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

What to listen for:

“If I cannot, in five repetitions, isolate a variable down and get it where I want it, I do need to stop. That doesn't mean the next time we'll be successful. What that tells me is, don't do the same thing again and again and again. And there's been a lot of variation. Isolate that variable. It looks good now. Put it back in a chain, it doesn't look good. What have I done wrong?”

In part one of this two-part discussion, Robin Greubel and Crystal Wing sit down with special guest Denise Fenzi, a trainer and educator who specializes in building cooperation, joy, and extreme precision in competition dog sports teams.

“Patterns lead to confidence. Unpredictable leads to listening.”

Famous for breaking down complex concepts into bite-sized lessons, Denise does a deep dive into a training philosophy that stresses adaptability and prioritizing the dog’s wellbeing. She discusses how to build your dog’s vocabulary via strategic repetition, as well as her approach to encouraging or disrupting behavioral patterns during training.

“The more ways you generalize the behavior, the better the dog gets at those behaviors.”

Denise shares why tools like choke chains and e-collars might be a thing of the past, and why tailored, humane options like aversives better enhance understanding and cooperation between you and your dog–which in turn fosters a bond built on trust and respect rather than pain and fear.

“A behavior chain is simply a bunch of behaviors strung together, so you have to get comfortable with degrees of messiness.”

Finally, Denise unravels the complexities of behavior chains and the balance between instinctual behaviors and structured learning. She walks us through the art of rewarding gradual progress and adapting training techniques to maintain a dog's confidence.

Key Topics:

• Denise’s Training Methodology (06:29)
• Applying Micro Behaviors To Full Training Scenarios (20:22)
• Generalizing Behaviors (25:36)
• Drive Versus Arousal (35:27)

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

Jingle by: www.mavericksings.com

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

What to listen for:

Today, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing reflect on key takeaways from their recent conversations with Diana Bunch, Jack Thorpe, and Annissia Justice – all expert handlers with a golden nugget or two (or 100s) around cadaver dog and disaster response training.

From avoiding the "ego hide" trap, to getting more out of nose time, to the importance of balancing motivation and frustration during training, our hosts explore the nuances of preparing dogs—and their handlers—for real-world challenges by preparing the training environment right from the get-go.

The Dames of Detection touch on the importance of scarcity and novelty in maintaining a dog's interest and drive. You’ll also get actionable tips on incorporating purposeful blanks into nose work and the importance of embracing unpredictability to better mimic real-life search and rescue scenarios.

They remind us to note your dog's unique personality and strengths, as well as the role of effective communication in bridging gaps between handlers and their canine partners.

Key Topics:

• Avoiding the “Ego Hide” Trap (02:45)
• Becoming Aware of Unintentional Distractions in Your Training Environment (12:29)
• Getting More Intentional with Nose Time by Using Blanks (20:29)
• Choosing a Search and Rescue Dog (24:31)
• Managing Time Constraints as a Nose Work Handler (36:45)
• Knowing How Much Your Dog Needs to Struggle in Training (43:42)
• Takeaways (48:44)

Resources:

• K9 Detection Collaborative Ep 83: Kickin' Back with Christi Raak
• K9 Detection Collaborative Ep 72 and 73: Talking Arousal vs Drive and Selection of a Dog with Jens Frank (pt 1 and pt 2)
• NEW: K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• See the info below for other happenings!

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

What to listen for:

Today, 2/3 of the Dames of Detection - Stacy Barnett and Crystal Wing - are sitting down with special guest Diana Bunch, an Air Force veteran-turned-search and rescue trainer.

Diana shares her inspiring journey from the military to the world of disaster response, running through her various experiences in various search scenarios, from wilderness expeditions to urban disaster zones.

Our guest dives deep into the art and science of training search dogs, whether you’re a longtime expert looking to shake up your training, or a newcomer looking for the right community of handlers. Diana tells us how to build a dog's confidence through strategic exposure to distractions and varied environments. She talks reinforcement systems and finding the delicate balance between knowns, blinds, and blanks in refining your dog’s skills.

Diana also offers her take on the impact of environmental factors, such as wind and humidity, on a search-and-rescue dog's performance, and explains how handlers can pinpoint the ideal training schedule for their particular dog, and her best tips and strategies for nurturing a dog's natural instincts.

Key Topics:

• Diana’s Disaster Response Experiences (06:20)
• Ensuring that You and Your Dog Are Fully Prepared for Wilderness and Disaster Work (12:23)
• Utilizing Knowns, Blinds, and Blanks (23:15)
• Breaking Training Plateaus (36:57)
• How to Get Involved in Search and Rescue Work (45:07)

Resources:

• Distraction Camp and Intentional Handling and Hide Setting
• If you want to get involve in K9SAR work, here's a class from K9Sensus that you can take
• Diana Bunch diana@legacyk9searchteam.org
• Legacy SAR team
• Diana's FB Post
• Episodes with Emily Lawrence: 35, 36, 37

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• 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

What to listen for:

In the second part of the two-part discussion, our hosts, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing, continue their interview with expert trainers Jack Thorpe and Annissia Justice. Drawing from their recent experience doing search and rescue in the aftermath of the floods brought on by Hurricane Doreen, our guests do a deep dive into their best tips and strategies around cadaver dog training.

“Blinds are the number one way to read your dog.”

Jack and Annissia discuss the keys to incorporating blanks and blinds into training routines. With the belief that “blinds are the number one way to read your dog,” they explain how these tools enhance handlers' abilities to distinguish between novel and target odors, which prepares them for real-world challenges by extension.

In order to keep your dog improving their skills and behaviors consistently, it’s also important to motivate them with a mix of rewards and games that keep things varied and stimulating.

Jack gives his thoughts on specialized HR dogs. From locating dementia patients or navigating crime scenes, he explains why the industry needs to up its game regarding certification standards.

Our guests also give their best advice for selecting and raising working dogs, encouraging us to nail the balance between the dog’s social nature and work ethic to suit our abilities as handlers.

All this and more in this special edition of K9 Detection Collaborative!

Key Topics:

• Incorporating Blanks and Blinds in Your Training (01:04)
• Maintaining Consistency and Motivation with Games and Rewards (10:42)
• Specialization with HR Dogs (19:09)
• How Specialized Certifications Can Be Improved (24:44)
• How to Spot Fundraising Scams (26:45)
• Puddles, the Water Leak Detection Dog (34:55)
• Choosing a Search and Rescue Dog (42:07)
• Letting Your Puppy Be a Puppy! (47:40)
• Key Takeaways (52:10)

Resources:

• Find Annissia at Cultured Canine Training
• Find Jack at the North Carolina Trooper's Association K-9 Search and Recovery Team
• Make sure to keep up with what Crystal, Stacy, and Robin are up to! (Links below!)

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• 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

Jingle by: www.mavericksings.com

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

What to listen for:

Today, two of the three Dames of Detection, Stacy Barnett and Crystal Wing, sit down with two amazing handlers, Jack Thorpe and Annissia Justice. Drawing from their recent experience doing search and rescue in the aftermath of the floods brought on by Hurricane Helene, our guests do a deep dive into their best tips and strategies around cadaver dog training.

Listen in as they uncover the secrets behind successful canine search teams, particularly those operating in disaster scenarios. You'll hear firsthand accounts of the type of prep and specialized training required for high-stakes missions, where reinforced behaviors and navigating distractions are key.

They’re also talking about best practices for keeping your dog motivated and fit, physically and mentally, with simple yet powerful activities.

Our guests discuss the importance of balancing obedience and play and, in the same vein, taking full advantage of the intersection between genetics and drive in operational success. Through the example of Jack’s very own Fiji, they also demonstrate the power of letting dogs problem-solve on their own.

Certification and deployment protocols? Jack and Annissia break them down as well to hammer home the rigorous standards and continuous learning involved in earning your keep in the detection world.

Finally, our guests list the qualities all top handlers share, as well as the secret to a thriving and consistently improving team! Tune in next week for part two of this value-packed conversation!

Key Topics:

• About Jack and Annissia (01:20)
• About the NC Trooper's Association K-9 Search and Recovery (04:44)
• Distraction Training for Disaster Teams (12:11)
• Letting Your Dogs Be Dogs Via Free Exploration(17:48)
• Building Endurance and Resilience (19:50)
• What Engagement Looks Like in the Field (24:54)
• Key Behaviors Every Dog Needs Before Deployment (30:15)
• The Top Qualities of Successful Handlers (34:27)
• Fostering Open-Mindedness in Your Team (41:00)
• External Certifications (43:04)

Resources:

• Find Annissia at Cultured Canine Training
• Find Jack at the North Carolina Trooper's Association K-9 Search and Recovery Team
• Make sure to keep up with what Crystal, Stacy and Robin are up to! (Links below!)

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• 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.