There is only one way to […]

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 […]

I have said it before here on this blog and it is often said in the dog training community that “The only thing two dog trainers can agree upon is what a third dog trainer is doing wrong”. That paradox makes agreement to methodology always under scrutiny and debate. There is only one way to […]

This video pops up frequently in social media. What I like about it: -Time saving exercise with low requirement on the training knowledge of the care giver -Great use of social learning within the litter What I don’t like, based on my experience: – Difficult to capture performance data on the individuals in the litter […]

The detection dog capable of working undistracted from its task in any environment is a very rare dog. European vendors selling dogs to the United States government, with many years of experience, often have an acceptance rate under 50%. In a government supported breeding program for detection dogs, the acceptance rate was under 20% for […]

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

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 […]

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 […]

In December I blogged on Generalization and Specialization. Training dogs to recognize odor requires patience and a watchful eye from the trainer. You must be careful to reward the correct response. Too slow or too fast and you will see the pup quickly shaping behavior in a direction that may not be productive. For example, […]