K9s Talking Scents

Episode #107 with Shay Cook. In this episode, Cameron Ford interviews Shay Cook, a search and rescue dog handler, about her background and experiences in the field. They discuss the different disciplines within search and rescue, such as tracking, trailing, and area search, and the definitions and differences between them. They also talk about the importance of experience and learning from failures, as well as the need for ongoing handler education and support for volunteers in the search and rescue community. The conversation explores the importance of education and the ability to read the dog in search and rescue work. It emphasizes the need for handlers to have humility, learn from their mistakes, and trust their dogs. The use of control negatives and scent discrimination in training is discussed, as well as the challenges of collecting and storing scent articles. The conversation also touches on the need for training with diverse subjects, including those with medical conditions, and the importance of exposing handlers and dogs to realistic scenarios. In this final part of the conversation, Cameron and Shay discuss the importance of proper documentation and record-keeping in search and rescue work. They emphasize the need for handlers to accurately document their training and real searches, including the location, date, time, weather conditions, and a detailed narrative of what happened. They also discuss the importance of cross-pollination and collaboration among search and rescue teams, as well as the need for ongoing education and training. They highlight the significance of being professional in the field, including being physically and mentally fit for the job, having the necessary knowledge and skills, and being able to articulate and document their actions and observations. They also touch on the topic of training time and the importance of documenting the hours spent on training and proficiency.For more information on shay cook go to http://www.k9shay.comFor more information on everything Detection dogs and to buy K9s Talking Scents gear go to http://www.fordk9.comChapters00:00 Introduction to the Episode05:12 Defining Tracking, Trailing, and Area Search10:23 Lessons Learned from Experience13:39 Applying Science to Search and Rescue19:06 Balancing Standards and Individuality in Search and Rescue26:18 Supporting and Educating Volunteer Search and Rescue Handlers32:05 Handler Education and the Importance of Reading the Dog35:26 Embracing Failures and Learning from Them38:51 Humility, Learning from Mistakes, and Trusting Your Dog41:45 The Use of Control Negatives and Scent Discrimination in Training45:30 Collecting and Storing Scent Articles Properly48:21 Training with Diverse Subjects, Including Those with Medical Conditions54:31 Exposing Handlers and Dogs to Realistic Scenarios01:50:26 The Importance of Documentation and Record-Keeping

SummaryIn this episode, Cameron Ford sits down with Dr. Stuart Hilliard to discuss their experiences in the dog training world. Dr. Hilliard discusses the importance of looking at the scientific data and conclusions without prejudice or bias when it comes to dog training. He emphasizes the need to understand the science of aversive control and communicate what is known to practical dog trainers. The conversation then shifts to the concept of incorporating appropriate levels of reinforcement and punishers in dog training, and the search for a new term to express this approach. They also discuss the challenges of achieving stimulus control in detection dogs and the balance between specificity and generalization in Detection Dogs.To learn more about Kynology events go to http://www.michaelellisschool.com To learn more about Detection Dog training go to http://www.fordk9.com

In this Episode Laleh Aksu, a trainer of C. difficile detection dogs, discusses the importance of using dogs to search for C. diff in hospital environments. C. difficile is a bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and is a hospital-acquired infection. The dogs are trained to detect the presence of C. diff in the environment, such as on surfaces and in the air. Laleh explains the training process, the different strains of C. diff that the dogs are trained on, and the success rate of the program. She also discusses the challenges of training C. diff dogs and the rewards and markers used in training. Cameron Ford discusses the operational utilization of bio-detection dogs in hospitals, specifically for detecting C. diff. He explains that the dogs are trained to search areas such as supply rooms and storage rooms, but not patient rooms unless they are terminally cleaned. Ford also addresses the issue of false alerts and emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the dog's behavior. He highlights the benefits of using bio-detection dogs in hospitals, including cost savings and improved infection control practices. However, he notes that the lack of exposure and support from some hospitals hinders the widespread acceptance of this resource.Contact Lale Aksu email: Lale.aksu@vch.caSponsors:Getxent http://www.getxent.comPrecision Explosives for ALL your REAL odor needs and no licenses needed go to http://www.pre-exp.com   Ford K9 To learn even more about Detection Dogs go to http://www.fordk9.com

In this episode, Dr. Nathan Hall and Dr. Paola Tiedemann discuss their research on canine detection applications and the use of olfactometers. They explain that olfactometers are scientific instruments used to provide measured and standardized odors to animals. The researchers have been working on miniaturizing olfactometers and making them more rugged for various applications. They also discuss the merging of technology and dogs, predicting that within a few years, cameras and olfactometers could be used for initial dog training. They also explore the importance of the handler-dog relationship and the potential for technology to provide confirmation of the dog's findings. In this part of the conversation, Cameron and Paola discuss the importance of unifying the protocols and procedures used in scent detection. They emphasize the need to consider variables such as the length of time, collection methods, and the type of container used. They also discuss the plausibility of dogs remembering scents in real-world environments and the challenges of training dogs to match samples with different variations. They touch on the impact of factors like stress, medication, and age on human scent and the need for further research in these areas. They also highlight the importance of training dogs on a variety of targets and distractors to improve their ability to generalize and avoid false positives. Finally, they discuss the challenges of introducing new samples and variations in training and the need for ongoing evaluation and testing. In this final part of the conversation, Cameron Ford and Nathan Hall discuss the importance of challenging and critically evaluating detection dog training methods. They emphasize the need for accurate and informed decision-making in operational scenarios. They also explore the impact of odor concentration on a dog's ability to generalize and detect targets. The conversation then shifts to the research on firearms detection, including the significance of gunshot residue (GSR) and the volume of odor. They discuss the challenges of training dogs on different concentrations of odor and the importance of training on the actual weapon rather than just the powder. Finally, they touch on the ongoing research on ghost guns and the need to understand the odor profiles of 3D printed firearms.Joint Symposium for Working K9s April 7 -10 2025 http://jswk9.comFord K9 for everything Detection Dogs go visit http://www.fordk9.com

Gregory Herin, co-inventor of the Getxent tube, discusses the innovation behind scent training aids for detection dogs. Topics include material science, odor absorption, challenges in training dogs for scent detection, use of specialized scent tubes, advancements in explosive detection training aids, and the significance of using specialized training aids for dog detection work.

Episode #102 In this conversation, Cameron Ford interviews Wesley Visser from Sent Imprint for Dogs. They discuss Wesley's background and the work his company does in conservation detection. Wesley shares his passion for training dogs to protect endangered species and combat poaching. They talk about the most common items that are poached, such as rhino horn, pangolin scales, and ivory. Wesley emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation and the connection between poaching and other criminal activities. They also discuss the dangers faced by handlers of conservation detection dogs. The conversation in this part focuses on the training process for conservation dogs, specifically in the areas of wildlife detection and tracking. Wesley explains that the training time for wildlife detection dogs is around 5 to 6 months, while tracking dogs require more time, sometimes up to 2.5 years. He emphasizes the importance of selecting the right breed for each specific task and training them from a young age. Wesley also discusses the challenges of training dogs to work in different environments, such as high humidity, high temperatures, and wet conditions. He highlights the need for handlers to be able to read their dogs' behavior and understand the terrain they are working in. Additionally, he mentions the importance of teaching dogs both ground tracking and air-scenting techniques, depending on the operational requirements. Wesley shares stories from his deployments in Africa and the Ivory Coast, highlighting the challenges of searching for both poachers and wildlife. He discusses the different types of dogs used in tracking, their behaviors, and the importance of training them in lower drive to avoid burning out too quickly. Wesley emphasizes the need to reward the search and focus on the process rather than just the end result. He also talks about the unique challenges of searching on boats and the importance of adapting tactics to different environments. Wesley encourages handlers to think outside the box and reward the dog for searching, not just finding.TakeawaysConservation detection dogs play a crucial role in protecting endangered species and combating poaching.The most common items that are poached include rhino horn, pangolin scales, and ivory.Poaching is connected to other criminal activities such as human trafficking and terrorism.Wildlife conservation is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem balance.Handlers of conservation detection dogs face significant risks in their work. Training time for wildlife detection dogs is around 5 to 6 months, while tracking dogs may require up to 2.5 years of training.Selecting the right breed for each specific task is crucial in conservation dog training.Handlers need to be able to read their dogs' behavior and understand the terrain they are working in.Dogs should be trained in both ground tracking and air-scenting techniques, depending on the operational requirements. Deployments in Africa and the Ivory Coast present unique challenges in searching for both poachers and wildlife.Training tracking dogs in lower drive helps prevent burnout and allows for better behavior observation.Rewarding the search and focusing on the process, rather than just the end result, leads to better performance and reduces false indications.Adapting tactics to different environments, such as boats, is crucial for successful searches.Thinking outside the box and rewarding the dog for searching, not just finding, enhances motivation and performance.You can contact Wesley at http://www.scentimprint.comFord K9 for all things Detection dogs such as Detection Classes, Seminars, Webinars and Online classes got visit Http://www.fordk9.com

SummaryIn this episode Cameron, Michael Ellis and Ivan Balabanov discuss various topics within the dog training industry. They cover the definition of a good repetition in training, the importance of timing and motivation, the impact of human intervention on dog evolution, the use of errorless learning versus trial and error learning, the utilization of a dog's genetic predisposition in training, and the changes in the detection dog world over the years. This part of the conversation focuses on introducing variable reward schedules in training, the legalities of working with detection dogs, the challenges of managing vocalization in dogs, and the distinction between opposition reflex and opposition response. The importance of introducing blanks and control negatives in training is also discussed, as well as the value of signaling and conditioned reinforcers. The conversation also touches on understanding dogs with ADHD-like behaviors, embracing challenges and failures in training, and the process of training obedience with distractions. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics related to dog training. They emphasize the importance of exposing dogs to different environments and not isolating them until their behaviors are perfect. They also discuss the use of personal vs. impersonal punishment and the role of clarity in training. The hosts share their thoughts on the use of pharmaceuticals in dog training, highlighting the need for a plan to eliminate them and the potential side effects. They also discuss the future of the dog training industry and offer advice for the next generation of dog trainers.Cameron Ford http://www.fordk9.comMichael Ellis. http://www.michaelellisschool.comIvan Balabanov http://trainingwithoutconflict.com

In this episode, Dr. Melanie Uhde of Canine Decoded (Canine Neuroscientist) discusses the topics of arousal, motivation, and learning in dogs. She explains how arousal affects search efficiency and the role of dopamine in the brain. The conversation also explores the impact of anticipation and cue-induced excitement on behavior. Additionally, Dr. Uhde addresses the lack of research on dopamine in dogs and the challenges of studying brain function in live animals. The episode concludes with a discussion on freezing behavior and its connection to anticipation. This part of the conversation explores the importance of zero and novelty in detection training, the contextual learning process in detection dogs, and the introduction of novelty and distractions in training environments. It also delves into the concepts of memory and inference in detection dogs, including spatial and procedural memory, working memory, and explicit and episodic memory. The impact of memory on odor recognition and the relationship between training frequency and memory are discussed, as well as the role of focus and distraction in memory formation. In this conversation, Melanie and Cameron discuss various topics related to dog behavior and training. They explore the similarities between ADHD and autism in dogs, highlighting the importance of motivation and focus in training. They also delve into the concept of variable reinforcement and its benefits in dog learning. The conversation touches on the genetic aspects of memory and whether it is possible to breed for specific memory capabilities. The idea of a 'smartest breed' is challenged, emphasizing that intelligence comes in different forms. The discussion concludes with a conversation about the timing of introducing odor to puppies and the potential risks involved. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into dog behavior and training.You can find Dr. Uhde at http://www.caninedecoded.comChapters00:00 Introduction and Background07:39 Arousal, Motivation, and Learning11:15 Effects of Arousal on Search Efficiency25:37 Dopamine in Dogs28:14 Arousal and Behavior in Different Contexts32:30 Freezing Behavior and Anticipation36:39 The Importance of Zero and Novelty in Detection Training38:47 The Contextual Learning Process in Detection Dogs41:35 Introducing Novelty and Distractions in Training Environments42:34 Memory and Inference in Detection Dogs45:42 Spatial and Procedural Memory in Detection Dogs47:05 Working Memory in Dogs49:56 Explicit and Episodic Memory in Dogs50:55 Implicit and Episodic Memory in Dogs53:46 The Impact of Memory on Odor Recognition57:48 The Relationship Between Training Frequency and Memory01:00:26 The Role of Focus and Distraction in Memory Formation01:09:36 ADHD and Autism in Dogs01:11:09 Motivation and Focus in Dogs01:14:13 Variable Reinforcement01:17:34 Memory and Breeding01:25:55 The Smartest Breed01:28:17 Early Introduction to Odor01:33:32 Developmental Stages and Risk01:37:42 Finding Melanie

This episode contains a wealth of information. Dr. Gadbois delves into various aspects of detection dog work and general dog training. Some of the topics discussed include the use of markers, variable reinforcement schedules, the significance of blank searches, the acknowledgment that reality is not flawless, and the notion that training should not strive for perfection either.Dr. Simon Gadbois integrates ethology, animal experimental psychology, and behavioural neuroscience to study wild and domestic canids. He completed his Ph.D. in behavioural endocrinology at the Canadian Centre for Wolf Research (CCWR) examining the hormonal correlates of social behaviour in wolves, as well as action sequences in wolves, coyotes and red foxes. When the CCWR closed in 2007, he started the Canid Behaviour Research Lab at Dalhousie University and focussed his research on coyote-human conflicts and canine scent detection and search. He is interested in the fundamental science of olfaction and olfactory learning, as well as some applications: His lab has focussed on environmental/conservation, biomedical, and forensic applications of scent processing in dogs.To learn even more about Detection Dogs go visit http://www.fordk9.com 

In this Episode we sit down with Steven Atommarchi who is a police officer K9 handler and trainer, K9 researcher and owner of Next Level K9 located in TX.  Steven has a wide range of real world experience and now more and more experience with the various K9 research projects such as Hemp vs. MJ he has done with Dr. Kenneth Furton.  You can reach Steven via email at nextlevelk9texas@gmail.comTo learn about all things detection dogs and webinars from the best in the detection dog field go to http://www.fordk9.com