By Stacy Barnett, Robin Greubel, Crystal Wing
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The podcast currently has 125 episodes available.
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In today’s episode of K9 Detection Collaborative, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing discuss the keys to cleaning up your dog’s behavior chain to help them stay on track and avoid distractions in the field.
When it comes to reinforcing behavior, it’s just as important to get clear on when not to train particular habits. Their rule of thumb? Avoid reinforcing tactics during moments of frustration in your dog. It’s important to be systematic when training for search & rescue scenarios, setting clear boundaries and expectations for your dog, all while respecting their autonomy so that they can make snap decisions with confidence in high-stakes situations.
With Deb Jones's Focus Unified Field Theory as their guide, the Dames of Detection navigate the complexities of canine focus in four areas—external, self, trainer, and task focuses. Understanding these focus types is crucial for managing distractions and maintaining a dog's attention during challenging search tasks.
They dive into strategies that build a strong reinforcement system, allowing dogs to handle complex searches without becoming overwhelmed. They also explain why it’s crucial to actively train blank areas with the intention of striking a balance between engagement and overwhelm for both handler and dog.
Finally, Robin, Stacy, and Crystal define “self-employing” actions, and why it’s a good idea to steer clear from reinforcing such behaviors, as well as the keys to nurturing understanding when building on and optimizing your dog’s behavior chain.
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“Don’t rush the training. Don’t trial too early. Because you’re short-changing that important part where you’re thoughtfully adding the right stress to the picture.”
What’s the difference between “good” and “bad” stress in dog handling, and how do you incorporate the former into your training while minimizing the latter?
Drawing from a groundbreaking study in Nature, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing discuss how stress impacts our dog’s learning and behavior. You’ll get a treasure trove of tips for masterfully adding artificial stressors into your handler training, all while learning to keep burnout at bay and your skills razor-sharp.
Getting the balance right between good and bad stress is like walking a tightrope in the world of K9 detection. Our hosts explore how the right amount of stress can boost your dog’s memory and performance. Through real-life scenarios, they dissect common handling pitfalls and tips for fine-tuning your teaching, training, and testing methodology.
The Dames of Detection also break down the impact of emotional states–of both handler and dog–on training outcomes. They unpack little-known facts such as how your dog reacts differently to odors depending on which side it’s coming from, and how best to engage your dog’s olfactory system to supercharge their optimism and overall well-being!
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In this episode of K9 Detection Collaborative our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett and Crystal Wing explore the intricate world of displacement behaviors in dogs. They kick off by discussing recognizing these behaviors, which often arise from stress, frustration, or internal conflict in our canine companions. Our hosts share practical insights and anecdotes to help you identify and address these signals, ensuring a more harmonious training environment for both you and your dog.
The Dames of Detection also draw parallels between displacement behaviors in humans and dogs, revealing how stress and overwhelming situations can lead to unexpected coping mechanisms. By sharing personal experiences and relating them to similar behaviors in dogs, like scavenging, lip licking, pacing, and grass snatching, they highlight the importance of recognizing these signs as indicators of stress or pressure. Listen in as they discuss the impact of handler expectations and share valuable tips for managing stress in training scenarios, especially when working with high-energy dogs in demanding environments.
Our hosts also tackle the complexities of trigger stacking and the importance of understanding canine arousal levels. They emphasize the significance of balancing a dog's stress and arousal to foster effective teamwork. Through discussions on trigger stacking, displacement behaviors, and the need for flexible training strategies, they provide guidance on creating positive associations and respecting individual canine needs.
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"I found that the things I taught in higher arousal have held up better in higher arousal environments. The things done very slowly in lower arousal haven’t held up as well."
Ever wondered why some detection dogs excel under pressure while others not so much? Join in exploring the dynamic world of canine detection training, guided by the unique experiences of our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing. They share their journeys through the challenges of maintaining behavioral fluency in high-arousal situations, breaking down the complexities of foundational training and behavior chains. They emphasize the unpredictable nature of well-trained dogs when faced with new stimuli and the critical balance between fluency and arousal.
The next segment offers a deep dive into high-arousal training methods, where practical advice meets real-world scenarios. Discover the transformative power of teaching commands during high-energy moments and how these techniques can solidify behaviors in unexpected environments. They also discuss the importance of introducing dogs to varied conditions early on, ensuring their training is resilient and adaptable. This chapter challenges conventional wisdom, highlighting our evolving understanding of canine behavior.
The Dames of Detection also tackle the intricacies of tracking training, managing arousal, and setting boundaries. Learn about maintaining a steady training pace and fostering intrinsic motivation in dogs. From the balance required in reinforcement to the importance of clear boundaries, this discussion provides a comprehensive look at creating effective training routines.
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Our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing offer their best tips for creating a training plan and measuring your progress without the help of an in-person mentor.
Crystal sets the stage with a top ten list that includes strategies such as assessing your current skill level, setting long and short-term goals, varying your training environment, incorporating feedback loops, maintaining a balance of fun and stress, and networking with other handlers.
As they kick things off, our hosts shine a light on that critical first step: getting clear on your skill level as a handler, as well as that of your dog. From cataloging strengths and weaknesses, to understanding the detection chain, to assessing your dog’s current trained final response, you’ll get actionable tips on how to elevate your training sessions by varying complexity and environmental conditions.
The Dames of Detection remind us that professional coaching and community support can make or break your training journey. They talk about seeking (and vetting) experts and what to know about certifications in detection work. Drawing from real-life examples, they illustrate how to effectively set up training scenarios, and explain how to craft challenging scenarios to hone your dog’s problem-solving aptitude.
Keeping training engaging and effective is no small feat. In the latter half of the conversation, you’ll learn methods to keep high-energy dogs focused and ensure fluency in critical behaviors, especially during certifications!
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Odor detection handling mastery comes down to hitting that delicate balance between doing too much and too little for your dog–the ability to offer intimate guidance while nurturing confidence.
Our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing offer their best tips and strategies for using your presence as a handler to nudge your dog towards their goals without smothering their autonomy. They draw lessons from a variety of training scenarios and odors, whether essential oils or narcotics. They also touch on the difference between distraction and diversion, and the use of discriminative stimuli in a training environment.
Our hosts stress the need to identify your dog's unique personality, experience level, and skill mastery, and how to incorporate that context into your training strategy by providing challenges that encourage independent problem-solving.
The Dames of Detection unpack the concept of "dog time.” It’s a concept that our hosts have applied in Distraction Camp and Intentional Handling classes in which you’re encouraged to allow your dog to work at their own pace without excessive handler interference. They also talk handling errors typical of handlers at different levels of proficiency, and provide exercises to help remedy those errors.
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Today our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing walk us through essential strategies for fostering independence and courage in dogs (and trainers!). They share their insights on avoiding the pitfalls of being an overprotective "helicopter handler" and how to allow your canine companion the freedom to explore their world and build self-assurance.
The Dames of Detection explain stress inoculation and how providing dogs with coping mechanisms can build resilience. Discover the importance of consistent and clear training, and how the thoughtful introduction of stressors can prepare your dog for future training and work. From the strategic use of play to enhance problem-solving skills to real-life anecdotes like the unforgettable encounter with Prize and the pack of coyotes, they cover it all to ensure you're equipped with practical tips for building your dog's bravery.
Our hosts also explore the value of scent work in boosting canine confidence and share heartwarming stories of dogs overcoming their fears through gradual exposure and positive reinforcement. Learn how to read and support your dog's confidence with subtle cues and create safe yet challenging scenarios. No matter the discipline, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you and your dog thrive together.
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“Every distraction is a possible reinforcement.”
Could minor changes in your training strategy routine drastically improve your dog's performance? Join Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing as they uncover the secrets behind intentional handling, drawing from their recent experience at Distraction Camp.
From hide setting and odor pool navigation to handling blank areas, our hosts open a treasure trove of insights to elevate your training game that you won’t get anywhere else!
They kick things off by discussing how running experienced dogs first can provide critical insights into the dynamics of a hide. Learn how minor tweaks in start lines, like transitioning from a sit to a down position, can make a world of difference.
Play isn't just for fun; it's a transformational tool in your training arsenal. Stacy, Robin, and Crystal explore the benefits of integrating food games, arousal modulation techniques, as well as how to read your dog's comfort levels.
Don’t miss the very end of the episode to learn what you can expect at next year’s Distraction Camp!
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Audio editing & other podcast services by: www.thepodcastman.com Instagram: @the_podcast_man
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“Even if you don't give them a cookie, you don't play, the dog has been reinforced. [It’s] just the way their brain works.”
Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing discuss how to use known hides to your advantage during training as compared to blind hides.
They dive deep into the high stakes of detection work, such as why avoiding false alerts is crucial. Whether you're training for competitions or prepping your dog for operational tasks, understanding the impact of unintentional markers is essential to your success as a handler. It can spell the difference between gaining the knowledge to make small tweaks in your training, to being forced to scrap your training criteria completely to create a more effective one.
The Dames of Detection also explore how these unintentional markers can inadvertently reinforce behaviors, illustrating the importance of maintaining accuracy and reliability in your dog's detection capabilities.
You can increase your odds of success by mastering the transition from known to blind hides without rushing the process, especially if you're a novice handler. Crystal, Stacy, and Robin offer their best practices for doing just that.
Finally, they speak to newer handlers regarding how to communicate their training needs, as well as the value of observing experienced individuals and teams at work during training sessions.
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Jingle by: www.mavericksings.com
Audio editing & other podcast services by: www.thepodcastman.com
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“So I think dog training is almost 90% thinking and preparing, and 10% working with your dog.”
Two of our three hosts, Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnett sit down for part 2 with Adee Schoon, an expert in the detection field with over three decades of experience, to explore her diverse and groundbreaking projects.
What happens when man's best friend becomes a vital ally in solving sexual crimes? Together with Amsterdam University and a local fertility clinic, Adee and team faced numerous challenges, from acquiring diverse samples to ensuring ethical evidence handling. Discover how these canine detectives are transforming forensic investigations, enhancing accuracy, and speeding up case resolutions.
Adee and our hosts dissect the intriguing ways in which a dog's natural tendencies—whether they're quick to alert or more methodical—affect their performance. Comparing high-pressure training scenarios like mine detection to more relaxed, recreational approaches, they highlight the importance of tailoring training strategies to individual dogs. By understanding and adapting to each dog's unique behavior, trainers can maximize both effectiveness and safety for the canine and its handler.
Adee recounts stories of dogs identifying fungus-infected wood under extreme conditions and even tackling complex tasks like recognizing different types of vanilla scents. This episode also offers a glimpse into the broader implications of using dogs for natural substance detection and the crucial need for validated studies to ensure reliability. All this and much more in this episode of K9 Detection Collaborative!
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The podcast currently has 125 episodes available.
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