What to listen for:

“The dogs are so good at what they do, it’s brain-boggling.”

Today, 2/3 of our hosts, Robin Greubel and Crystal Wing, welcome Katylynn Sloan, a chemist with the U.S. Secret Service, to explore the eye-opening intersection of science and canine detection work.

With a PhD in chemistry and years in explosives research, Katylynn brings a fresh lens to how odor behaves, how dogs detect it, and why context matters. She explains how high vapor pressure substances like nitroglycerin contaminate everything they touch, and why containment protocols must evolve.

From calibrating training aids to understanding the unexpected behavior of odor in vehicles, Katylynn stresses the importance of operational realism. Dogs, she explains, learn expectations. If training doesn’t reflect real-world scenarios—like suicide vests or buried explosives—dogs might miss critical cues. She calls for more collaborative studies in generalization, where the difference in one chemical compound might be enough for a dog to disregard an otherwise familiar substance.

Katylynn’s insights aren't just academic—they’re actionable. She champions “train how you operate,” emphasizes the need for diverse training aids, and highlights the gaps in disciplines like HRD, narcotics, and electronics detection. Most importantly, she reminds us: dogs are really good. But it’s the handlers—those who know their dog’s tail twitch or sniff shift means something—that bring science to life.

Science and scent don’t compete. They collaborate. And as Katylynn shows, better understanding leads to smarter training and safer communities. Tune in next time for part two of this fascinating conversation with Katylynn!

Key Topics:

• Katylynn Sloan’s Career Journey (0:01:25)
• Changes to the Explosive Standard (0:08:17)
• What Handlers Need to Know About Training Aids with High Vapor Pressure (0:14:15)
• Areas in K9 Detection That Warrant Further Research (0:34:15)
• “Train How You Operate” (0:50:01)
• Most Common Handler Misconceptions About How Dogs Detect Odors (0:57:50)

Resources:

• The manipulation of odor availability of training aids used in detection canine training
• AAFS Academy Standards Board
• Lindsay Waldrop's Lab

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing (CB K9) can be found here!
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com

What to listen for:

"To truly understand your dog, embrace the power of observation, question the environment, and engage with the nuances of their behavior."

Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Crystal Wing, and Stacy Barnett, take a deep dive into the role of critical thinking for handlers.

We’ve all been there—reading a viral dog training post and feeling an emotional gut-punch, or second-guessing ourselves after watching a training video. We need to learn to slow down, analyze, and ask better questions. Robin emphasizes watching videos without sound to assess the clarity of intent. Crystal introduces her favorite training reflection game: pause and predict. And Stacy reflects on how questioning cues—like saying “drop”—led to big lightbulb moments in her own training.

Our hosts share how truly understanding what (and why) you’re training builds better habits and stronger bonds between handler and dog. Whether it’s breaking down complex skills like a retrieve into more manageable pieces or recognizing how forward motion might unintentionally reinforce barking, it’s all about peeling back the layers.

The Dames of Detection look into how fear-based language can cloud judgment, and how to filter training advice by considering the source, the context, and your own dog’s needs. Crystal encourages following trainers with different views to stretch your thinking. Robin adds that respectful, private conversations often lead to deeper clarity than public debates.

Most importantly, critical thinking is a skill, not a fixed trait. Like any skill, it improves with practice. So whether you’re evaluating a post, adjusting a cue, or watching your dog’s body language, stay curious. Be open. Ask questions.

In the end, sharper thinking leads to stronger training, and your dog feels the difference.

Key Topics:

• “What Exactly Are You Training in This Video?” (00:00)
• Focus on the Message You’re Trying to Teach (08:55)
• What Stops Trainers from Thinking Critically? (14:46)
• The Problem with Fear-Based Training (19:14)
• What Happens to Your Dog Training Without Critical Thinking? (24:02)
• Avoid Close-Mindedness and Preconceived Notions (33:40)
• The Power of Active Listening (39:01)
• Overcoming Analysis Paralysis (45:44)
• “It Depends on the Dog.” (50:07)
• Takeaways (54:19)

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing (CB K9) can be found here!
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com

What to listen for:

In the third part of the series on consistency, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing dive deeper into what makes consistency such a challenge—and how to truly make it work in real life.

Staying consistent isn’t just about following a routine. It’s about self-awareness, emotion management, and breaking behaviors down into manageable slices.

The Dames of Detection get real about how emotions, fatigue, scheduling, and even peer pressure can all derail our best intentions. From setting tiny goals to using physical cues like a leash by the door or a pre-loaded treat pouch, the key theme is this: Make it easier to succeed.

Consistency doesn’t mean perfection. It means being predictable for your dog, building routines that support success, and giving yourself permission to make it messy and human. Want to be more consistent? Slice your goals thinner, check in with yourself often, and let progress, not perfection, be the aim.

Key Topics:

• Stacy, Robin, and Crystal Reflect on Their Paths to Training Consistency (00:00)
• Building Self-Awareness (06:58)
• Why Your Emotional State During Training Sessions Matters (15:19)
• Finding the Right Training Environment for Consistency (25:24)
• What Keeps Handlers from Staying Consistent (29:32)
• “Pick One Thing!” (35:28)
• Check In with Yourself (47:33)
• Takeaways (50:17)

Resources:

• K9 Detection Collaborative Ep 54: Canine Handler Fitness with Liz Joyce
• K9 Detection Collaborative Episodes 72, 73, 74 with Jens Frank
• K9 Detection Collaborative Episodes on Consistency - Part 1, Part 2
• K9 Detection Collaborative Ep 8: Dealing with Post Certification or Competition Mental Exhaustion
• RokForm Phone Cases

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing (CB K9) can be found here!
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com

What to listen for:

In the second part of the series on consistency, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing take a closer look at the mechanics of consistency, from creating intentional setup signals to reinforcing behaviors for longevity! You’ve probably heard about marker timing and reinforcement. Today, our hosts take a fresh look at the finer details—like how you stand, where you point your toes, and even the words you use when training your dog to shape new behaviors.

The Dames of Detection chat about how good mechanics aren’t just about doing something with your hands—it’s about reading your dog and being intentional about your own patterns so your canine partner can read you. From how you cue a start to what gear you’re wearing or how you hold your body, everything sets the stage for what your dog expects. 

Wrapping up, our hosts discuss reinforcement zones, chasing toys vs food, and how where you reward matters just as much as what you reward. The bottom line? Clean, consistent mechanics help dogs learn faster and clearer. So, before you blame the dog, check your cues—clarity starts with you! Tune in next time for part three of this series on consistency in dog training!

Key Topics:

• Why Mechanics Are Underappreciated (00:00)
• Start Signals and Setup Mechanics (03:37)
• Why Sit Down When Shaping a Behavior? (12:02)
• Choosing Your Action Words Intentionally (16:47)
• From Consistency to Reinforcement (26:52)
• “Where You Reinforce is Just as Important as What You Reinforce!” (31:05)
• “What is Making the Dog Click?” (38:38)
• Predatory Modal Action Patterns (40:34)
• Knowing When and Where NOT to Reinforce (47:05)

Resources:

• Kynotalk by Kynotec Podcast Ep 77: Jens Frank “successive approximation”
• K9 Detection Collaborative Ep 135: Consistency in Dog Training Pt 1
• K9 Detection Collaborative Ep’s 129, 130, 131 with Denise Fenzi

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing (CB K9) can be found here!
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com

What to listen for:

“You’re constantly writing and rewriting a contract with your dog.”

Today, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing tackle the power of consistency, the pitfalls of “lumpy” training, and why even small slip-ups can throw your dog off track. They break down how to build a rock-solid training environment and avoid the hidden traps that sabotage progress.

“The clearer and more predictable you are, the faster your dog will learn.”

Our hosts swap real-life stories about cue associations—the good, the bad, and the hilarious. From verbal missteps to accidental signals, they reveal how tiny inconsistencies can shape (or derail) your dog’s responses. Whether you’re training a pet or a working dog, clear communication is everything.

“Inconsistent timing leads to inconsistent outcomes.”

And for the sport and search-and-rescue trainers out there, this episode digs deep into the power of precision and clarity when it comes to reinforcing behaviors. The Dames of Detection challenge quick-fix mentalities, explore discipline-specific mindsets, and make the case for mastering the mechanics that take training to the next level. Tune in next time for part two of this three-part series on consistency in dog training!

Key Topics:

• Why is Consistency Important? (00:00)
• Using Inconsistency Strategically to Highlight Contrast in Your Training (09:18)
• Different Forms of Consistency (14:05)
• “Accidental” Consistency (24:06)
• How Timing Impacts Consistency (25:58)
• Behaviors: Observe, Mark, Pause, Reward (42:00)
• Reinforcement of Mechanics Requires Precision and Clarity (48:16)

Resources:

• Decoding Trainer Lingo (image)
• K9 Detection Collaborative Ep 11: The D’s of Detection Work
• K9 Detection Collaborative Ep 134: How Do I Pick My Criteria?
• K9 Detection Collaborative Ep 133: Getting the Most Out of Virtual Coaching

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing (CB K9) can be found here!
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com

What to listen for:

Training your dog to adhere to your criteria consistently is not a cut-and-dry process. It’s one of the trickiest balancing acts in dog training: when to hold the line and when to make adjustments within behavior chains.

“Consistency is not about perfection, but predictability.”

Dog handling, whether for sport or operational detection, is both an art and a science–which means embracing flexibility and precision in equal measure. Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing outline their best strategies for deciding on your dog’s foundational behaviors according to their respective strengths, and knowing when to make tweaks as you build upon them.

“Your criteria is a conversation, not a contract.”

Our hosts break down the three keys to maintaining a complex behavior chain in various scenarios: clarity, consistency, and flexibility. By using these three as your anchor points as a handler, you’ll set yourself and your dog up for success in any scenario.

“Temporary adjustment is not the same as a permanent compromise.”

The Dames of Detection also look into tailoring techniques to individual dogs and handlers. Because a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn't work, our hosts stress the importance of balancing fun with the need to address potential long-term behavior issues.

By understanding each dog's personality and recognizing which stimuli fail to align with their intended behaviors early on, you can quickly nip problems in the bud and reinforce behavior chains more efficiently than before!

Key Topics:

• What is Being Judged? (03:48)
• Clarity, Consistency, Flexibility (12:50)
• Deciding On Your Must-Have Behavior (18:10)
• Criteria as Conversation (30:00)
• Training Low-Drive Dogs (32:54)
• Strengthening Long Chains of Complex Behavior (37:09)
• Adapting Criteria to Your Dog’s Personality and Strengths (43:53)
• Key Takeaways (50:50)

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing K9 Coach can be found here at CB K9 on Facebook + Instagram and here at Evolution Working Dog Club. Also, check out her Functional Obedience Class here.
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com to enjoy the freebies, and tell your friends so you can keep the conversations going.

Jingle by: www.mavericksings.com

Audio editing & other podcast services by: www.thepodcastman.com

What to listen for:

Today in K9 Detection Collaborative, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing discuss the keys to successful virtual training.

“Virtual coaching is student-driven. Anything propelled by student drive, drives results.”

Making the switch from in-person to online coaching can be a tough sell for many. But as our hosts explain, there can be many limitations to your growth as a handler when you confine yourself to local training sessions.

“When you’re stuck in your local area, your access to truly top instructors is limited.”

That said, virtual learning isn't without its hurdles, especially for those who feel self-conscious on camera or yearn for hands-on instruction. But, as the Dames of Detection remind us, that’s mostly a matter of time–you will get used to communicating on camera the more you do it!

At the end of the day, the pros far outweigh the cons. Among other things, you get access to the best of the best, and can even receive personalized training plans from them. Online training truly opens new doors, allowing us to juggle busy schedules, balance personal commitments, and continue our passion for K9 education, even while on the road!

Key Topics:

• The Benefits of Virtual Coaching (03:19)
• What if You Prefer In-Person Training? (10:27)
• How Online Classes Connect You with Top Instructors (14:32)
• Private Versus Group Classes (18:20)
• What Allows Students to Thrive During Virtual Sessions? (25:56)
• Using the “Phone a Friend” Option as a Powerful Follow-Up Tool (29:51)
• Secrets to a Successful Group Live Session (44:27)
• Our Parting Advice to Virtual Coaches and Students (51:02)

Resources:

Coaching Communities:

• Robin Greubel
• Stacy Barnett: Coaching Community, Video Consults
• Crystal Wing

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing K9 Coach can be found here at CB K9 on Facebook + Instagram and here at Evolution Working Dog Club. Also, check out her Functional Obedience Class here.
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com to enjoy the freebies, and tell your friends so you can keep the conversations going.

What to listen for:

Our hosts Robin, Stacy, and Crystal tackle not just the technical, but also the legal considerations of cross-training your dogs. After all, when a dog is run through both narcotics and explosives detection work and engaged in a high-stakes operation, the consequences can be disastrous if they are unable to respond to the right odors on time–simply because their training emphasizes diversity over specialization.

At the same time, if done strategically, it is possible to cross-train in order to supplement detection ability, rather than cause frustration as odors compete in the field.

But it’s not just your dog’s interests and strengths that you have to consider, but your own as a handler as well. The Dames of Detection invite us to find our “why” when thinking about cross-training our canine. We need to consider our particular skill set and career goals before adding more training to our plate.

Are you more interested in athletics and competition, or are you dedicated exclusively to search-and-rescue? Are you focused on live or cadaver search? These elements all play a role in the decision to cross-train a dog!

Key Topics:

• Can a Dog Do All The Things? (00:00)
• Cross-Training in a Way That Avoids Putting Odors in Competition (12:39)
• Knowing Your Why (21:55)
• Cross-Training Your Dog for Live and Cadaver Search (37:17)
• How to Use Cross-Training to Complement Your Interests and Abilities as a Handler (47:29)

Resources:

• K9 Detection Collaborative Episode 54: Canine Handler Fitness with Liz Joyce
• K9 Detection Collaborative Episode 56: Talking K9 Fitness with Bobbie Lyons
• K9 Detection Collaborative Episode 81: Talking Nutrition, Fitness, and Training with Ronny LeJeune
• K9 Detection Collaborative Episode 40: K9 Cross Training: What Else We Do with Our Dogs

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing K9 Coach can be found here at CB K9 on Facebook + Instagram and here at Evolution Working Dog Club. Also, check out her Functional Obedience Class here.
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com

What to listen for:

Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing, reflect on their recent two-part conversation with Denise Fenzi and her strategies for ensuring steady, measurable progress when training your dog.

“Learning is a fragile place. Being correct is a reward in itself.”

Denise is a staunch advocate for finding your compass—a guiding principle that does wonders not just in your career as a handler, but in your personal life as well. This, along with understanding that learning requires humility, is key to navigating the chain of complex behaviors your dog goes through in the field.

“If you want your dog’s behavior to change, you have to change yours first.”

Self-reflection was another key theme in their chat with Denise, who explained that successful handlers see vulnerability as a superpower when training their dog. That’s why it’s important to track progress not just by skills learned but by demeanor as well. And as you monitor that progress, Denise encourages going for slow, gradual tweaks to prevent overwhelm.

Finally, the Dames of Detection give their take on Denise’s philosophy around repetition and rewards. In particular, they break down the power of structuring your training around five repetitions per command, and why it pays to embrace creativity and pattern interrupts when your training hits a slump.

Key Topics:

• Find Your Compass (02:06)
• Learning is a Fragile Place (09:13)
• The Value of Self-Reflection (14:03)
• The Power of Minor Tweaks (21:53)
• What to Know About Repetition in Training (29:12)
• Don’t Be Afraid of Trying Something New (42:25)
• “Let’s Go!”: A Case Study (50:10)
• Upcoming Events and Happenings! (53:00)

Resources:

• Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Webinars
• K9Sensus @MUTC
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• Military Working Dog Symposium
• ATK9

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing K9 Coach can be found here at CB K9 on Facebook + Instagram and here at Evolution Working Dog Club. Also, check out her Functional Obedience Class here.
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com to enjoy the freebies, and tell your friends so you can keep the conversations going.

What to listen for:

In part two of their discussion with the brilliant Denise Fenzi, our hosts Robin Greubel and Crystal Wing explore the delicate dance between striving for precision and cherishing the quirks of canine behavior!

“Your dog has to have a lot of ‘want to.’ If they don’t have a lot of ‘want to,’ they’re not the right dog for the job.”

Denise explains why picking the right dog for the job from the get-go is foundational to success. When you bring a dog with the right desire to the table, your job as a handler–controlling and shaping that desire–becomes much easier.

She also talks about identifying essential behaviors like a reliable whistle recall and advocates for a training philosophy driven by motivation and enthusiasm rather than obligation. She tackles ethical dilemmas faced in high-pressure operations and tells us to always prioritize the well-being of both the dog and the handler.

Denise also discusses the controversial use of e-collars and the pursuit of perfect recall. She explores the sensitive topic of rehoming, advocating for it as a positive solution when there is a mismatch between the dog's needs and the owner's expectations.

“Leadership is about setting a path. You can’t take on a leadership position if you’re not willing to say unpopular things.”

Denise gives her thoughts on leadership and personal growth through the lens of dog training. Early socialization, adaptability, and setting boundaries are crucial themes in building confidence and respect in dogs.

Finally, Denise tells us why she believes dogs are being over-socialized today, and why she’s totally against doggie daycare for puppies!

Key Topics:

• Reinforcing Nonnegotiable Behaviors (02:28)
• Choosing the Right Dog for the Job (10:00)
• Rehoming Your Dog (22:05)
• Denise’s Thoughts on Negative Online Discourse (22:34)
• Setting Boundaries and Becoming a Better Leader (32:11)
• Giving Your Dog Freedom (43:05)
• Box Feeding (47:33)
• What’s Next for Denise? (55:30)
• Takeaways (58:22)

Resources:

• Fenzi Dog Sports Academy

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing K9 Coach can be found here at CB K9 and here at Evolution Working Dog Club. Also, check out her Functional Obedience Class here.
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com to enjoy the freebies, and tell your friends so you can keep the conversations going.

Jingle by: www.mavericksings.com